No insect in this world is more loved by kids than butterflies, and Bribie Island Butterfly House at Bongaree is the perfect place to enjoy these colourful and delicate creatures.
Here you’ll step into a secret oasis where butterflies fill the air like colourful confetti. This is a captivating experience that is not to be missed!
Bribie Island Butterfly House Experience
Upon arrival at the Bribie Island Butterfly House, grab your tickets, have a quick chat to the friendly volunteers for some helpful tips and grab a butterfly card. The double-sided card contains information about the lifecycle of a butterfly and on the other side, the names and pictures of some of the butterflies you may spy on your visit.
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Get the kids to hold the card out while they are walking around, or stand still and hold it in the sun, as the butterflies are often attracted to it, and may land to say hello.
You will start your visit at the breeding lab where you can observe an engaging selection of hungry caterpillars devouring leaves. Don’t rush past this area, there are some very fascinating creatures here to witness. The stripy Monarch butterfly caterpillars were our favourite!
As you enter the butterfly enclosure, you will find yourself immersed in a world of pure enchantment, where the delicate fluttering of butterfly wings fills the garden.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of butterflies soaring freely in their outdoor sanctuary that provides a safe haven for them. The garden is immaculately maintained, and beautiful flowering plants fill the space.
Here visitors can witness the striking beauty of an incredible collection of butterflies up close! Some of these butterflies, like Australia’s largest butterfly, the Cairns Birdwing, cannot be seen in the wild in Brisbane, let alone at such close proximity.
Walking through the space at your leisure, you will also pass a small corner of the sanctuary named Stick Insect Island. Look closely and you’ll discover an incredible collection of fascinating stick insects in this dedicated space.
Come prepared to behold the magic of these wondrous creatures up close and be captivated by their appearance. This peaceful location is a wonderful place for grandparents who enjoy gardening or the outdoors to share their love of nature with their grandchildren.
Planning Your Visit
To immerse yourself in the wonder of this experience, allow at least one hour for your visit and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories.
Butterflies are most active on sunny days.
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Butterflies are attracted to colour, so wear your brightest shirt and have your camera ready, as you may find a bouquet of butterflies landing on you at any moment.
No food is sold at this venue, so pack a lunch to enjoy in the undercover seating area or take a short drive to Woorim Beach, which has several family-friendly dining options, a playground, and a family-friendly surf beach.
Opening Hours
Bribie Island Butterfly House is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 9am – 3pm only, (this includes school holidays).
In adverse weather conditions the venue may close at short notice, so check their socials before visiting.
Tickets Prices and Bookings
Entry tickets for Bribie Island Butterfly House are priced at $12 for adults, $10 for concessions, $7 for children aged 4 to 15 years, and $34 for a family (2A +2C) (prices accurate as of August 2025).
Bookings are required, so jump on the Bribie Island Butterfly House website prior to your visit.
Accessibility at Bribie Island Butterfly House
Bribie Island Butterfly House is an accessible attraction. All the walkways within the venue are flat and well-maintained.
Accessible toilets are available, and companion cards are accepted. Friendly volunteers are also available to assist where possible.
Bribie Island Butterfly House features
- Outdoor, enclosed butterfly house
- Accessible toilets
- Baby change table
- Undercover tables and chairs
- Vending machine
- Coin-operated automatic coffee machine
- Small nursery selling butterfly-attracting plants
Additional Butterfly Facts
- Butterflies are insects
- A butterflyโs life cycle is made up of four parts: egg (ova), caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa), and butterfly (adult)
- Butterflies attach their eggs to leaves with special ‘glue’
- They mostly fly during the day
- A butterfly’s wings are made up of tiny scales
Extension Activities
We also love the idea of using this experience as a stepping stone to creating your own stick insect or butterfly sanctuary. To help you out we have a guide to creating your own butterfly garden.
Your might also like to check out the organisation Bringing Back the Butterflies for further ideas.
Getting to Bribie Island Butterfly House
Bribie Island Butterfly House is located at 208 First Avenue, Bongaree, on Bribie Island.
Bribie Island is located 70km (approx. one hour drive) from Brisbane CBD. Take the Caboolture exit and follow the signs to Bribie Island. Once youโre on the island, turn right on Goodwin Drive which leads to First Avenue. Look out for the Butterfly House signs. Find out more on their website at https://www.bribieislandbutterflyhouse.org/.
While You Are in the Area
Make the most of your time on Bribie Island by visiting some other local attractions.
For a bit of history and culture pop into the Bribie Island Seaside Museum (it’s free) down by the Bongaree Jetty.
If the kids need to expel some energy you can’t go past Brennan Park, where they can swing, slide and climb, all with spectacular views of the water.
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Dolphins and dugongs are known to frequent the waters around Bribie Island, so always check the water for these gorgeous creatures. We have spotted dolphins on numerous occasions around the Bongaree Jetty and frolicking along Woorim Beach.
Ruth Eager - Wheatley
Beautiful
Butterfly’s ๐ฆ