Environment and Resource Management

About Moreton Island

Getting there and getting around

Cape Moreton lighthouse. Photo: DERM.

Cape Moreton lighthouse. Photo: DERM.

Moreton Island is 40 km offshore from Brisbane. The island can be reached by ferry, barge or boat. Barges and ferries for vehicles and passengers run daily. If you are not taking a vehicle, choose your island destination point and book the ferry or barge from the corresponding departure point. Extra services operate in school holidays and on long weekends. Bookings are essential. See the tourism information links for details.

Private boat access

Moreton Island is in exposed waters. Large seas can be experienced between Moreton Island and the mainland. Consider your experience and the suitability of your vessel, and take into account currents and predicted weather and sea conditions when planning your trip. No public moorings are available at Moreton Island. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Vessels, anchors and ropes should not restrict the safe thoroughfare of four-wheel drives or pedestrians between the high and low water mark on Moreton Island beaches.

Four-wheel-drive access

Four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are essential for driving on the island. Four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance are recommended. All-wheel drives and vehicles with low clearance may have difficulty along inland tracks and in soft sand, and are therefore not recommended.

All vehicles must be registered and have a valid Moreton Island Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP). Fees apply.

VAPs will not be issued for unregistered vehicles, or for registered (including conditionally registered) quads, trikes and trail bikes, except to island landholders and residents satisfying police permit and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) requirements. Also, use of dune buggies and other recreational, agricultural and construction vehicles similar to and including Rhinos will not be authorised.

Please read driving on sand and driving safely before you drive on Moreton Island. The driving safely section also lists driving times between major features on the island.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no areas accessible by wheelchair in Moreton Island National Park or the Recreation Area.

Park features

Moreton Island features crystal clear creeks and lagoons, coastal heath, rocky headlands, abundant wildflowers, tall sand dunes, an historic lighthouse, ruins of coastal forts and miles of sandy beaches.

Most of Moreton Island is both national park and recreation area, which covers the national park to high water mark and the beaches to low water mark. Tidal wetlands and waters around the island are protected as part of Moreton Bay Marine Park.

The sheltered bay waters are home to various marine animals. Dugong feed on its seagrass communities while migratory and resident shorebirds feed and roost on the island's beaches. Humpback whales can be seen from Cape Moreton during their migration from June to November.

Indigenous cultural heritage includes shell middens that are evidence of thousands of years of Aboriginal occupation. Ruins of coastal defence bases from World War II are a reminder of Australia's involvement in world conflict.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Moreton Island provides a variety of coastal camping experiences, some accessible by 4WD, others accessible by boat or close to barge landing points. You will need a vehicle access permit to drive on Moreton Island. 

Fires are permitted in pre-existing fireplaces of fire pits at designated camp sites marked with a totem in the Comboyuro Point, Ben-Ewa and Blue Lagoon campgrounds and the five camping zones. Fire is prohibited in all other areas of the Moreton Island National Park and Recreation Area including The Wrecks and North Point campgrounds and on all beaches.

Always check if local fire bans are in place before lighting a fire. Extinguish fires when unattended with a bucket of water, never use sand or dirt which retain heat for hours and can cause severe burns. Remember to bring your own firewood, as it is illegal to collect firewood on the island. Preferably bring a gas or fuel stove.

Large groups staying away from facilities should bring a portable toilet. Chemical or treated waste from portable toilets must be removed from the island. It is an offence under the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 to bury, dispose of, or leave a noxious, offensive or harmful substance, such as portable toilet waste. Do not pour your portable toilet waste into any toilets on the island, as it destroys the bacteria in the composting systems used by the QPWS.

You will need a camping permit to camp in the national park or recreation area. All camping permits must be obtained before you arrive on the island (there is no self-registration on site). Fees apply. Camping is permitted at a number of sites behind the foredunes. Protect the dunes by using existing camp sites and access tracks.

Nearby accommodation

There is a range of holiday accommodation on Moreton Island. For more information see the tourism information links.

Things to do

Walking

There are many walking tracks on the island, ranging from short easy strolls to half-day hikes. Walking is one of the best ways to appreciate the island's features and discover some of the various wildlife habitats. Take care when walking over sand blows or up steep sections of tracks, particularly on hot days.

Take care of yourself—carry a map, compass, food, drinking water and first-aid kit. Wear protective clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.

Blue Lagoon—500 m return (allow 20 mins) Grade: easy

The track winds through heathland to the dune sand blow on the lake. Blue Lagoon is a window lake, created where the watertable is exposed at the land surface. Access to Blue Lagoon is from the ocean beach, north of the Bulwer–Blue Lagoon Road. Toilets are located before you reach the car park.

