Moreton Island

Moreton Island, a vast sand island off the coast of Brisbane, is a wild playground of pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and the world's highest coastal dunes. It's a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering everything from snorkeling shipwrecks to 4WDing on sandy tracks. With no sealed roads, the island feels remote and untamed, yet it's just a 75-minute ferry ride from the city.

Highlights & What to See

• Tangalooma Wrecks: Snorkel or dive among 15 deliberately sunk ships, now a thriving artificial reef teeming with fish, rays, and sometimes turtles.
• Mount Tempest: Climb the world's highest coastal sand dune (280m) for panoramic views of the island and Moreton Bay.
• The Desert: Sandboard down towering dunes in this surreal inland sandscape – a must-do for thrill-seekers.
• Blue Lagoon: A stunning perched lake with gin-clear water, perfect for a refreshing swim after a hike.
• Honeymoon Bay: A sheltered cove on the eastern side with calm waters, ideal for kayaking and picnicking.
• North Point & Cape Moreton Lighthouse: Drive to the northern tip for dramatic cliffs, the historic 1857 lighthouse, and excellent whale watching (June–November).

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Moreton Island, plan for at least two days and one night. A day trip is possible but feels rushed – you'll want time to explore the wrecks, hike a dune, and relax on the beach. If you're into 4WDing or fishing, three days allows you to venture further afield. Overnight accommodation ranges from camping (book ahead) to the Tangalooma Island Resort, which offers dolphin feeding and more comforts. Pace yourself: the island's sandy tracks mean travel is slower than you think.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Brisbane: The gateway city, with its riverside dining, cultural precinct, and South Bank parklands, makes a natural start or end to your island trip.
• Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah): Another sand island with spectacular beaches, the stunning Cylinder Beach, and the Gorge Walk for sea life spotting.
• Sunshine Coast: Head north for the laid-back vibes of Noosa, the glasshouse mountains, and the lush hinterland national parks.
• Gold Coast: South of Brisbane, this glittering strip offers theme parks, surf beaches, and the lush rainforest of Springbrook National Park.
• Scenic Rim: A region of volcanic peaks, national parks, and farm gates, perfect for hiking and wine tasting – about 1.5 hours from Brisbane.

Please check official sources for current details.