Guide to Moreton Island
Aboriginal name: Mulgumpin (pronounced Moor-gum-pin)
Sand dunes, shipwrecks and sparkly beaches. Welcome to Brisbane’s secret garden.
Perched in Brisbane’s backyard, Moreton Island is a slice of paradise for adventurous travellers. Imagine yourself snorkelling amid rainbow-coloured fish, whizzing down a sand dune, bathing in a blue lagoon and hand-feeding wild dolphins. The centre of the island is made up of the Moreton National Park – which covers 95 per cent of the island – while its coastline reveals pristine beaches with both calm and surfable waves.
Top things to do on Moreton Island
Wade beside wild dolphins
Tangalooma Resort has many drawcards, but the stars of the show are their most popular guests – a friendly family of dolphins who have been visiting the shores since the 1990s. Guests of the resort can wade into the shallows with a qualified ranger.
Snorkel at Tangalooma wrecks
The man-made Tangalooma Wrecks, located a short swim from the beach, is home to 15 vessels and a myriad of marine life, including dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs. Jump aboard a snorkelling boat for an easy passage and an incredible experience.
Join a night kayak tour
The Tangalooma Wrecks are beguiling at the best of times, but when you glide over them at night in a lit up kayak, it just doesn’t get any better. Get ready to watch a rainbow of marine life below your boat while the stars dance above you.
Visit the Tangalooma Desert
Who said tobogganing was just for snow? If you’re seeking thrills, Tangalooma Desert is a must-visit. Imagine sand tobogganing up to 40km (25mi) an hour, whizzing around on a quad bike and seeing Moreton from a whole new perspective.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a haven for birdlife, shellfish, and travellers. This natural freshwater lagoon has calm, shallow water perfect for swimming. The bonus? It’s infused with tea tree, a popular essential oil known for its healing properties.
Stay at Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort is the idyll accommodation for your visit to Moreton Island. The resort is beautifully positioned on the beach and offers scenic flights, sand tobogganing and other activities.
Visit Queensland's first lighthouse
What’s a visit to Moreton Island without checking out Queensland’s oldest lighthouse? Perched on the northern point of the island, Cape Moreton Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Coral Sea. Be sure to look out for whales while you’re there!
Walk to Honeymoon Bay
Take the short and easy track to one of the island's most beautiful bays. Along the 700m (less than half a mile) walk to Honeymoon Bay you'll see historical artefacts from WWII and incredible views of North Point and Cape Moreton Lighthouse.