Moreton Island

Moreton Island is a large sand island, 36 km long, covering 17,500 ha, only 35 km off Brisbane forming the eastern boundary of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Understand
Moreton Island is 98% national park protecting its unique vegetation, wildlife, freshwater lakes and streams and its magnificent coastal sand dunes.

There are 3 townships located on the western side of the island, each providing a different experience and facilities.

Bulwer is a holiday village geared to deal with the travellers who arrive on the island and require food, bait and supplies. There is a small convenience and liquor store (licensed), taxi service, public phone and bait and tackle shop at the northern end of the township.

Cowan Cowan is a quiet residential township with several places to stay, mainly holiday houses and fishing cabins. The township has no through traffic in town and a vehicle free beach making it a popular spot for families with small children. It was originally established as a military camp in 1938 and housed approx 1000 soldiers during the military occupation of Moreton Island. Remains of military buildings such as gun emplacements and forts can still be seen on the beach in front of Cowan Cowan and are a reminder of Australia's involvement in WWII.

Kooringal is famous for The Gutter Bar and Toulkerrie oyster farm. The village consists of a number of private holiday homes and a few fishing clubhouses scattered along the beachfront and separated by sand tracks and Island vegetation. This township has its own airstrip and is serviced by a vehicular barge that runs from Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island.

Tangalooma is famous for the Tangalooma Island Resort (formerly known as Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort) but now there are private homes located atop the hill behind the resort. The resort was the site of Queensland's only whaling station, with humpback whales being harvested on their annual migration north between 1952 and 1962, The flensing plan of the station still exists as part of the resort.

Visitor Information

 * Visit Moreton Island

Ferry
Most people access the island via ferry. Ferries for vehicles and passengers run daily.



Private boat access
It is possible to travel in your own vessel, although there are no public moorings available at Moreton Island. Tangalooma Wrecks can be a safe anchorage.

Get around
One of the most enjoyable ways to visit Moreton Island is by four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. 4WD vehicles are essential for driving on the island. All vehicles must be registered and have a valid Moreton Island Recreation Area vehicle access permit.

See
See dolphins, turtles, dugongs, plenty of fish life



Do

 * Humpback whale watching off Cape Moreton move through moreton bay on their annual migration from June to November.
 * 4WD down the Surfside, a long 40 km stretch of white sandy beach, pass through the thick bush of the Moreton Island National Park. Go fishing, swimming in fresh or saltwater.
 * Beach sports
 * Bushwalking campfires and star gazing.
 * Sand boarding down some of the world's highest coastal sandhills.
 * Feed the wild Dolphins.
 * Walk up Mount Tempest the highest sand dune in the world.
 * Walk up Mount Tempest the highest sand dune in the world.

Sleep
There is a range of holiday accommodation on Moreton Island at all the towns.

Moreton Island provides a variety of coastal camping experiences, some accessible by 4WD, others accessible by boat or close to barge landing points. You will need a vehicle access permit to drive on Moreton Island. Preferably bring a fuel stove. Bring your own firewood,





Go next
Your only feasible option is to head on the ferry back to Brisbane City.