If you’re visiting Brisbane, chances are you have an itinerary that will make you fall in love with its riverside walks and attractions, buzzing laneways and sunny energy. But here’s an offshore destination that many visitors tend to overlook…
Only a short ferry ride from Brisbane across the gorgeous Moreton Bay sits Moreton Island, the third-largest sand island in the world and one of the most untouched coastal escapes you can experience close to a capital city.
No bridges. No traffic lights. No shopping centres.
Just dunes, shipwrecks, dolphins and endless beaches.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Brisbane, here are some of the top things to do on Moreton Island that will make going out of the way to visit the island really worth it.
Cruise Across Moreton Bay Marine Park
The Moreton Bay cruises are gentle, scenic rides along the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Drifting on the crystal-clear waters, you’ll be able to view the variety in the landscapes and waterscapes of the national park. From the towering sand dunes in the distance to the turquoise bay waters right beneath you, teeming with vibrant marine-life.
Departing from various locations in Brisbane and from the Tangalooma Island Resort, these cruises take you right up to the Tangalooma Wrecks and past the sandstone formations of Horseshoe Bay and along the coast of the Amity Point fishing village, among other spots. And of course, my favourite part about these cruises… they are a great way to spot marine life! Marine birds, sting rays, turtles, dolphins and even the elusive dugongs swim these waters, so keep your eyes peeled.
Snorkel the Famous Tangalooma Wrecks
By far the most visited attraction of the island, the Tangalooma Wrecks are a collection of wrecks of 15 purposely sunken ships within the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Just a short ferry ride away from the island coast, it is a popular spot for snorkelling, showcasing the best of Queensland’s corals and fish.
With over 100 species of fish and even dolphins, wobbegong sharks and dugongs hanging out around the wrecks, snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks is definitely the best way to come face-to-face with the native flora and fauna. Since these are typically part of a Moreton Bay cruise, you don’t need a separate booking to be able to swim and snorkel the bay waters – just book a cruise and you’re all set!
Pro tip: Make sure you reconfirm with your cruise operator if gear will be provided and pack your bags accordingly (I learnt that the hard way).
Sandboard Down Massive Desert Dunes
The Tangalooma Desert is the closest place to Brisbane where you can feel the thrill of sandboarding! Sandboarding here is one of the most popular things to do on Moreton Island. This is typically included in a 4WD bus tour that takes you to the heart of the desert. And let me tell you – a Moreton Island sandboarding adventure is messy. Sand in your hair, your mouth, your eyes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you – you will also be getting sand in ya dacks! But who cares – you’ll be whooping with joy as you slide, carve and tumble your way down those hills. So, get into your most comfy outfit, slather on some sunscreen and get ready to whizz down some of the tallest sand dunes in the world!
Explore Moreton Island by ATV Quad Bike
Riding an ATV Quad Bike for the best Moreton Island views – now that’s another way to go! What I love about Moreton Island is that it has dedicated tracks to ride the bike and explore the island at your own pace. So, head on over to Moreton Island for one of the most rugged and beautiful sand-driving destinations on earth.
Professional guides will assist you no matter your experience levels, so you’ll be able to handle the tracks with no trouble. Once you get a hang of these, all you need to do is kick up some sand and test your skills along these endless white beaches.
Swim in the Champagne Pools
Located on the north-eastern tip of the island, the Champagne Pools get its name from the sparkling ‘champagne’ effect created as the ocean waves crash over the volcanic rock and sandstone breakwall that surround it. Each time the water spills over, it foams and bubbles over the sandy bottom. The tall ‘volcanic break wall’ sits higher than the water level, creating a protected pool between the rocks. This makes the Moreton Island Champagne Pools a great place to have a swim (my favourite out-of-the-way spot on the island!) and an excellent place for some photo ops. But make sure to rent a 4WD car to reach this spot as it’s not accessible by foot.
Wrapping Up
While Brisbane is famous for many things, those visiting the area really shouldn’t restrict themselves to just this capital city. Moreton Island offers so much that the capital city never could – tall sand dunes, sparkling pools – creating a nice contrast to the busy city life. So, if you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, don’t forget to spend some time in this little slice of paradise!
