Things to do Moreton Island & Tangalooma

The Top Things to do in Moreton Island & Tangalooma

Looking for all the best things to do on Moreton Island / Tangalooma? It’s not every Australian capital city that can boast having an escapist island paradise just offshore, but Moreton Island – which lies 25 kilometres from Brisbane – is exactly that. Providing a cavalcade of nature-based activities and “fun in the sun” in return for relatively little investment, Moreton Island and its prominent Tangalooma Island Resort complex offer a bevy of things to do suitable for the whole family. Whether on the sand or in the water, if you’re looking for outdoor entertainment near QLD's capital, this is the place to start.

This large, lagoon-dotted and marine life-rich island is a hub for activities which can be reached via a cruise from Brisbane that can be completed in just over an hour and provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way. Located within the expansive Moreton Bay Marine Park, this is a seascape that’s home to a number of aquatic species such as dolphins, sea turtles and even dugongs that are at home in its sea grass and reef environments. As a result, when making the cruise over from Brisbane it’s not uncommon to spy the sight of pods of dolphins frolicking on – and leaping out of – the water, or the dark and ascending shadow of a sea turtle coming up for air. Choose from our range of Moreton Island tours and activities below to enjoy your own island getaway online today.

Top 10 Things to do in Moreton Island

Moreton Island is a popular destination for locals looking to escape the city and tourists looking to explore. Located a short distance off the coast of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, it is easily accessible for day trips or overnight stays.

Reached by ferry, barge or boat services run daily for guests travelling with or without vehicles. So pack a bag and head over to this island gem for a day of exploring, adventure and stunning scenery.

In this article, we break down the top 5 must-do experiences and sights to visit while on Moreton Island to help you get the most out of your visit to this adventurous island.

#1
Helicopter Flights
#2
Sand Tobagganing
#3
Snorkel the Tangalooma Shipwrecks
#4
Champagne Pools
#5
Five Hills Lookout

1. Helicopter Flights

Location: Moreton Island,QLD

Explore the stunning coastline or Moreton Island from above with a scenic helicopter flight over the area.

Departing from Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, the flight will take you east towards Stradbroke Island to descend to just 500 feet above the Moreton Island beach.

The comfortable and luxurious flight will take you over some of Moreton Island’s best sights including the well-known Tangalooma wrecks.

Admire the sparkling waters and endless golden sand dunes on a scenic helicopter flight. Pick your timing right and you may even see Humpback Whales on their annual migration between June to November.

Depending on when you fly you might see a variety of wildlife playing about in the blue waters.

If you’re lucky and focused you might see some whales, dolphins, rays or even sharks as the helicopter continues further north towards Cape Moreton.

2. Sand Tobagganing

Location: The Desert, Moreton Island, QLD

Imagine gliding down some of the largest sand dunes atop a waxed board with the wind in your hair and adrenalin running through your veins, all of this is possible at Moreton Island.

Moreton Island is home to some of Queensland’s largest sand dunes, so what better way to celebrate that fact than by sliding down them?

Join a desert safari tour from the Tangalooma Resort or drive to the sand hills yourself if you are lucky enough to have a 4WD.

The Moreton Island sand dunes are a popular destination for visitors to the region.Even if you don't want to go toboganning yourself, the 4WD adventure to the desert and watching everyone else slide down the dunes and get covered in sand will give you a giggle and is good, clean fun for everyone.

Pack up your boogie boards and waxed Masonite wood boards (if you have one) and make your way over to Moreton.

3. Snorkel the Tangalooma Shipwrecks

Location: Tangalooma Resort, Moreton Island

Explore the Tangalooma shipwrecks; a beautiful snorkel site not far from the Moreton Island shore.

Many years ago off the coast of Moreton Island, fifteen ships were deliberately sunk to create a breakwater for local fishermen and their smaller boats.

Fast forward to today and these ships are now one of the most popular snorkelling and diving sites in South-East Queensland.

These large vessels are now home to an array of marine life including Wobbegong sharks, giant trevally, kingfish and more.

The beautiful clear waters provide snorkelers with amazing visibility, however, it is weather dependent.

The artificial reef is a huge draw for visitors to the island with a number of fish, turtles and dolphins found in the waters surrounding the island.

Now covered in rust and corals the wrecks are a must-see for marine loves and curious swimmers.

You can snorkel the area yourself or sign up for a tour departing Brisbane with all snorkelling equipment included and some even providing lunch cruises.

