A day on Moreton Island: The Best Things to Do
Welcome to Moreton Island, one of the best places to explore South East Queensland, a beautiful and diverse natural paradise off Queensland, Australia’s coast. As you explore this stunning island, you’ll be treated to an incredible array of wildlife, from the majestic whales that pass through the waters surrounding the island to the playful dolphins that frolic in the surf. Located just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island is a paradise for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Moreton Island is home to various landscapes, including sandy beaches, wetlands, and eucalyptus forests. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there’s no shortage of things to do on this stunning island. This guide will explore the best things to do during a day trip to Moreton Island, including its breathtaking natural landscapes and thrilling adventure sports.
Discover the Natural Beauty of Moreton Island
Gheebulum Kunungai, the Moreton Island National Park, covers over 80% of the island. The national park has various landscapes, including dunes, mangroves, and lagoons. It is also home to a range of flora and fauna, including over 100 species of birds and a range of marsupials, reptiles, and invertebrates. As you wander through the dense forests and sandy beaches, you’ll encounter a wide variety of native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and numerous species of birds. The island is home to several threatened or endangered species, such as the critically endangered coastal emu and black-breasted buttonquail.
But Moreton Island is not just home to land-dwelling creatures. The waters surrounding the island are teeming with life and are a popular spot for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Here, you’ll find a dazzling array of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and the occasional shark or ray. You may even visit just for the Moreton Island dolphin feeding experiences, an experience itself!
No matter where you go on Moreton Island, you’ll have a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. Please click here for the best places to spot wildlife in Moreton Bay Region.
Moreton Island beaches
One of the most striking features of Moreton Island is its stunning beaches. The island is home to several sandy stretches perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean are a stunning shade of blue, and the sand is so delicate and soft that it feels like walking on powder. The beaches on Moreton Island are also home to a range of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and dugongs, which can often be seen swimming in the shallows.
Here is a list of some of our favourite beaches on Moreton Island:
- Honeymoon Bay: This beautiful beach is known for its clear blue waters and white sandy shores. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
- Tangalooma Beach: Located on the eastern side of the island, Tangalooma Beach is a great spot for surfers and beachgoers alike. The waves can get quite big here, making it a great spot for catching some waves.
- Blue Lagoon: This secluded beach is located on the north side of the island and is known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy shores. It’s a great spot for snorkelling and swimming.
- Kooringal Beach: This beach is located on the island’s western side and is known for its beautiful white sandy shores and calm waters. It’s an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- The Wrecks Beach: This beach is located on the island’s eastern side and is known for its shipwrecks that can be seen just offshore. It’s a great spot for snorkelling and exploring the wrecks.
- The Desert: This beach is located on the island’s southern side and is known for its beautiful sand dunes and secluded location. It’s a great spot for a peaceful day at the beach.
- The Spit: This beach is on the island’s north side and is known for its long stretch of white sandy shores and crystal clear waters. It’s an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Moreton Island Sand Dunes
Of the many unique natural attractions on Moreton Island, a popular feature is its sand dunes. The island is home to several large sand dunes and a range of flora and fauna, including rare plants and animals found nowhere else on the island. The dunes in the island’s Tangalooma area are a popular spot for adventure seekers and are perfect for sandboarding and quad biking. The Tangalooma Wrecks is also a popular swimming destination for those wanting to get their hair wet.
Tangalooma Wrecks
The Tangalooma Wrecks are a series of 15 ships purposely sunk off the island’s coast in 1963 to create an artificial reef. Today, the wrecks are home to various marine life, including fish, coral, and invertebrates. The wrecks are a popular spot for snorkelling and diving and are a great place to see the island’s marine life up close.
Moreton Island Blue Lagoon
A popular natural wonder of Moreton Island is the Blue Lagoon, a crystal-clear freshwater lake perfect for swimming and picnicking. The lagoon is also surrounded by towering sand dunes, making it a great spot for sandboarding and other outdoor activities for those visiting the eastern parts of this beautiful island.