Honeyeater Lake—60 m return (allow 5 mins) Grade: easy

Enjoy a short stroll to a viewing platform looking over this perched lake—created when water collects in a depression with a solid bottom which prevents rainwater filtering down to the watertable. Honeyeater Lake, a good place to see a variety of waterbirds, is surrounded by the sounds of the honeyeaters feeding on banksia flowers. Musk ducks are occasional visitors and are sometimes seen on the lake. Access to Honeyeater Lake is from Bulwer–Blue Lagoon Road. You can view the lake from a platform located near the car park.

Cape Moreton—1.5 km return (allow 1 hr) Grade: moderate

See Queensland's first lighthouse, built in 1857 of island sandstone. Access into the lighthouse, the grounds and the grave of the lighthouse keeper's wife is not permitted, however Cape Moreton is a good viewing point for watching marine life. See whales (June–November), dolphins, sharks and turtles, as well as magnificent island scenery. The walk up the hill can be very hot in summer.

The Desert—4 km circuit (allow 2 hrs) Grade: moderate

Walk along a track from the western beach south of the resort, over a large sand dune, and watch for wildlife that lives in this harsh environment. This walk has many steps and a moderate level of fitness is required.

Five Hills lookout—1 km return (allow 30 mins) Grade: moderate

From North Point Road the track heads up through low heathland to the top of a large sand dune. Do this walk in the cooler part of the day. You'll be rewarded with views of Heath Island, the Five Hills area and some of the island's coastal swamps.

Mount Tempest lookout—2.5 km return (allow 2 hrs) Grade: difficult

Walk up Mount Tempest—the highest sand dune on the island, 280 m in elevation. Expect many steps. Seats are provided along the way and at the lookout. After your steep climb, be rewarded with 360-degree views of the island, Moreton Bay Marine Park and, on a clear day, the Glass House Mountains. Read about Moreton Island's indigenous people—the Dolphin clans. This walk is best done in the cooler part of the day or in winter. Take plenty of water.

Telegraph Road—16 km return (allow 6 hrs) Grade: difficult

Discover interesting habitats and relics of the old telegraph line. The track goes through several vegetation types including heathland and eucalypt woodland. Look out for the perched swamp found on top of the dune ridge. In spring, the track is lined with heathland flowers. This long track is best walked in winter and spring, or in the early morning during summer. A one-way walk option is to arrange to be dropped off at the end of the Bulwer–Blue Lagoon Road and walk through to Mount Tempest, meeting your lift at the Mount Tempest carpark.

Rous Battery track—9.8 km one way (allow 3.5 hrs each way) Grade: moderate

See the remnants of a World War II fort scattered around the dunes. The walk follows the old Rous Battery service road. This is the only walk on the southern end of the island. You'll wander through scribbly gum forest and patches of the green, feathery ground plant called foxtails (Caustis blakei). Always carry sufficient drinking water. Bore water is available along the track near the ocean beach but should be treated before use.

Guided tours and talks

Commercially operated guided tours are available; see the tourism information links for more information.

Boating and fishing

All freshwater fish are protected on Moreton Island. Fishing or collecting bait in lakes and streams is not permitted.

Mirapool is a special protection zone and a marine national park zone, all forms of collecting including fishing are prohibited.

Moreton Island is surrounded by Moreton Bay Marine Park, a multiple-use marine protected area, which protects the high natural, cultural, recreational and amenity values of the bay.

Four sections of beach on Moreton Island are zoned as marine national park (green) zones under the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning plan. All forms of collecting including fishing are prohibited in these zones.

Additionally two conservation park (yellow) zones overlap beaches as well. In these yellow zones fishing is restricted to a maximum of two lines and two hooks per person.

Refer to the Moreton Bay Marine Park map (PDF, 2.7M)* and Moreton Bay Marine Park user guide (PDF, 11M)* for boundaries and restrictions relating to zones and designated areas.

Tailor, flathead, dart, bream and whiting are often caught on the beaches and headlands. Reef and surface-feeding fish are caught offshore. Crabs are seasonal. Bag limits and size limits apply to some species. For more information about recreational fishing rules and regulations see Fisheries Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

When fishing in Moreton Bay:

Spearfishing is prohibited in all marine national park (green) zones. Refer to the Moreton Bay Marine Park user guide (PDF, 11M)* for boundaries and restrictions relating to zones and designated areas. Spearfishing is also prohibited within the waters of the artificial reef area off Moreton Island. Approximate reef boundaries extend from Tangalooma Point to Comboyuro Point, with a 700 m offshore boundary out from the beach. For more information see Fisheries Queensland or consult the Fisheries Regulation 2008 for exact boundaries.