Check with the resort staff when the best time is to snorkel the wrecks or you just might find yourself struggling against the tide and tiring yourself out fairly quickly.

The wrecks are recommended for confident swimmers only; if that is not you then it is strongly recommended that you join a cruise or perhaps kayak the shipwrecks instead.

4. Champagne Pools

Location: Moreton Island, QLD

Located on the Northeastern point of Moreton Island, North Point is home to the Champagne Pools.

Made up of a band of volcanic rock and sandstone the pools have created a break wall to slow down the busy surf.

The Champagne Pools are beautiful to look at and explore as you relax in the area and watch the waves cascade over the Champagne Pools.

The Champagne Pools give the effect of a natural spa bath. Relax and watch as the water foams and bubbles around you as the waves crash against the rocks.

These rock pools are the perfect place to just sit and relax as you enjoy the refreshing water flow in from the Pacific Ocean.

With a sandy bottom, wading in the pools is one of the best ways to cool off. Watch as the water foams and bubbles around you lapping at the rocks and flowing to fill the pools.

5. Five Hills Lookout

Location:Moreton Island,QLD

A short but rewarding walk, Five Hills Lookout is a mere 1-kilometre return trail.Perfect for those who don’t want to embark on a full-scale trek but still want breathtaking views of the area

Make your way up the trail to the lookout point, once you’ve reached the top you will be amazed by the beautiful views it presents.

Walkers should allow around 30 minutes to complete the walk, however, once you’ve reached the top you’ll most likely want to spend hours just looking out over the beautiful island and surrounding blue waters.

The walk takes around 30 minutes to complete but once you reach the top you'll likely want to linger spending hours looking out over the beautiful island and surrounding waters.

The perfect lookout point for picturesque views of the area, hikers will have 360-degree views of Moreton Island and the surrounding Pacific Ocean.

If walking isn’t your forte you can follow the road up to Cape Moreton, however, it is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Top Things to do in Moreton Island & Tangalooma

Moreton Island Full Day Tours from Brisbane

Moreton Island Dolphin Tours with Snorkelling

Tangalooma and Moreton Island Dolphin Feeding Adventure ex Brisbane

Tangalooma Island Day Cruise

Moreton Island Full Day Tours from Gold Coast

Tangalooma Day Cruise with Dolphin Viewing Experience

Moreton Island 2 Day Tour from Brisbane

Gold Coast to Tangalooma Island Resort Tour with Lunch and Optional Dolphin Feeding

Tangalooma Day Cruise with Dolphin Feeding Experience

Tangalooma Island Day Trip including Activities and Transfers from Brisbane

Tangalooma Island Resort Day Tour from Brisbane

Moreton Island 2 Day Tour from Gold Coast

Self Drive Tangalooma Day Trip including Activities

Moreton Island Scuba Diving with optional Brisbane Transfers

Moreton Island Scenic Helicopter Flight

Cape Moreton Lighthouse

Tangalooma Wrecks

Sand Tobogganing

Tangalooma Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises

Bribie Beach Jet Ski Hire and Ride

Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruises

Top 10 Things to do in Moreton Island

1. Helicopter Flights

2. Sand Tobagganing

3. Snorkel the Tangalooma Shipwrecks

4. Champagne Pools

5. Five Hills Lookout

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Moreton Island Full Day Tours from Brisbane

Moreton Island Dolphin Tours with Snorkelling

Tangalooma and Moreton Island Dolphin Feeding Adventure ex Brisbane

Tangalooma Island Day Cruise

Moreton Island Full Day Tours from Gold Coast

Tangalooma Day Cruise with Dolphin Viewing Experience

Moreton Island 2 Day Tour from Brisbane

Gold Coast to Tangalooma Island Resort Tour with Lunch and Optional Dolphin Feeding

Tangalooma Day Cruise with Dolphin Feeding Experience

Tangalooma Island Day Trip including Activities and Transfers from Brisbane

Tangalooma Island Resort Day Tour from Brisbane

Moreton Island 2 Day Tour from Gold Coast

Self Drive Tangalooma Day Trip including Activities

Moreton Island Scuba Diving with optional Brisbane Transfers

Moreton Island Scenic Helicopter Flight

Cape Moreton Lighthouse

Tangalooma Wrecks

Sand Tobogganing

Tangalooma Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises

Bribie Beach Jet Ski Hire and Ride

Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruises

Top 10 Things to do in Moreton Island

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