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Queensland does island weekend getaways higher than most.
Whether or not you need to stretch out in your solar lounge and have cocktails by the pool, or have sand blown in your face as you fly down a dune on a toboggan – you are able to do all this and extra on Queensland’s most adventurous island, Moreton Island.
When individuals consider adventurous islands in Australia, their minds instantly draw an image of Fraser Island (Ok’gari).
And whilst you merely should take a look at Fraser Island, if you would like someplace slightly quieter however no much less adventurous, then Moreton Island is a superb various and one we knew nothing of till our go to.
Moreton Island is slightly off-the-beaten-path, however it’s turning into well-known for its gorgeous pure white sand seashores, four-wheel driving adventures, and naturally, the Tangalooma Wrecks.
However should you’re unsure methods to go to Moreton Island and what there’s to do, then be sure you carry on studying as we clarify every little thing it’s essential know!
The place is Moreton Island?
Moreton Island, or Mulgumpin because it’s recognized by Quandamooka’s Ngugi individuals, the island’s conventional house owners, is a big sand island off the coast of southeastern Queensland, Australia.
The island has a wealthy historical past. It’s mentioned that in 1770 Captain James Cook dinner, the British explorer, visited the island and named its northwest extremity Cape Moreton. One other British explorer, Matthew Flinders, was who surveyed the entire island and drew up its map in 1799.
It’s simply above North Stradbroke Island which is situated simply throughout from Brisbane.
Moreton Island is simply 25 kilometres from the coast of Brisbane and is the third-largest sand island on the planet. 98% of the island belongs to Moreton Island Nationwide Park and is protected, so you possibly can wager there’s nothing however unreal pure magnificence right here.
Moreton Island is protected by Moreton Bay and connects to the Coral Sea. It’s a few 75-minute ferry trip from Brisbane.
Is Moreton Island Price Visiting?
If it’s true that first impressions depend, then I instantly knew this was going to be a enjoyable weekend getaway from the second I noticed Moreton Island seem on the horizon from the ferry.
Our journey began onboard the 75-minute ferry trip throughout Moreton Bay after we kicked off our sneakers and chatted with Greg and Nicole from Sundown Safaris, who we have been booked to tour the island with.
I seemed left, I seemed proper, and I seemed instantly over the Tangalooma Wrecks as we got here into the seashore to disembark off the ferry. Moreton Island was placing on its finest “first impression”. The water seemed superb and vibrant, and vacationers have been having enjoyable out and in of the water.
And I noticed the type of freeway that we like finest – nature’s freeway!
Over the following three days we spent exploring the island, it solely received higher. So sure, I can affirm that Moreton Island is unquestionably value visiting.
The way to Get to Moreton Island
Moreton Island is very easy to get to since you possibly can catch a ferry direct from Brisbane.
You will get each car and passenger ferries they usually function a number of instances per day. The primary ferry leaves round 6.00am and the final ferry again is at 9.45pm, so it’s attainable to go to Moreton Island on a day journey should you don’t plan on staying.
The ferry firms to the island are all privately owned and you can see all of them have their very own costs and timetables. You’ll be able to e book on-line with Moreton Island Adventures, or go to the marina and e book from the ticket workplaces.
Issues to Do on Moreton Island
For those who’re unsure what there’s to see and do on Moreton Island, listed here are all the highest issues to do and actions you possibly can get pleasure from!
As you possibly can see, there are a variety of sights on Moreton Island to maintain you busy for a very long time!
1. Go Clear Kayaking on the Tangalooma Wrecks
The very first thing we did at Moreton Island is strip down into our boardies and swimmers in preparation for a brand new type of kayaking.
We paddled straight off the seashore to discover the Tangalooma shipwrecks in these very cool and distinctive “Clear Kayaks”.
It felt like we have been sitting on high of the water as we glided excessive of the sunken shipwreck with clear imaginative and prescient by way of the underside to rise up shut with the fish and coral.
We didn’t spot any turtles on our paddle however as we came upon later they’re round.
So cool that this wreck is simply off the seashore. Quick access for households with younger children like ours. And these kayaks are one thing else!
2. Take A 4×4 Seaside and Bush Driving Expertise
After shortly drying off after kayaking we threw our gear and ourselves behind Greg and Nicole’s purpose-built four wheel drive midi coach and headed north to test in at our lodging.
It was our first look on the four wheel drive seashore driving enjoyable on Moreton Island and as a lot as I prefer to get behind the wheel with an open seashore and little site visitors, it was nice to chill and take within the surroundings as Greg drove and shared some native information of the island and the day forward.
After all, you possibly can choose to take a self-guided tour and hire a four-wheel drive your self. One of the best place to hire from is the Tangalooma Island Resort on the island, in any other case you’ll doubtless need to hire from the mainland and take the car ferry over which is extra expensive.
3. Go Glamping at Castaways
Once we arrived at Castaways, and I don’t know who was happier, me or the children?!
While you’ve simply spent 18 months touring round Australia and taking 90 minutes to arrange your camper trailer over 100 instances, having no tent to arrange, no beds to make, and our personal non-public toilet, daddy received slightly excited!
