39 Top Activities at Tangalooma Island Resort & Moreton Island

Are you looking for the best things to do at Tangalooma Island Resort, or on Moreton Island in general. The island is only a short ferry ride away from Brisbane and very easy for you to explore phenomenal sites.

As a local to Brisbane, I’ve spent years exploring the activities from the Resort, the Wrecks and hitting up the dunes. And with it’s easy access from the mainland, you could be too!

But lets see what you can check out, while helping you book the tours to get you there.

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Things to do at Tangalooma Island Resort & Moreton Island

Key Takeaways:
There are three options to visit Moreton Island – Stay at the Tangalooma Resort, Camping in the National Park or take a day trip. Whichever option you choose, will depend on what options below are more accessible for you to see.

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1. Snorkelling the Wrecks

Water activities has to be one of the most popular activities and what draws tourists to Moreton Island. The Wrecks are a group of 15 shipwrecks that were deliberately sunk in 1963 to create an artificial reef.

You have a couple of options here to either join one of the Tours, or walk to the wrecks yourself in 30 minutes. Just know that the wrecks aren’t directly in front of the resort itself, so taking the boat might be more convenient.

2. Take a day trip

Day trips are the cheapest way to get there and especially good if you have limited time to plan out your own trip. Organised tours from Brisbane to Moreton Island will visit 4WD areas that aren’t convenient to visit yourself and give you an enticing taste of this beautiful Island.

➡  Check out Moreton Island Tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

3. Try out Sand Tobogganing the Dunes

The exhilarating Sand Tobogganing activity involves sliding down massive sand dunes at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. There’s no better place to experience it with Moreton Island being a sand island. You all you have to do is slide down and have fun doing it. But remember to close your mouth! ( You don’t want to eat the sand…LOL)

4. Swimming in the Blue Lagoon.

Venture into the middle of the Island, where you dip your toes in the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is fed by fresh water, and the water is infused with tea tree leaves, giving it a refreshing feel, and your skin will thank you after swimming.

It’s contained within its sandy bottom, making it a great place to relax and take in the views. You can make your way there with your own 4-wheel drive, hire one for the day on the Island, or join an organised tour arranged at the resort.

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5. Glass Bottom Kayak

Looking for an up-close encounter with diverse underwater life in the area? Kayak with a glass bottom around the Wrecks and get an up-close view of colourful fish, curious stingrays, wobbygong sharks, and all sorts of other fantastic creatures.

➡  Check out Moreton Island Tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

6. Diving

Have you ever wanted to learn to dive, or certified already? Diving the Wrecks is one of the easiest diving sites near Brisbane and possible to organise from the Island or there are day trips running from the Mainland. There are over 100 species of fish and other marine life that inhabit this area including nudibranch, Sea Urchins, Eels & Wobbygong Sharks.

7. Visit Cape Moreton Lighthouse

Cape Moreton Lighthouse was the very first Lighthouse to be built in the state, and it has been guiding ships since 1857. It’s located on the tip of Cape Moreton and offers stunning views of Moreton Bay and the surrounding area. It’s also an excellent spot for whale watching, dolphins, turtles and with humpback whales often seen migrating through the area.

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!

8. Check out the War Remnants.

One of the more interesting places to check out on Moreton Island is the World War remnants. They are situated in different parts of the Island and consist of bunkers, shelters, and gun batteries.

Did you know that the Island once housed over 900 troops and one of Australia’s major coastal defence stations?

9. Daily Feed the Kookaburras 

Suppose you’re looking for an opportunity to learn about the iconic Australian Kookaburra. The resort guides feed the kookaburras daily outside the Deep Blue Apartments.

This gives the guests a chance to meet these amazing creatures up close and learn more about them. The Kookaburras are very friendly and love to eat, so it’s the best way to enjoy the outdoors and get fresh air.

10. Climb Mount Tempest

Climbing to the top of Mount Tempest is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that offers 360-degree views of the coastline. Here, you’ll find the highest coastal sand dune in Australia, and the track up is entirely made of sand – which makes for a challenging climb!

The round trip is only 2.5 KLM, but it’s a strenuous hike. On a clear day, you can see for miles in all directions and recommend to anyone who loves a good workout with a view!

11. Parasailing

Want a great view but don’t want to take the Helicopter ride? Take a short boat ride off the beach and be released into the air by a parachute, while still attached to the boat.

This is an amazing experience for 360 degree views in the open air. As well as clear waters making it perfect to see dugongs, turtles and dolphins below.

12. Relax in the Champagne Pools

The Champagne Pools are one of the most popular attractions on Moreton Island. However, they are also very similar to what you’ll see on Fraser Island. The natural rock pools are located on the beach, near the ocean’s edge, where waves crash over the rocks and create a champagne bubble effect.

