Did you know that Queensland is home to the three largest sand islands in the world? Not only that but the third-largest sand island, Moreton Island, is found in Brisbane’s backyard!
If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day, Moreton Island is the perfect place for a day trip.
Located only 75 minutes by boat from Brisbane, Moreton Island is home to fantastic snorkelling spots, incredible beaches, and dunes waiting to be explored.
The best part about Moreton Island? You can take your car with you! Hire a 4X4 from Bargain Car Rentals, hop on the car ferry and explore Moreton Island at your leisure.
How to Get to Moreton Island
Located 57km off the coast of Brisbane, the only way to get to Moreton Island is by boat.
Since the island is a popular holiday destination, two ferry types depart Brisbane: passenger and car ferry.
Car Ferry (Micat)
If you hire a 4WD, you’ll want to book a Moreton Island car ferry (Micat) ticket to explore the island at your own pace.
This ferry departs from the Port of Brisbane and arrives at The Wrecks on Moreton Island, a little way north of the Tangalooma Island Resort.
Passenger Ferry
On the other hand, if you wish to visit Moreton Island without taking your car, you can take the passenger ferry, Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry, which departs from Pinkenba.
Tour Companies
If you want to spend the day on Moreton Island with everything planned, various tour companies take you there.
Some popular Moreton Island day trip companies include See Moreton, Sunset Safaris and River to Bay.
Best Things to do on Moreton Island
So, what are the best things to do on a day trip to Moreton Island?
Go snorkelling at the Tangaloom Wrecks
Located on the western coast of Moreton Island, the Tangalooma Wrecks is arguably the most popular attraction on the island.
The Tangalooma Wrecks comprise 15 shipwrecks that were purposely sunk in the 1960s and 70s to provide a safe and sheltered area for boats to anchor. Today, they’re a famous snorkelling spot teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, stingrays, turtles, and wobbegongs.
Snorkelling tours are available, but you can explore the wrecks independently if you have your own gear.
Go sand tobogganing
When spending the day on an island made entirely of sand, it would be rude not to go sand tobogganing!
One of the best places on the island to go sand tobogganing is The Desert, only a 15-minute drive inland from the wrecks. However, since the roads are sand, you will need a 4X4 with low tyre pressure to get there.
Once you arrive at The Desert, you’re in for a treat! The dunes are so high that you can reach speeds up to 60km/h when on a toboggan. As one of the most thrilling experiences on the island, sand tobogganing cannot be missed!
Explore Cape Moreton and the Lighthouse
Located on the island’s northern tip, Cape Moreton is home to Queensland’s oldest lighthouse and a fantastic place to whale watch (from May to November) and spot dolphins and turtles.
The 4WD track to Cape Moreton is well-marked but rugged, with a mix of sand and rocky terrain. However, the drive to the cape is just as scenic as the destination, as you experience Moreton Island’s diverse landscapes.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
Located on the island’s eastern side, Blue Lagoon is a freshwater lake that is the perfect place to swim without the crowds near Tangalooma Island Resort.
The Blue Lagoon is accessible via the island’s eastern 4WD track, which takes you through lush coastal bushland. Again, this 4WD track is sandy, so driving a 4X4 with deflated tyres is essential.
Hike to the top of Mount Tempest
Hiking to the top of Mount Tempest, the highest dune on the island, is one of the best activities to do on a day trip.
While the climb to the summit may only take 30 minutes, it is steep. However, your efforts are rewarded when you reach the top with breathtaking island and ocean views. On clear days, you can see as far as Brisbane and the Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast.
The Mount Tempest trailhead is accessible by 4WD from the western or eastern beach tracks.
Drive along the Eastern Surf Beach
Finally, driving along the Eastern Surf Beach is one of the best things to do on Moreton Island when visiting for a day trip.
Stretching over 30 kilometres on the island’s eastern side, this beach is perfect for a scenic drive. Some of the best places to stop include Blue Lagoon or Middle Road to explore inland.
From seeing marine life at one of the South East’s most popular snorkelling spots to tobogganing down tall dunes, there are many incredible things to do on Moreton Island for a day trip.
Set off with Bargain Car Rentals
Life’s all about the journey, not just a destination – and sometimes that journey calls for a spacious SUV for the whole motley crew or a stylish ride to swing around the Scenic Rim. Enter Bargain Car Rentals offering unbeatable deals for your next hire. From automatic small cars to sophisticated sports models, this is your sign to choose the freedom of your own car hire.
Discover why Moreton Island tops the list for Brisbane day trips. Simply hire your fave from Bargain Car Rentals and drive only 20 minutes from the CBD to Pinkenba to board the passenger ferry.
With your own set of wheels, Brisbane becomes the perfect launchpad for adventure. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed parks, scenic hiking trails, and sunlit riverwalks, the city brims with road trip options for those craving a day away from the bustle. Where will the road take you?
If you want to explore the island at your own pace, hire a 4WD from Bargain Car Rentals and see why Moreton Island is one of the most popular day trips from Brisbane.
FAQ:
Where is Moreton Island?
Sitting pretty in Brisbane’s backyard, Moreton Island is just 40 kilometres from the sunny Queensland capital.
How do I get to Moreton Island by car?
If you want to bring a car on a Moreton Island day trip, simply drive to Lytton to board the ferry. Alternatively, you can board the car ferry from Redcliffe in Moreton Bay, with daily services during peak times and additional sailings on Fridays and Sundays.
Are dogs allowed on Moreton Island?
Unfortunately, Moreton Island is a national park so your furry, four-legged friends will not be able to join you on your day trip.
Can you buy food on Moreton Island?
With Moreton Island being 98% national park, dining options are limited, but that’s all part of the charm. Down at the southern tip of the island, you’ll find The Gutter Bar, a local hotspot, while Castaways Café and Store offers a relaxed spot for breakfast or lunch with a refreshing sea breeze.
Do you need a 4WD for Moreton Island?
Yes! To explore Moreton Island’s rugged, unsealed, and sandy roads, you’ll need a 4WD. Be sure to arrange a vehicle permit ahead of time through Mulgumpin Camping, managed by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).
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