And who couldn’t use a little bit of glamping in any case?
When your away for a brief break and touring gentle, you need to spend as a lot time as attainable getting amongst the actions and having fun with the vacation spot, not unloading and packing up!
Our tent was furnished with a queen dimension mattress plus a set of bunks, and a pleasant deck to relax on. We grabbed a fast chew to eat for lunch on the on-site cafe – I like to recommend certainly one of their burgers – then jumped straight again within the truck for a day of journey!
For those who favor to camp extra conventional fashion, you’ll discover a number of different campsites on the island such because the Ben-Ewa Campsitem the place you possibly can pitch a tent.
4. Take a Scenic Day Tour with Sundown Safaris
For those who solely have a day to spend on Moreton Island, then a scenic day tour is the way in which to go.
We headed in direction of the northern tip of Moreton Island, down bush tracks with gorgeous views of the ocean and again round.
Kalyra rode shotgun up the entrance with Greg and Nicole and little Savannah was blissful to bounce round within the again with us.
No site visitors lights or congestion right here. Simply nature tracks, contemporary air, and pristine seashores.
5. Go to the Yellow Patch
They name this spot “Yellow Patch” due to the sand patch within the aspect of the hill. It’s additionally the place they make Coca-Cola on Moreton Island, simply take a look at what number of free refills you may get.
Don’t neglect your straw, lol.
We stretched our legs right here for a bit, met a number of the native pelicans, and watched just a few surfers carving up what was a really good wave simply offshore.
6. Go to Honeymoon Bay
A fairly cease on the northeastern tip of the island is Honeymoon Bay. For those who go for a swim right here, beware as it could possibly get fairly rippy so keep near shore. We simply sat and admired the view.
7. Examine Out North Level
Across the headland from Honeymoon Bay is North Level and a rock pool space referred to as Champagne Rocks. For those who’ve been to Fraser, this can be a mini-version of its Champagne Swimming pools.
A band of volcanic rock and sandstone types a break wall from the surf and on the seashore aspect of this rock there’s a crystal clear water pool with waves that cascade over.
The surf wasn’t doing its factor for us while we have been there, however seems to be like a terrific spot to chill out in because the water foams and bubbles round you.
9. Go to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse
On a rocky promontory close to North Level sits the 23 metre excessive Cape Moreton Lighthouse, the primary lighthouse in-built Queensland and lit for the primary time in 1857, constructed by tradesmen and convicts.
Contained in the previous caretaker’s cottage, there’s a superb museum that highlights the historical past of the lighthouse and Moreton Island, and the views from the lighthouse down alongside the rugged east coast of Moreton Island are spectacular – we noticed a whale breaching within the distance!!
From Cape Moreton Lighthouse, we took on the open east coast shoreline. The tide was coming during which made for some enjoyable maneuvering as we made zig-zag tracks within the sand.
If it was me driving with simply Caz and the children in our car, I’d have been slightly involved on the tide and being remoted, however no drawback for somebody as skilled as Greg and his truck, which I’m certain might just about go wherever.
Even when the solar was happening and we needed to make fast tracks again to the west coast of the island for sundown on the seashore, the tide was principally all the way in which in and any larger, and issues might have gotten REAL adventurous! However our information was unphased.
10. See the Birds at Blue Lagoon
Moreton Island has just a few pure freshwater lakes and lagoons, and one of many standard stops is Blue Lagoon, a lake infused with tea tree oils that have been fashioned by way of the pure catchments of rainwater over 1000’s of years when the water desk meets the bottom floor.
The water temperature was slightly chilly for us to leap in, and being there late within the day the solar wasn’t in the very best location for photographs, and I’m guessing dawn can be an optimum time for a pleasant gentle to be shining on the lake.
Apparently, this lake can be nice for wildflowers and birdwatching.
11. Get pleasure from Sundown drinks, Moreton Island fashion!
What higher strategy to finish an adventurous day exploring an island than with champagne and canapés on the seashore watching the solar go down over the wreck.
We had a combination of fruits, berries, cheese and crackers and bubbly and couldn’t have requested for a greater sundown.
I’ll drink to that, cheers!
12. Go Night time Kakaking in an Illuminated Kayak
As soon as the solar had dipped beneath the horizon it was time for one of the crucial fascinating kayaking experiences we’ve had.
It was again within the clear kayaks for an illuminated nighttime paddle of the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Little Savannah was having none of it and stayed on shore with Nicole as me, Kalyra, Caz, and Greg paddled out within the darkness with our torch-lit floating kayaks exhibiting us the way in which.
It was eerily superior as we explored the shipwreck in silence.
Baitfish jumped into our kayak attracted by the lights, giving Kalyra a thrill, and we should come again to Moreton and do that exercise once more at a special time of the 12 months. To not be missed and distinctive to Sundown Safaris.
13. Keep at Tangalooma Resort
In addition to Castaways or tenting with your individual gear, the primary lodging choice on the island is Tangalooma Island Resort.