13. Walk around Harpers Rock

Harpers Rock is an unusual landscape that looks like it’s from another planet, with its red sand formations and strange rock formations. You can explore the area on foot, and there are places to stop and take photos.

Be sure to wear comfortable closed-in shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in places. And if you’re planning on walking around, make sure to bring water, as it can get scorching in the summer months with the reflection off the ground.

➡  Check out Moreton Island Tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

14. Dive into Flinders Reef 

Flinders Reef is located in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and a popular diving spot. This coral reef is home to a vibrant tropical fish community and a popular turtle cleaning station.

15. Feed Wild Dolphins

This is what most people come to Tangalooma Island resort for! Wild bottlenose dolphins visit the shores each evening at sunset for about an hour or two. This gives you to option to see the Dolphin up close from the Jetty, or be able to feed them a fish. Even better that you can still do this on a day trip tour!

16. Grab a Drink or a meal at The Gutter Bar

The Gutter Bar is the ideal place to stop for a seafood meal or a cold beer after a day at the beach. The bar is located at Kooringal, on the south side of Moreton Island, and very close to the beach.

17. Whale Watching

Each year, migrating whales can be seen off the coast of Moreton Island from June to November. The humpback Whales can grow up to 60 feet long and is a fantastic site when breaching, jumping, and splashing around in the ocean waters. While out on the water, expert commentary is provided to help visitors learn about these fascinating creatures.

18. Kayak by night

In case you’re looking for a truly unique kayaking adventure, you must check out the Wrecks in the glass bottom kayak by night. This is when, the wrecks come alive thanks to the led strip lighting that’s been installed on the Kayaks.

The lighting attracts all sorts of underwater life, from tiny fish to turtles, and kayaking around the wrecks is the best way to see it all.

19. Massage & Beauty Spa

Want to relax and pamper yourself? Then, the resort’s Massage & Beauty hut offer a range of indulgent and therapeutic services to help you revitalize your body and soul.

The experienced and qualified therapists will take care of you from head to toe, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Choose from Facials, Massages, Manicures, Pedicures, Package deals, Wax & tints, and Detoxing Body Treatments.

20. ATV Quad Bike Tour

If you after a bit of action and adventure, then the quad bike tour might be right up your alley. Tours run for about 45 mins and leave a couple of times a day. Expect to drive over the beach, through sand dunes and the natural vegetation. The guides will be there every step of the way ensuring your safety, but more importantly just having fun.

➡  Check out Moreton Island Tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

21. Get entertained at Night.

Don’t spend another night cooped up in your resort room with nothing to do. There’s bingo for those who want to test their luck, Karaoke night for those who want to show off their singing skills, and Trivia night for those who like to show off their smarts.

22. Check out the Historic Grave Sites

The historic grave sites are just 1 kilometre from Bulwer on Moreton Island. These grave sites have been there since 1883, surrounded by old wrought iron fences, and are one of the oldest grave sites in Queensland. Today, they serve as a reminder of the past, and great if you’re interested in history.

23. Five Hills Lookout for the views

Five Hills Lookout is 1 kilometre return up the sand dunes and takes approximately 30 minutes. The views from the top of Five Hills are amazing, and you can see for miles over Heath Island, the neighbouring coastline, and the inland terrain.

24. Fishing from a boat

Fishing is enjoyable and the idea of being out on the open water, surrounded by the beauty of nature, that just can’t be beaten. And when you add to the fact of enjoying this sporting activity, it’s no wonder that people consider fishing here a paradise.

25. Scenic Helicopter Flights

Nothing beats an aerial view of any location and the great news is a short 10 mins flight might be all you need. This makes it very easy to schedule around everything else your trying to fit in. Longer flights are available but just talk to the booking office and they will sort you out with a time.

26. Ride the Banana Boat

The Banana Boat is a fun ride for people of all ages. You sit in a large inflatable raft that is shaped like a banana, and then you are pulled through the water by a speedboat.

As you zip through the water, you can hold onto the sides of the raft or let go and enjoy the feeling of the wind rushing through your hair. The Banana Boat is a great way to get action and adventure, and it’s a perfect activity for a hot summer day.

27. Take the Sea Scooter for a ride.

A unique experience awaits those who choose to take the Sea Scooter out for a ride on their next Safari tour. Launch the Sea Scooter into the water, and let it glide you through the waves as you take in all the sights you would otherwise miss while snorkelling.

With the Sea Scooter, you can move around more easily and explore more of the area. This gives you a better chance to see dolphins, turtles, and other marine life up close.

28. Stay at the Castaways Glamping tents.

Looking for a camping experience that’s a little bit more luxurious? Then you’ll want to check out the Castaway Glamping tents! These fully-furnished tents come complete with a queen size bed, private ensuite bathroom, and veranda. So you can enjoy all the best parts of camping (being outdoors, enjoying nature) without having to rough it! Plus, you’re guaranteed to wake up to stunning views.