Viewing wildlife

Moreton Island provides great opportunities to view wildlife. Over 180 species of birds, including seabirds, waders, forest birds and birds of prey, can be seen. Avoid disturbing shorebirds on the beach by giving them a wide berth. Forty species of reptiles have been recorded on the island including blue-tongued lizards, goannas, major skinks, various snakes and marine turtles. Take care not to disturb nesting turtles in summer. Keep clear of any sea snakes washed up onto the beaches, and report them to rangers.

The island has a rich array of plant communities from stunted heathlands to open eucalypt forests. Freshwater lakes, creeks and swamps provide havens for frogs and native fish. For panoramic views of the island's plant life and Moreton Bay take a walk up Mount Tempest. Cape Moreton is a good viewpoint for watching marine life such as whales (from June to November), dolphins, sharks and turtles.

Snorkelling and diving

The waters around Moreton Island provide a chance to discover some marine life, with a number of well-known snorkelling and scuba diving sites. Tangalooma Wrecks and Flinders Reef provide good snorkelling and diving. Curtin artificial reef is also popular with divers. Strong rips and currents are often present; check local site information when planning your trip. Always take care in the water and never swim, snorkel or dive alone. There are no patrolled beaches and no measures to protect swimmers from sharks around Moreton Island.

Things to know before you go

Essentials to bring

First-aid kit and prescription medicines

There is no pharmacy or resident doctor on the island. Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medication you need and a well-equipped first-aid kit. It's always wise to have at least one person with a current first-aid certificate in your group.

Drinking water

Bring your own water and containers. Water can be collected from the Big Sandhills on the western beach and Rous Battery and Eagers Creek on the eastern beach, and also at all established campgrounds. Always treat water before drinking. Pack water treatment tablets or boil water for at least 10 minutes.

Gas or fuel stoves

Bring a gas or fuel stove and/or firewood. Open fires are not permitted at The Wrecks and North Point campgrounds. Test your stove before leaving on your trip. Never use them in confined spaces such as tents.

Extra hints

Opening hours

The park is open 24 hours a day. The opening hours of the QPWS Moreton Island office and Cape Moreton Information Centre are variable and dependent upon conditions in the park.

Permits and fees

Vehicle permits

A vehicle access permit must be purchased and displayed on your vehicle windscreen before driving on the island. Fees apply.

Monthly and yearly permits are available and must be attached to the left side of the vehicle's windscreen. If the vehicle does not have a windscreen the permit must be displayed in another prominent position.

Camping permits

All campgrounds and camping zones within the national park and recreation area require a camping permit, which must be obtained before you arrive on the island (there is no self-registration on site). Fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

After purchasing your vehicle access permit and/or camping permit for Moreton Island, collect a permit tag from one of the following locations:  

Permit refunds

For information on permit refunds please read camping and vehicle access permit fee and pre-paid booking refunds (PDF, 66K)*. To apply for a refund please email camping.refundenquiries@derm.qld.gov.au.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park or recreation area.

Climate and weather

Moreton Island has a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 22–30 °C in summer and 12–22 °C in winter. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Bulwer General Store sells unleaded fuel, available in 20 L drums only. Contact Bulwer General Store prior to commencing your trip to ensure supplies are available. Visitors will need to ensure they carry adequate supplies of fuel from Brisbane. Please note that vehicle access permits are issued with a condition that restricts the amount of fuel that may be kept within a developed camping area to 50 L.

General supplies are available at a few locations on Moreton Island. Not all shops are open every day. Contact the individual store for opening times and days.

Bulwer township

Contact the individual store for opening times and days.

Tangalooma Resort

Shop stocks basic food provisions, limited over-the-counter medicines, bait and souvenirs. Public access to facilities closes at 6.00 pm.

Staying safe

Read all information

Many safety and regulatory signs warn visitors of dangers, rules and regulations and ways to help conserve Moreton Island's special features. Walking track entrances, campgrounds and day-use areas have information and orientation signs including site-specific interpretive materials. For your safety, please read and heed signs.

Walking safely

Pig safety

Feral pigs may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. They may become aggressive if their young are threatened. Feral pigs digging for food damage natural ecosystems. Moreton Island rangers are undertaking a feral animal management program on the island focussing on feral pigs.

Please tell the rangers about any feral pigs you see around the island. In particular, note the location, time of day and number of pigs.

Ensure your camp site is pig safe

Pigs learn to scavenge for food. They easily find and scatter rubbish and eat anything including bread and biscuits. Do not encourage them into camp sites.

Make sure you:

Water safety

People have suffered serious injuries in water-related accidents. There are no patrolled swimming areas on Moreton Island. Avoid tragedy.

