Moreton Island is Brisbane’s not-so-secret adventure playground, sitting just off the coast and packed with the kind of experiences that make your mates back home seriously jealous. As the world’s third-largest sand island, it’s home to towering dunes perfect for sandboarding, the iconic Tangalooma shipwrecks teeming with marine life, and wild dolphins that rock up to shore each evening for a feed.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on a 4WD adventure, floating through crystal-clear waters, or just want a beach day that actually delivers, Moreton Island ticks every box. It’s easily accessible from Brisbane, making it the perfect day trip or overnight escape before continuing your East Coast Australia adventure north to the Whitsundays or south to Byron Bay.
Unlike its bigger sibling Fraser Island, Moreton Island is 98% national park with no crowds and pristine beaches that feel like your own private slice of paradise. The island offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and during winter months (June-August), you might even spot humpback whales cruising past on their annual migration. From budget-friendly day trips to overnight glamping experiences, there’s a Moreton Island adventure for every traveller and every budget.
Discover the best of Moreton Island tours with a full-day adventure including snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent kayaking, 4WD and sandboarding.
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Rip across Moreton Island's sand dunes on an ATV quad bike with this epic day cruise from Brisbane. Includes return ferry, resort access, $25 lunch voucher and the quad bike tour itself. Just 75 minutes from the city – this is the Brisbane day trip that actually delivers.
Snorkel amongst the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks on this day cruise from Brisbane – return ferry, lunch voucher and full resort access included.
Fifteen deliberately sunken ships create one of Australia’s best snorkelling spots, now home to over 200 species of fish, sea turtles, and wobbegong sharks. The wrecks sit in calm, shallow water – perfect for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike.
Moreton Island’s massive inland sand dunes are the star attraction for thrill-seekers. Grab a sandboard and send it down slopes reaching speeds of up to 50km/h. No experience needed – just a willingness to eat a bit of sand on your first run.
Queensland’s oldest lighthouse sits on the island’s northern tip, offering panoramic views and prime whale-watching territory during migration season. The surrounding headland is perfect for a scenic walk and spotting wildlife.
A freshwater lake surrounded by bushland, Blue Lagoon is the island’s best swimming spot when you want a break from saltwater. Pack a picnic and float in the tannin-tinted waters – it’s as peaceful as it gets.
Natural rock pools on the ocean side of the island where waves crash over creating a fizzy, spa-like effect. Best visited at low tide for a refreshing dip with the ocean spray.
Ferries depart from Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba, around 20 minutes from Brisbane CBD. The crossing takes approximately 75 minutes. Our Moreton Island tours include return ferry transfers, so you just need to get yourself to the wharf.
A day trip is enough to hit the highlights – sandboarding, snorkelling the Tangalooma wrecks, and beach time. If you want to add dolphin feeding or explore more of the island, consider an overnight stay.
If you’re exploring independently, yes – Moreton Island has no sealed roads and 4WD is essential. However, our guided tours handle all transport, so you don’t need any 4WD experience or vehicle permits.
Absolutely. The island has calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and paddling. The western side near Tangalooma is particularly sheltered and ideal for a dip.
Moreton Island is brilliant year-round. Summer (December-February) offers warm water for swimming and snorkelling, while winter (June-August) is prime whale-watching season. Shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds and still-great weather.
Yes! Wild bottlenose dolphins visit Tangalooma shores each evening, and you can hand-feed them under supervision. It’s a ticketed experience and one of the most unique wildlife encounters on the East Coast.
100%. Day trips from Brisbane are budget-friendly, and the island offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else on the East Coast. It’s the perfect adventure between Brisbane and your next stop north or south.
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