Can you do day trips to Moreton Island?
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: August 7, 2021
Reading time: 4 mins
Moreton Island is a natural paradise located just off the Brisbane coast.
The island is the ideal spot to do anything from dolphin feeding and whale watching to quad biking and snorkelling. You can also go sand tobogganing, lagoon swimming and sunbathing. As you can tell, the list is purely endless!
When it comes to the question of whether you can day trip to the beautiful Moreton Island the answer is yes! Of course, you can take a day trip to this magnificent Pacific outpost.
The only problem with taking a day trip there is that it might simply not be enough time to enjoy all its fun and wonders. There are so many awesome activities awaiting you on Moreton Island that you will most likely find yourself wanting to stay a little longer.
Alas, if you only have one day to explore the island, here are some of the best activities that await your arrival on the fabulous Moreton Island.
Quad bike across sandy beaches and dunes
A quad bike tour is one of the best ways to get yourself initiated with this sublime island. Operating throughout the year, ATV tours take you across Moreton Island’s giant sand dunes and pristine beaches. This mode of travelling allows you to take in incredible views as you glide across the sand.
If you want to make the most of your time on the sand dunes, you may even decide to go sand dune sledding. The island truly has an endless list of thrilling activities to enjoy!
Snorkel the magnificent Moreton Island wrecks
Moreton Island is a snorkeller’s paradise, enhanced by the series of shipwrecks dotting the turquoise-blue waters. These wrecks have become a home for plenty of tropical fish, sea turtles and coral. There are plenty of tour options that take you to the mystifying wrecks for a full day of adventuring.
Hike to the top of Mt Tempest
Hiking to the top of the 285 metre Mt Tempest isn’t easy, especially when you consider that Moreton Island consists mostly of sand! But a hike to the top of this mountain is well worth it as you will be treated to expansive panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.
The 2.5 kilometre return trip will take around two hours to complete. Because you will be hiking for a while, you will want to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. The walk may be challenging, but once you reach the top, you’ll understand why this hike is well worth it!
Dolphin viewing and feeding
Every night, just as the sun is about to set, a special natural phenomenon takes place. What is this phenomenon? The arrival of a school of dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort. This joyous spectacle is made even better by the fact that you can partake in a little dolphin feeding!
If you choose not to feed the dolphins, you can still watch this adorable occurrence. You may choose to view the dolphins from shore or on a scenic cruise around the incredible Moreton Island.
Take a day tour of the island
A great option for exploring Moreton Island is this one day tour! Departing from Holt Street Wharf in Brisbane, this tour will take you on an epic journey to Moreton Island.
Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have an entire day to explore the highlights. Our first stop will be at the Tangalooma Resort. Here, you can choose to swim or try out a range of water sports. You may even choose to upgrade your tour ticket to go snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks. Some additional activities you may choose to try are a desert safari tour, quad biking or whale watching.
After a day full of adventuring and exploring, we’ll make our way to the Tangalooma Marine Education and Conservation Centre. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the wildlife found throughout the island and the sea creatures that call its waters home.
This tour includes return transfers on a luxury catamaran, complimentary tea or coffee, lunch and free time at the resort. After a full day, you’ll understand why Moreton Island is loved by travellers and locals alike!
Related article: Dolphins and Sand Dunes at Tangalooma Resort
