Europeans settled the Island in 1825, establishing a Pilot Station at Amity Point to guide the ships for the Brisbane Penal colony through the South Passage Bar. However 2 years later they established a convict store and depot at Dunwich
But in more recent times, Amity Point was picked to host the first Stradbroke Handicap. It is a well known horse race and it still carries that name today. Since the first race, the track has been reclaimed by the tide, as erosion here can be a big problem.
The Pelicans visit the swimming area you can see in the picture, as with the many Sea Gulls. The boat ramp here at amity offers the keen fisherman the option to Cross the South Passage Bar. Once the South Passage Bar has been crossed, you are able to fish some of the richest fishing areas South of the Great Barrier Reef.
Also around the Bay area fishing is very good especially when the Spotty Mackerel and Tailor are running hot.
Moreton Island can be accessed from this boat ramp. The resort of Tangalooma can be visited by boat from here.
Wreck of the Rufus King
In 1942, mistaking Point Lookout Lighthouse for that of Cape Moreton's the Rufus King, an American Liberty ship, grounded on the South Passage Bar where waves soon broke her in two. The rusting stern of the ship is often visible in calm weather on low tide. But just around the corner, Moreton Bay side, was the Cabarita. It now a privately owned dwelling was once a popular kiosk during the mid 30's and 60's when Hayles Cruises ran a launch service between Brisbane and Amity point. A portion of the building was made with the timbers from Thomas Welsby's cottage who was a noted historian of Moreton Bay at the turn of the century. His cottage, threatened with erosion, was shifted several times and finally became part of Cabarita.
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