Driving safely

Sand driving can be difficult and dangerous. Take care and remember ALL road rules apply. For essential safety tips please view:

Obey all road rules

Keep below the speed limit

Speed limits

Depending on conditions, safe travelling speeds could be much lower.

No vehicle access

Limited access

Hazard areas

Before heading off

Load your vehicle correctly

Drive only when you are safe

Give way to

When sand driving

Watch the tides!

Tide variations

Tide times vary from year to year. Refer to the official tide times for Queesland for further information.

Travelling times

Cape Moreton to:

  

Bulwer via North Point

35 mins

Bulwer via Blue Lagoon Road

55 mins

Little Sandhills via ocean beach

50 mins

Tangalooma via Middle Road

50 mins

Tangalooma to:

  

Bulwer via Cowan Cowan

35 mins

Kooringal via Toulkerrie

55 mins

Times will vary depending upon beach and weather conditions and tide height at time of travel. Inland track conditions deteriorate as sand dries out. After rain, track conditions often improve. But when dry, expect a slow bumpy trip!

In an emergency

Stay with the injured person—keep them calm and protect them from the elements.

For further information please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Looking after the park

Firewood

Collecting firewood on the island is prohibited. Bring your own firewood or purchase it at barge departure points or the Bulwer General Store. Chainsaws are prohibited in the national park, but an axe may be brought to split your own wood. Cut kindling from your firewood; do not collect twigs and branches from the bush.

Gas and fuel stoves

Use a gas or fuel stove whenever possible. This will allow efficient cooking during poor weather conditions or during fire prohibitions, which can be declared at short notice. Test the stove before leaving home. Never operate it in confined spaces, such as inside tents.

Rubbish

There are no bins on the eastern side of the island. Rangers do not collect rubbish from camp sites and can issue on-the-spot fines for littering. When planning your trip, pack to minimise rubbish. Rubbish bins are located near The Wrecks and Comboyuro Point campgrounds.

Camp sites

Use existing camp sites marked with a totem. Use only existing entry tracks to reach the beach camping zones.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in developed campgrounds, however they can be used in the five camping zones across the island. Only low decibel (dB) generators, up to 2.0 Kya, with a maximum noise level output of 60 dB at 7 m are allowed. Be considerate and only use them between the hours of 8.00 am and 7.00 pm. Note: the use of generators may be totally prohibited from time to time in some camping zones for safety reasons (e.g. local fire bans). Also refer to camping information for details on where generators are permitted.

Keep it clean

Soaps, sunscreens, insect repellents, shampoos and bodily wastes pollute the water and harm the wildlife. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and shirt in the water.

Feral pests

Avoid exotic introductions by checking that your camping gear and supplies are not contaminated with soil, cane toads, ants, insects or plant seeds.

Take care around shorebirds

Drive slowly and go around flocks of resting shorebirds. Watch out for their unexpected movement.

See caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

The Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (NPRSR) manages Moreton Island National Park and Recreation Area to conserve its natural and cultural resources. The whole island is national park (other than freehold areas such as townships) and is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 to the low water mark.

The national park is managed in accordance with the Moreton Island National Park, Cape Moreton Conservation Park and Moreton Island Recreation Area Management Plan (PDF, 743K)*. 

Tourism information links

Tourism information centres

Brisbane Visitor Information Centre
www.visitbrisbane.com.au
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Qld 4002
ph (07) 3006 6290
email visit@brisbanemarketing.com.au

Redlands on Moreton Bay Visitor Centre
www.more2redlands.com.au/explore
2/152 Shore St West, Cleveland Qld 4163
ph 1300 667 386
email explore@more2redlands.com.au

Barges and ferries

MICAT
From Whyte Island (Brisbane River southside) to Tangalooma Wrecks (daily).
Pedestrian and vehicle. Note: on Tuesday lands at Bulwer only.
www.moretonventure.com
ph (07) 3909 3333

Daily passenger launch
From Pinkenba (Brisbane River northside) to Tangalooma Resort.
Pedestrian only. Note: For Tangalooma guests / day trippers only.
www.tangalooma.com
ph 1300 652 250 or (07) 3637 2000

Reality Cruises
From Scarborough to Bulwer (Wednesday to Sunday only).
Pedestrian only.
www.get2moretonisland.com
ph (07) 3203 5800
email info@get2moretonisland.com

Amity Trader
From North Stradbroke Island (Amity) to Kooringal (Thursday to Monday only).
www.amintytrader.com
ph 0487 227 437

Shops

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

Further information

Contact us

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Last updated 1 May 2012

Moreton Island National Park and Recreation Area

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