The resort gives luxurious lodging surrounded by lush, crystal clear waters. You’ll be able to stroll just some steps out of your room to the white sandy seashores of Moreton Island – are you able to consider a greater strategy to spend your trip?
Apart from the trendy and spacious rooms, the resort additionally gives guided excursions and actions, in addition to the possibility to get pleasure from a wide range of water sports activities.
There are three eating places on-site, the Tursiops buffet restaurant, Fireplace & Stone Restaurant, and the beachside café.
We dined on the Seaside Café which has uninterrupted water views and your typical island cafe menu.
For those who don’t plan on staying on the island, you should buy a day move to make use of the resort’s services such because the showers and bogs.
14. Take A Marine Discovery Cruise
We jumped on the two-hour Marine Discovery Cruise which took us alongside the shoreline to Moreton Bay Marine Park looking for wild dolphins, dugongs, inexperienced sea turtles, and rays!
It was a soothing exercise in comparison with day certainly one of our journey with pretty views again over the island from the water and, we received fortunate, recognizing a number of dugongs, just a few turtles, eagles and loved one other close-up view of the shipwreck.
15. Go Sandboarding
Maybe you’re in search of a extra adrenaline-fueled exercise on Moreton?
The inland Tangalooma desert is dwelling to some spectacular sand dunes. The dunes have been initially fashioned by the wind, however are actually coated in vegetarion.
It’s dwelling to the world’s largest dune, Mount Tempest, which reaches 912 toes (278 metres).
As a part of the Desert Safari Tour, you possibly can seize a sand board, pop on some goggles, and go sandboarding down the dune at speeds as much as 40km/hr.
It was a ton of enjoyable, moreover the exercise strolling up the comfortable sand dune – however hey we would have liked the train – and we received sand in locations you possibly can solely think about! Do your self a favour and go inland for some enjoyable!
16. Get pleasure from Dolphin Feeding time at Tangalooma Resort
Earlier than dinner and assembly the dolphins, the children had a play on the seashore as we took in one other fairly Moreton Island sundown.
Tangalooma is well-known for its wild dolphin feeding program, which initially took place round 35 years in the past when lights have been fitted to the jetty attracting bait fish within the nighttime which the dolphins would hunt.
Now round 10 dolphins frequently present up after sundown and there’s a possibility at hand feed them, following strict tips put in place by the dolphin care program.
Right here’s a shot of the jetty simply earlier than the throngs of individuals arrived and the dolphins have been simply beginning to play close to the shore.
We selected to face on the jetty the entire time and simply watch the dolphins frolic close to the shore. Being nighttime with vivid lights and the motion of the dolphins it was exhausting to get any good pictures.
The problem was that it was proper at meal time, the children have been hungry and drained after an extended day and the road was fairly lengthy.
For those who do that, put on the suitable garments and fill your kiddie’s tummies early to keep away from any meltdowns, and don’t neglect to e book in to keep away from lacking out.
17. Snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks
It was mummy and daughter play time as Caz and Kalyra took to the water to go snorkelling across the Tangalooma Wrecks – sure, there are numerous methods to discover this shipwreck.
Savannah is just too younger for snorkeling so I stayed on board along with her and fed some fish and took some pictures.
It’s a guided snorkeling tour with all gear included, and from all experiences, it was positively value getting moist for, and to get a special up-close perspective of the wrecks – and excitingly they noticed a wobbegong shark and puffer fish!
There are such a lot of fish and corals by the wrecks, it makes for wonderful snorkelling adventures.
18. Go on A Quad Bike Journey
Caz took off on her personal journey on a Quad Bike Tour while I took the children for a swim within the pool. I did the final quad bike tour in Western Australia, so it was her flip to tear it up!
She went up behind the again of Tangalooma Resort by way of the dunes and bushland with views over the water and shipwreck, then again down alongside the beachfront.
It is a guided tour and youngsters from 10 years previous and up can function their very own bikes, in any other case, they’ll bounce on the again of mums or dads.
19. Go Scuba Diving
Set sail from Brisbane’s Holt Road Wharf on a luxurious catamaran to the long-lasting Tangalooma Wrecks. The wrecks are distinctive in that they’re coated in vibrant coral and entice an abundance of sea life.
Whether or not you’re a beginner diver otherwise you’re skilled, this can be a nice space for diving. Simply be sure you inform your diving information of your expertise stage earlier than you go.
After scuba diving, you possibly can expertise the remainder of the island and use the resort services.
Closing Ideas on Visiting Moreton Island
So there you might have it, that is every little thing it’s essential learn about Moreton Island and its high sights.
There’s a lot to see and luxuriate in right here, we hope that you’ve as a lot enjoyable adventuring across the island as we did!
Disclaimer: We partnered with Tourism Queensland for this household getaway, however all ideas and opinions on this information are our personal. For those who want any extra details about Moreton Island, in addition they have nice weblog posts and movies on Moreton Island to get you enthusiastic about your go to.
Extra Journey Concepts for Locations close to Brisbane
Have you ever been to Moreton Island? Share any ideas or tales within the feedback down beneath!
Supply: Breaking Travel News