5 Ways to Get to Moreton Island from Brisbane (including the Cheapest)!

If you’re a first-timer planning a trip to Moreton Island, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how do I actually get there from Brisbane? With no bridges or direct road access, reaching this island paradise requires a bit of planning and choosing the right option can make a big difference to your budget and experience.

The tricky part is that each transport method comes with its own pros and cons. Some travellers want the cheapest way to get across, while others value convenience, comfort, or the freedom to exploring the island.

As a Brisbane local and making the journey myself many times , I’ve put together this complete guide to the main ways of getting to Moreton Island from Brisbane. Starting with the cheapest and working through to other options, I’ll cover what each involves, who it suits, and what to expect, so you can pick the one that fits your trip best.

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5 Ways to Get to Moreton Island from Brisbane?

Brisbane is a gateway to several beautiful sand islands off the coast of Queensland, including Moreton Island. It only has a small population, popular camping sites, Resort (Tangalooma), and kilometres of National Park areas to explore. 

There are four main ways to reach Moreton Island from Brisbane, each offering a different kind of experience.

• 1. Walk on Micat Ferry (Cheapest Way)– Walk on Passenger ferry, perfect if you want to explore the island independently, hang out at the beach and snorkel the wrecks.
• 2. Organised Tour to Moreton Island – Day trips or multi-day tours with transport, activities, and meals included for a hassle-free visit.
• 3. Organised Tour to the Island Resort – Includes ferry transfers, access to resort facilities, and activities like dolphin feeding, snorkelling, or quad biking. You can do a day trip, or Stay overnight at Tangalooma Resort for an extended holiday.
• 4. Private Boat – Take your own boat across Moreton Bay for maximum flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.
• 5. Micat Ferry with 4WD – This is the same as the passenger ferry over the island, but that becomes a higher expense and only worth it if you staying a week or more.

I will break down all these options below (with Pros & Cons) and help you work out which one is best for you!

1. Using the Micat Ferry (Cheapest Way)

Ultimately, the cheapest way to get to Moreton Island from Brisbane is by riding a MiCat Passenger Ferry ($39 per adult each way) from the Port of Brisbane. This passenger ferry departs from 14 Howard Smith Dr, on the southern side of the Brisbane River, and docks near the Tangalooma Wrecks. 

The MiCat Passenger Ferry operates on a demand-based timetable. During busy periods, the ferry operates up to 5 times per day. In contrast, it only runs once a day during quiet times, twice a day on Fridays & Sundays, and offers no trips at all on Wednesdays.  

It takes approximately 90 minutes to reach Moreton, with approximately 4 hours of turnaround time, including loading and unloading.

Overall, I recommend checking their live ferry schedule for hassle-free trip planning. But please keep in mind that the ferry seats get booked out five months prior during busy periods, so ensure you lock it in when you find out your dates. 

Here’s a quick guide on how early you should book MiCat tickets:

• 1 week prior: for walk-on passengers
• 2 weeks prior: for those travelling during school holidays
• 6 months prior: for those travelling in September, Easter or Christmas Queensland school holidays, or Easter itself

Here is a table list of the Pros and Cons for visiting Moreton island using the Walk on Micat Ferry!

Just know, there is no public transportation to the port of Brisbane, which is 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD. Guests either have to drive to the port or ride a taxi or Uber.

I also recommend arriving early for parking. There is limited PAID parking in the facility ($20 per day) or free street parking, which could mean an extra kilometre of walking. 

2. Organised Tours for Moreton Island

Your second-best option to get to Moreton Island and explore the Tangalooma Wrecks is to join an organized tour. It’s pretty much the same as the first option, but the only difference is that your tour guide already provides your snorkelling, kayaking, and sand tobogganing gear and equipment.

Plus, you’ll get a complimentary lunch on the beach!

➡  Book the Micat Organised Tour HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.

Here is a list of Pros and Cons for using the Organised tours to the wrecks section of Moreton Island:

These tours also take the MiCat Passenger Ferry, which departs from the Port of Brisbane and docks near the Tangalooma Wrecks. This might be the best option for you if you would like to try other land activities like sand tobogganing and 4WD driving on the island.

