Moreton Island Travel Guide
Moreton Island (or Mulgumpin to those in the know) juts out into Moreton Bay about 40 km from Brisbane. At 37 km long and 10 km wide, it’s a pretty impressive sight: the world’s third-largest sand island is a riot of high dunes, golden beaches, freshwater lagoons, coastal heath scrub and eucalypt forest. Lucky for us, a bunch of it’s been set aside as the Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park, keeping all this lovely stuff safe from over-development.
- Full day
- 8 hours (approx.)
- $ 210.00 AUD
- $ 199,00 AUD
- Half a Day
- 3 hours
- $ 320,00 AUD
- $ 299,00 AUD
- Full Day
- 9 hours
- $ 199,00 AUD
- $ 189,00 AUD
- Half day
- 8 Hours (Approx)
- $ 129,00 AUD
- $ 119,00 AUD
- Full Day
- 8 hours
- $ 199,00 AUD
- $ 179,00 AUD
- 2 hours
- 120 min.
- $ 99.00 AUD
- $ 79.00 AUD
Tangalooma Shipwrecks
The Tangalooma Wrecks — and you can tell they’re wrecks because they’re deliberately sunk vessels — are 15 vessels sunk between 1963 and 1984 to create a safe spot for boats to anchor. Fast forward to today, and coral has started growing on the hulls, which have become a home for more than 100 different species of fish, and no doubt a few other creatures too. People often spot dolphins, rays, wobbegongs and even the occasional dugong in the area.
You’ll find the wrecks just offshore of Tangalooma Island Resort, in close enough proximity to the shore that snorkelling at the shipwrecks is pretty much the obvious trip to make — especially if you’re keen on diving. But don’t get the idea that just because you can see the wrecks, it’s a no-brainer: currents, tides, boat traffic and visibility all need to be taken into account. Do a quick water check before wading in, and please, for your own safety, just stick to watching rather than climbing on the wrecks.
FAQ
Can I drive a regular car to Moreton Island?
No way. To tackle that soft sand and island tracks, you’re going to need a proper 4WD, one that can handle the rough stuff, along with a valid permit to get there in the first place.
What's the best way to get from Brisbane to Moreton Island?
The passenger ferries run from Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba all the way out to Tangalooma. If you’ve got a 4WD you want to bring, you’ll need to book a spot on the 4WD vehicle barge.
Can I go snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks?
You can indeed. There are 15 wrecks there, supporting some amazing coral and well over 100 species of fish. But do be careful with the changing water conditions and boat traffic — it’s a wild place out there.
Can anyone feed the dolphins at Tangalooma?
Sorry, no. Feeding the wild dolphins at Tangalooma is restricted to eligible resort guests participating in the organised program — so you can’t simply arrive independently and join in.
Is a day trip to Moreton Island worth the time?
Definitely, but only if you keep things pretty simple — head out to the wrecks, check out the dunes and enjoy the island’s coastal scenery. If you want to get off the beaten track and see more — including remote beaches and Cape Moreton — you will need a bit more time.
Popular Places to Visit
Experience The Best Of Brisbane
The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.
South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.
Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.