Moreton Island’s famous lighthouses
Another feature of Moreton Island that attracts visitors is its lighthouses. The island has two lighthouses, the Cape Moreton Lighthouse and the Cowan Cowan Lighthouse. The Cape Moreton Lighthouse is the oldest on the island and was built in 1857. It is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. The Cowan Cowan Lighthouse is a more miniature lighthouse and was built in 1922. It is located in the Cowan Cowan Point section of the island and is a popular spot for picnics and sunset viewing.
Moreton Island is a natural paradise that is home to a range of stunning landscapes and attractions. From its crystal clear beaches and national parks, to its lighthouses and sand dunes, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to relax and unwind, Moreton Island has something to offer.
Experience the Thrills of Adventure Sports
If you’re looking for thrills and excitement, Moreton Island has plenty of adventure sports to choose from. One of the most popular activities is sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but on sand dunes. The island has a number of dunes that are perfect for sandboarding, ranging from beginner slopes to more challenging terrain for experienced riders. Other adventure sports on the island include kayaking, parasailing, 4×4 Driving and jet skiing.
No trip to Moreton Island is complete without experiencing some of its local cuisines. The island is home to a number of top-rated restaurants, offering everything from fresh seafood to locally grown produce. For a taste of the island’s history, be sure to try some of the traditional indigenous dishes, such as kangaroo or crocodile.
For those seeking a bit of relaxation, Moreton Island also offers a variety of spa treatments and wellness activities. The island is home to a number of luxury resorts and spas, offering everything from massages and facials to yoga and meditation classes. If you’re looking to unwind after a day of adventure, there’s no better place to do it than on Moreton Island.
Staying more than one day? Here are some great places to stay on Moreton Island
Bulwer Beach Tourist Village
This is a great spot for families, as it has a range of accommodation options, including cabins, tents, and powered sites. The beach is only a short walk away, and there are also barbeques and a playground for kids. The village has a shop, laundry facilities, and a café, so you can get all the supplies you need for your stay.
Tangalooma Island Resort
This is a luxury option for those looking for more comfort while camping on the island. The resort has a range of accommodation options, including tents, cabins, and villas, and there are plenty of facilities, including a pool, tennis courts, and a range of dining options. The resort also offers a range of activities, such as snorkelling, dolphin feeding, and sandboarding.
Stargazing on Moreton Island? Camp under the stars at these quiet camping spots!
The island is home to a number of camping sites, each offering a unique experience and a range of amenities. Please click here for the best camping spots on Moreton island.
Here are some of our top camping sites on Moreton Island:
Comboyuro Point Campground
This is a more rustic option for those seeking a true camping experience. The campground is located in a secluded part of the island, surrounded by bushland and with direct access to the beach. There are no powered sites, so you’ll need to bring your own power source, and there are also no showers or toilets, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. However, the peaceful setting and beautiful beach make it worth the extra effort.
Honeymoon Bay Camping Area
This camping area is located on the island’s western side, and it’s a great spot for those looking for a bit of privacy. The campsites are well spaced out, and there are no powered sites, so you’ll need to bring your own power source. The beach is only a short walk away, and barbeques and toilets are available.
The Wrecks Campground
This campground is located in the centre of the island, and it’s a great spot for those looking to explore the island’s history. The campground is located near the shipwrecks that give the area its name, and a range of activities are available, including snorkelling, fishing, and bushwalking. The campground has a range of accommodation options, including tents, cabins, and powered sites, and there are also barbeques, toilets, and a shop available for use.
There’s no shortage of things to do in 24 hours on Moreton Island. From exploring its stunning natural landscapes to experiencing the thrills of adventure sports, this island has something for everyone.
What to bring on a day trip to Moreton Island?
For a day trip to Moreton Island, it is important to pack some basic essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. It is also a good idea to bring a towel, swimsuit, and a change of clothes in case you want to swim or do any water activities. Snacks and water are also essential to bring with you, as there may not be convenient places to purchase them on the island. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture all the beautiful scenery and memories of your day trip.
Thanks for reading our guide on how to explore south east Queensland
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, Moreton Island has it all. So why wait? Start planning your trip to this paradise today!