Tangalooma Wrecks

Fifteen rusting shipwrecks deliberately sunk in the 1960s to create a breakwater now form one of Queensland’s most surreal snorkelling and diving sites. Tangalooma Wrecks, just off Moreton Island, are encrusted with vibrant coral and teeming with fish, easily accessible from the beach at Tangalooma Island Resort. The wrecks rise from the sandy seabed in clear, shallow water, making them perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The sight of these ghostly hulls draped in marine life, with rays and turtles gliding through the ribs, is unforgettable.

Highlights & What to See

• Snorkelling the Wrecks: Wade in from the beach and swim among the wrecks; the shallowest parts are just a few metres deep, with excellent visibility. Look for schools of bream, sweetlip, and the occasional wobbegong shark resting on the sand.
• Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Paddle over the wrecks at high tide for a different perspective; kayaks and SUPs can be hired from the resort.
• Sunset Cruise: Take a guided boat tour around the wrecks as the sun sets, often with dolphins and sea birds.
• Tangalooma Island Resort: Beyond the wrecks, the resort offers dolphin feeding at dawn, sand tobogganing on the massive sand dunes, and 4WD tours of Moreton Island’s freshwater lakes.
• Camping & Beachcombing: The beach near the wrecks is perfect for a picnic; camp at the designated sites for an overnight stay under the stars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the wrecks and resort activities. If you’re staying on Moreton Island, allocate at least two days to also see the island’s other attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Cape Moreton Lighthouse. Snorkelling the wrecks can be done in a couple of hours, but you’ll want extra time for kayaking, relaxing on the beach, and the sunset cruise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens: About 3.5 hours south, this coastal region offers dolphin watching, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and the Tomaree National Park coastal walk.
• Nelson Bay: The main town of Port Stephens, with great seafood restaurants, a marina, and boat tours to see bottlenose dolphins.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A vast network of lakes and waterways perfect for kayaking and birdwatching, just north of Port Stephens.
• Brisbane: A 1.5-hour ferry ride from Tangalooma to Brisbane makes it easy to combine with a city stay; explore South Bank, the Queensland Art Gallery, and the vibrant food scene.
• Moreton Island National Park: The rest of the island offers bushwalking, freshwater lakes, and the Cape Moreton Lighthouse – accessible by 4WD from Tangalooma.

Please check official sources for current details.