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Guide to Moreton Island

Aboriginal name: Mulgumpin (pronounced Moor-gum-pin)

Welcome
Aboriginal
Getting to Moreton Island
When to visit

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.

Mulgumpin is the traditional name for Moreton Island, which means ‘place of sandhills’ to Quandamooka's Ngugi people, the Traditional Owners of the island. Quandamooka's Ngugi people have lived on the island for over 2,000 years, where they have formed a strong spiritual connection to the land and sea.

Traditional name: Mulgumpin (pronounced Moor-gum-pin)
Indigenous Peoples: Quandamooka's Ngugi people
Traditional languages: There are two languages of the Quandamooka's Ngugi people: Quandamooka and Gowar.
How to say g’day: Kooemba boodloonggun (pronounced Ko-em-bah bood-loongoon)

The best way to reach Moreton Island is by taking a vehicle or passenger ferry from Brisbane.

Tangalooma Island Resort hosts both guests and day trippers on the Tangalooma passenger ferry, which operates between Brisbane and the Tangalooma Jetty.
The Micat ferry carries both passengers and vehicles between Brisbane and Moreton Island.

If you choose to drive on Moreton Island, you’ll need to be prepared to drive on sand. If you're not comfortable driving on sand, consider booking a tour to enjoy the island’s many activities.

Moreton Island experiences a subtropical climate with warm days throughout the year. Autumn is one of the best times to visit, as blue skies are common and water temperatures are great for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip outside of Australian school holidays.

High season: Summer (December to February)
Low season: Winter (June to August)

Top things to do on Moreton Island

Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Bay, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism Australia

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.

Australian Sunset Safaris night kayak tour, Moreton Island, Queensland © Australian Sunset Safaris

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.

Moreton Island Desert, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism Australia

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.

Blue Lagoon, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Cape Moreton, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

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!

Honeymoon Bay, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

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.