Stretching from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay is full of attractions that make the most of its natural beauty, and Moreton Island is at the heart of the action, just a MICAT ferry ride away from the mainland.
There’s more to the bay than meets the eye, so whether you’re interested in day trips or a longer-term stay, you’ll want to have your transport organised.
Hiring a 4WD vehicle from Wongai 4WD Hire will have you ready to take on everything from sand dunes to volcanic rock and get the best out of this Queensland gem in whatever time you have available.
In case you’re wondering what to do on Moreton Island once you arrive, you’re in luck – we’ve compiled a fairly exhaustive list below, and many of the best Moreton Island activities are free. All you have to do is grab the family and jump on a ferry, and let nature take care of the rest.
Let’s dive into the detail on Moreton Island, from the North Point to the southern end and the many features and activities awaiting you in between.
Key takeaways
- Moreton Island is full of opportunities to get close to nature, with the whales and dolphins always drawing a crowd.
- If you like to get active, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and dive your way around the island.
- Moreton Island is also a place of historical and cultural significance, surrounded by sacred Indigenous land and the nearby Tangalooma Wrecks nearby.
1. Explore the Stunning Beaches
Moreton Island is home to many pristine beaches with plenty to offer even those who prefer the safety of the shore to the thrills of the sea.
From the beautiful white sand of Tangalooma Beach, to the unique textured ocean in the champagne pools, to the picture-perfect clear waters of Honeymoon Bay situated between Cape Moreton and North Point, there’s no shortage of spots to soak in the island paradise that is Moreton Island.
Of course, one of the best things about exploring the beaches with the family is the opportunity to take part in any number of fun beach activities, whether you prefer the high octane action of sand tobogganing or a relaxing snorkelling experience in the shallow waters.
Head to the right beach at the right time and you’ll also have the opportunity to partake in hand-feeding wild dolphins, one of several Moreton Island experiences that often ranks on bucket lists.
2. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks
One of Moreton Island’s most notable historic sites, the magnificent Tangalooma Wrecks are a must-see for any explorer.
A tourist attraction all of their own, the Tangalooma Wrecks have a long history dating back to 1963 when the boats were scuttled to provide anchorage for boat owners.
If you’re planning to snorkel, make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times, and always swim with others for safety.
Unless you’re a very experienced diver, it’s also advisable to explore the Tangalooma Wrecks in the company of a tour group.
Want to take your snorkelling adventures a step further? Try scuba diving to experience the true depths of this island paradise.
3. Take a Whale Watching Tour
There might be plenty of fish in the sea, as the saying goes, but sighting whales is a much more memorable experience.
Moreton Island’s whale watching season runs from June to November with many options for tours, including the optional extra of wild dolphin feeding.
On a good day, you can expect to see up to 30 humpback whales out in Moreton Bay within a few hours, along with plenty of other marine life – think sea turtles, dolphins, and of course, plenty of colourful fish,
To book a tour, head to the Tangalooma Resort website and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!
Then, if you still haven’t seen enough of the creatures on the bay, you can always get your fix from the wide open space that is Moreton Bay Marine Park. Stretching from Stradbroke Island up to Caloundra, the park is a haven for
4. Experience Sandboarding
The thrill of sandboarding is a unique sensation, and one that draws many adventure lovers to the natural beauty of the beach for hours of fun.
As home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, Moreton Island has many great spots for lovers of the sport. If you’re looking for the best place to go sandboarding on Moreton Island, you’ll find plenty of tour operators in the area willing to share their expertise.
Most importantly, before you take on the sand dunes, make sure you study up on the safety tips and recommendations; for example, you’ll want to wear a helmet as well as knee and elbow pads, since beginners are likely to take a few tumbles, and bring sunglasses with you to protect your eyes.
Remember, if the risks seem a bit much, especially for young family members, you can always opt for a sand tobogganing experience instead!
5. Discover the Cape Moreton Lighthouse
Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, the Cape Moreton Lighthouse is a feature of great historical significance. It was built in… and has since…
Those who climb to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded with remarkable views of the island and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, from marine life such as the humpback whales, wild dolphins and schools of colourful fish to the unique native bird population.
6. Visit The Blue Lagoon
If ocean swimming isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to find an idyllic freshwater swimming spot at the Blue Lagoon. This window lake is also a great bird watching hub, where visitors come to see a variety of colourful native species.
Easily accessible via the many walking tracks around Moreton Island, the shore of Blue Lagoon is all sand, making it an ideal spot to relax, swim, or play beach games with the kids.
7. Embark on a 4WD Adventure
Hiring a 4WD is one of the best ways to ensure that you get the full Moreton Island experience. Tough and sturdy, these vehicles can take on sand, rocks, and just about any other surface you’ll encounter on your visit.
Booking and hiring a 4WD from Wongai is simple – just visit the website, select your holiday destination, and hit “Book Now” for a free quote.
It can help to have an idea of the routes you plan to take before choosing the right vehicle for your trip. Whether you want to scope out the Five Hills lookout track, go up Mount Tempest, or even take a desert safari day cruise, a sturdy 4WD can help you out with any and all of that.
8. Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride
With so much beauty to take in, what better way to explore Moreton Island than from a bird’s eye view?
Helicopter tours offer a perfect opportunity to take in the bay and see it all, from the magnificent Glass House Mountains to the best snorkelling spots.
There are several providers offering helicopter rides, including Tangalooma Island Resort, and booking a ride is simple – just head to the website and check out the packages available. Individual flights generally start at around $99 for six minutes in the air – just long enough to take in Moreton Bay in all of its glory, from the wrecks to Mount Tempest and everything in between.
9. Enjoy Local Seafood at The Gutter Bar
Eating fresh seafood is a quintessential part of the island holiday experience, and The Gutter Bar is a must-visit during your time on Moreton Island.
This world-famous breakfast and lunch spot boasts a menu that heroes local seafood, starring fish, prawns, oysters and more.
Located on the southern tip of Moreton Island, the bar takes on a unique ambiance that keeps visitors coming, attracting crowds from Tangalooma Island Resort and beyond.
10. Explore Forts Walk and Spot Wildlife
Forts Walk is not only the most popular walking experience on Magnetic Island, but also one of the best ways to soak up some Queensland history, with plenty of World War II relics to be found along the journey.
Like many other archeological spots on the island, it’s also a site of great cultural significance for the Ngugi people, who have lived on Moreton Island for thousands of years and maintain a strong spiritual connection to the land.
While you may not spot much marine life on this journey, the site is known for its wild koalas, with tours on offer for those who want a more secluded hiking experience on the island. Just don’t forget your walking shoes and comfortable clothing!
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There’s so much adventure awaiting you and your loved ones on Moreton Island. All that’s left to do is to get out of the city and dive into the real world.
When you’re ready to experience the trip of a lifetime around Moreton Island and broader South-East Queensland, a 4WD and camping set up will get you going.
Book a Wongai 4WD and get ready to make the most of your Moreton Island adventure.