Want to see what this option is like, please watch my video below for our organised tour to the wrecks area of Moreton Island

Tip: Want something cheaper? You could check out the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and use the cheap Brisbane Public Transport fares to get you to 4 different Islands for $1 per person. While they aren’t as gorgeous as Moreton, they make up for it in price.

3. Catamaran or Tours to Tangalooma Island Resort

Another option you have is to ride a catamaran, which is a boat with two hulls, to Tangalooma Island Resort.

This option is the best for travellers who want to take a Day Trip to the Resort area on Moreton island with extra attractions & facilities available at Tangalooma Island Resort.

➡  Find a Tangalooma Package HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.

Prices start at $49.50 per adult one way for the ferry only, but are more cost-effective when packaged together with other activities. 

You can ride the Ferry from the Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry Terminal, which is at Holt Street in Pinkenba, Brisbane – And drop you off at the Pier or Jetty in front of the resort. These catamarans can carry up to 180 passengers and reach the island in approximately 75 minutes.

Here is a list of the Pros and Cons using the Tangalooma Island Flyer Ferry or organised tours to Moreton Island.

There are four boat services daily that depart in Brisbane, so you can either catch as early as 7:30 am or as late as 5:30 pm to stay overnight. But please check the time schedule to see what’s best for you. 

However, Day trip tours are the perfect arrangement, with the ferry leaving the Tangalooma Jetty around 7pm or only after the Dolphin Feeding experience has finished. 

They have their own PAID Secure parking facility ($20 per day) at Holt Street, or you can use the limited free parking on the street. 

Note: Pre-booking is required, and you need to check in 1 hour prior to departure.

Want to see what this option is like, please click below for our video booking an organised tour to the Tangalooma Island Resort with included activities.

4. Hire your own boat or private tour

Lastly, you can hire your own boat to go to Moreton Island or take a private tour. This option is perfect for large groups who would love to have a private trip to the island and do your own thing.

There are several boat rental companies along Moreton Bay that can provide you with a private boat going to Moreton Island. Just find one that best suits your preferences, especially your budget. 

Here is a list of Pros and Cons for hiring your own boat to get to Moreton Island.

While I haven’t hired a boat myself, I do see them out there all the time and know plenty of people do it. Surprisingly, some of the private boat providers even come with a boat operator, so you just need to sit back and relax as you enjoy the scenic view of the sea.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

5. Using the MiCat Ferry to transport a 4WD

If you’re planning to bring your own vehicle over to Moreton Island, the Micat Ferry is the way to go. Departing from the Port of Brisbane, this is the same ferry service that also offers the cheapest walk-on option for passengers, but adding a car will naturally bump up the price.

Even so, the convenience and flexibility of having your own 4WD on the island is well worth the extra cost.

Keep in mind that actual costs may vary based on booking date, vehicle dimensions, and season. But estimate rates are as follow:

• Standard 4WD (compact) – From approximately AUD $170 Return
• Larger 4WD or towing – Between AUD $199–299 return

Taking your car means you’ll be able to access and explore the island’s extensive network of 4WD tracks, from inland lakes and forests to rugged coastal stretches.

The only exception is within Tangalooma Island Resort, where vehicles are not permitted unless you’re staying as a guest with a prior arrangement. Everywhere else, though, you’ll enjoy the freedom of travelling at your own pace and discovering the island’s hidden gems beyond the main tourist spots.

Bringing a vehicle also makes it possible to camp within the Moreton Island National Park, giving you a more adventurous experience under the stars. Just be prepared for soft sand and changing conditions, and a bit of off-road driving skill goes a long way here.

Where to Stay?

Tangalooma Island Resort

Fortunately, there is a resort on the island. So guests can stay a few days on the island without worrying about where to sleep and lounge during their free time.

The resort offers a range of accommodations, but know this is still an Island and prices may be higher than what you’ll find on the mainland or in Brisbane.

➡  Find Tangalooma Resort accommodation HERE with Booking.com

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly options, you can get a run-of-house room or a standard hotel room (this is what I’ve done).

However, if you want a taste of luxury and stunning views in the morning, book a deluxe hotel room, family suite, resort unit, penthouse, or beachfront villa.

