Visit Moreton Island to discover pristine landscapes, snorkel or dive around old shipwrecks, spot amazing sea creatures and camp on secluded beaches.
Just off the Sunshine Coast, 75 minutes by ferry from Brisbane, lies one of Queensland's lesser-known natural wonders: Moreton Island National Park. Pristine beaches, clear waters full of marine life, mangroves full of critters and towering sand dunes combine to make this 37 kilometre-long, vegetated sand island a major tourist draw. People come to fish in Moreton Bay’s bountiful waters, tramp the island's trails and explore its ship wrecks.The Ngugi people were the earliest known inhabitants of the island, which they called Moorgumpin, a few thousand years ago. Reminders of their presence here can be found scattered across the island in middens – or dumping grounds – that contain oyster, whelk, periwinkle and cockle shells. Head to Spitfire Creek to find some examples. Other points of historical interest are the colonial and World War II relics on the island such as the fort that you can reach via the 9.8-kilometre Rous Battery Track.The trails along this wedge-shaped island are a key part of its allure and lead visitors to many of the national park’s most impressive features. The Mount Tempest Trail winds 280 metres to the top of the world’s highest coastal sand dune for stunning views. The Desert Track is the one to take to spot some of the island’s abundant wildlife, such as crabs and sea birds, while the Cape Morton Circuit will bring you to Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, constructed by convicts in 1857.Another big attraction for visitors is the chance of spotting wildlife. Dolphins, whales, dugongs, sharks and schools of colorful fish swim along the island’s coastline. Humpback whales can be seen from the shore from June to November. You might also catch sight of freshwater frogs and fish in the inland Blue Lagoon.Moreton Island is best accessible by ferry, because there are no public boat ramps on the island. Barges depart daily from Lytton, in Brisbane's port, where you can park for a fee. It is recommended to rent an SUV to traverse the sandy terrain, as that is the only way to explore the island if you don't want to hike far. You do need a license from the Queensland Department of National Parks to drive and camp on the island. Angling is only allowed in certain areas and there are strict catch size regulations, which you can find on the department’s website.Bring your own supplies, because most of the island is a National Park and facilities are limited.
