Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma Island Resort, set on Moreton Island just off Brisbane, is a quintessential Australian island escape where turquoise waters, white sand, and wild dolphin encounters create unforgettable memories. This former whaling station has been reborn as a family-friendly resort that balances adventure with relaxation, offering everything from sandboarding on massive dunes to feeding wild dolphins at dusk. It's an easy day trip or a longer stay for those wanting to disconnect and immerse themselves in coastal wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Dolphin Feeding: Every evening at the jetty, wild bottlenose dolphins swim in for a supervised hand-feed – a magical, up-close wildlife experience that's been a resort tradition for decades.
• Sandboarding on the Big Sandhills: The massive sand dunes of Moreton Island are perfect for sandboarding – a thrilling, gravity-fuelled ride down slopes that rival any snow dune.
• Tangalooma Wrecks: Fifteen sunken ships create an artificial reef just offshore, ideal for snorkelling among colourful fish and coral, or kayaking through the eerie, rusted hulls.
• Whale Watching (June–October): Humpback whales migrate past the island; join a cruise for spectacular breaching displays and tail slaps.
• Desert Safari and 4WD Tours: Explore the island's interior – freshwater lakes, sand tracks, and the remote Cape Moreton lighthouse – on a guided 4WD adventure.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors come for a day trip (8–10 hours) to fit in sandboarding, snorkelling the wrecks, and dolphin feeding. For a more relaxed experience, stay one or two nights – this allows time for a whale-watching cruise, a 4WD tour, and lazy beach time. The resort's all-inclusive packages make pacing easy, with meals and activities pre-arranged.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Moreton Island National Park: The island's protected areas – including Blue Lagoon and Mount Tempest – offer hiking and pristine natural beauty just a short 4WD trip from the resort.
• Brisbane River and City Centre: A 75-minute ferry ride connects to Brisbane, where you can explore South Bank, the Cultural Centre, and riverside dining.
• North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah): Another sand island with stunning beaches, walking trails, and a laid-back vibe – reachable via ferry from Brisbane.
• Gold Coast Hinterland: Lamington and Springbrook national parks – ancient rainforests with waterfalls and glow-worm caves – are a 2-hour drive south of the ferry terminal.

Please check official sources for current details.