Camping

If you want to add a little more thrill and adventure to your trip (+ save some costs!), go camping on Moreton Island. This is among the Mulgumpin National Park and will mostly need a four-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle to get around.

There are 5 campgrounds and 5 camping zones on Moreton Island marked with a totem. These are located at the North Point, Ben-Ewa, The Wrecks, Blue Lagoon, and Comboyuro Point.

Note that all the camping on Moreton Island requires a permit, especially if you’re planning to bring your car with you. And surprisingly, the camping slots get booked out pretty quickly. So, I recommend that you contact Mulgumpin Camping first to secure your slots before booking ferry transfers.

TIP: The Wrecks Campground is the closest to the Micat Ferry, and you can carry your camping gear to the grounds without needing a 4WD to get around. 

Best Things to do on Moreton Island?

Moreton Island has plenty of things and activities to offer, and a lot of activities can be experienced from the Tangalooma Island Resort. Just to give you an idea, here are some of the best things that I love doing on Moreton Island:

• Riding Dune Buggy’s
• Feeding wild dolphins at night
• Tobogganing at the sand dunes
• Kookaburra Feeding
• Kayaking in the turquoise waters
• Snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks
• Lazing around the resort swimming pool
• Four-wheel driving over the Island
• Whale Watching
• Parasailing
• Paddle Boarding
• Pelican Feeding
• Tennis
• Visit Cape Moreton Lighthouse
• And more!

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

How Far are the Wrecks away from the Resort?

The Wrecks are 2.3 kilometres north of the Tangalooma Island Resort, about 30-minute‘ walk. Since cars are not allowed on this section of the beach, your only options are walking or taking the resort’s boat transfers for snorkelling, diving, or kayak tours. 

Therefore, if you want to explore The Wrecks, ride the MiCat Passenger Ferry from the Port of Brisbane or stay at the resort overnight and walk there.

On the other hand, you should ride the Tangalooma Flyer to get directly to Tangalooma Island Resort and use the facilities and activities available.

Is there Public Transport on the Island?

Unfortunately, there is no public transport on the island. If you want to get around Moreton Island, you either need to walk long distances or drive your own car.

This can happen more if you want to camp or explore the secluded areas on the island, and Micat Ferrys will bring your vehicle over for you. 

➡  Find all Moreton island Tours HERE with GYG.

However, for easy Day Trip options, I recommend that you join an organized tour instead. Not only can you get around the island conveniently and save costs, but you can also explore sites and attractions that you would less likely discover unless you have your own car to drive around.

Is Moreton Island Walkable?

As a whole, No, Moreton is not a walkable Island. It covers an area of 186 square kilometres in size, 37 kilometres long and 13 kilometres at its widest point. 

However, getting around the Tangalooma Resort or from the wrecks in this area is possible, but it can take too much time (especially on a day trip). 

Therefore, if you want to explore the more secluded or National Park areas of the Island, then you will need a four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. More importantly, you will need to be experienced and know how to drive on very soft sand. 

Difference between Tangalooma and Moreton Island?

Moreton Island refers to the entire island itself, where the Tangalooma refers to the name of the Resort and Wrecks. People sometimes use Tangalooma and Moreton Island interchangeably, and I would say it’s a reflection of how this stunning island has become famous over the years.

More than anything, Moreton Island is famous for its 15 Tangalooma shipwrecks. These were purposely sunk to create an artificial reef for the marine life of the surrounding waters. Today, it’s considered one of the best snorkelling sites off the coast of Queensland.

Besides that, The Tangalooma Island Resort was used in the filming of the first Scooby Do Movie in 2002 (aka. Spooky Island). This movie starred Sarah Michelle-Geller, Freddie Prince Jr., Linda Cartalini and Matthew Lillard. 

Wrap Up!

Just to wrap up, there is obviously a cheap way to get to Moreton Island, but this isn’t always the best way for everyone. I hope this post has helped you choose between them and know which one will suit you the best. With that said, for all the budget-conscious visitors, it’s nice to know that a trip to the amazing Moreton Island is not going to break the bank. 

However, If you want to know more about what the Brisbane area has to offer, please read my other Brisbane features. Alternatively, you can find other islands along the coast to explore and get to know the other vibrant streets and communities.

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