29. Segway Beach Tours

This was my first experience on a Segway and I thought being on the beach was going to make it harder. Turned out it was a so much fun, except Matt broke his thongs (flipflops) trying to grip . These operate a number of times throughout the day and take you touring from the Resort all the way up the beach.

30. Sail a Catamaran 

Catamarans are a great way to explore secluded spots and fish while you’re at it. They’re also stable and easy to navigate, making them perfect for a romantic sailing time. If you’re considering sailing a catamaran, here are things to keep in mind.

First, be sure to check the weather conditions before setting out. Second, pack food and water, so you’re not left stranded. And finally, enjoy the experience!

31. Learn on the Marine Discovery Cruise

Let’s get up close and personal and learn about Moreton Bay’s underwater life aboard the Marine Discovery Cruise! This 1.5-hour journey will take you on a search for turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and more, all while providing commentary explaining the habitats found in Moreton Bay.

32. Explore the 4-wheel driving tracks

There’s nothing quite like exploring the great outdoors from the comfort of your own car. So hit up the Moreton Island 4-wheel driving tracks by bringing over your own vehicle or hiring one from the resort for the day.

There are untouched areas in the Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park, including secluded beaches and places that are only accessible by 4WD.

33. Tour the Historical Whaling Station

You can visit the Historical Whaling Station on your own or join one of the free tours run by the local rangers located in the Resort. The station was used in the 1950s for whaling operations. Still, today, it has been converted into a museum or remnant of past times.

34. Pelican Feeding

The Resort has a number of free activities on the island, and Pelican Feeding is one of them. Every day Rangers feed the Australian Pelicans and tell you more about these beautiful looking birds. Watch out for the Cormorants too (tons of them around) and other birds that might pop in for a visit.

35. Sit in Resort Pools sipping a Cocktail, or go Swimming

Sit in the resort pools sipping a cocktail, drink up, relax and unwind. It’s everything a tropical holiday should be. If you’re feeling romantic, take a dip in the pool with your partner and enjoy quality time together. Resort pools are the ideal place to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life.

36. Stand Up Paddle Boarding

What could be better than spending a day on the water, exercising, and enjoying the sun? For me, that’s where stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) comes in. As a result, it has grown in popularity in recent years and it’s not hard to see why!

37. Squash Court

The Squash Court is a fitness fun zone with it’s four-walled court and rubber ball that anyone can hit around. There are no rules or regulations; smash the ball and have fun! It’s open to the resort guests, requires closed-in shoes, and needs a deposit for the equipment used.

38. Tennis Court

This could be a great day for a game of tennis and for those who want to keep fit while on holiday! The Tennis Court is the perfect place to be. It’s allocated for 2 to 4 people and will require a deposit for the equipment.

39. Hire Sports Equipment

Hiring sports equipment is the way to go for anyone who loves the outdoors. This way, you have everything you need on hand and never have to worry about what to do next. Plus, it’s a great way to try new sports without investing in all the equipment. Try out Badminton, Basketball, beach cricket, beach volleyball, boules, croquet, golf, and Table Tennis.

Can you swim to the wrecks on your own?

Yes, you can swim to the wrecks, which will take about 10 minutes from the beach! Especially be mindful of the currents and start swimming where the current doesn’t take you away from the wrecks.

Also, keep in mind that you’re in open water and have no place to rest or catch your breath. The wrecks have been underwater for over 50 years and can break easily.

Not only that but getting near them could cause injury to you. There is also no lifeguard on duty at the wrecks and no safety line if you get in trouble.

How far are the wrecks from the Resort?

The Tangalooma Shipwrecks are about 30 minutes away from the actual Island Resort. If you’re choosing to snorkel on your own, then you need to factor in the extra time it takes to walk there and back since the wrecks are not directly near the resort.

Your second option would be to join one of their snorkelling or diving tours, where you board a boat and get driven to the shipwrecks.

Can you drink tap water?

Tangalooma’s drinking water is sourced from the underground water table below the island. In turn, the sand on Moreton Island has stored and filtered rainwater for the past 10,000 years. They draw from this water source to provide the resort with pure and naturally potable water.

Is there mobile phone reception?

You’ll be pleased to know that there is mobile phone reception on the island (Especially in the Resort). However, it can be a bit hit-and-miss in the less populated areas – so don’t expect it if you’re camping or in the National Park bushland areas.

Note: In general, Telstra has the best coverage on Moreton Island.

Wrap Up: Things to do at Tangalooma Island Resort & Moreton Island

Thanks for reading this blog today on Things to do at Tangalooma Island Resort & Moreton Island. If your still researching, please click here for other Articles on Islands in Queensland, or alternatively, see my Brisbane Posts for inspiration and planning.