Moreton Island Accommodation & Holiday Houses

If you're visiting Brisbane, staying on Moreton Island is a must. Just a ferry ride away, this island – the third-largest sand island in the world – is a little gem. Considered part of the city of Brisbane, it boasts white sands, sealife, large coastal dunes, pristine lakes, and a range of activities for all ages, along with a host of new holiday houses close to the coastline.

How to Get to Your Moreton Island Accommodation

Located about 40km off the coast of Brisbane, you have a range of options for reaching your Moreton Island accommodation from the city. If arriving into Brisbane Airport, it's only a 10min drive or taxi ride to Holt Street Wharf. From there, barges and ferries run daily from Brisbane to Tangalooma, halfway down the west coast of Moreton Island. This is the easiest and most affordable option. There's not much point in taking your own car, since there are no roads for getting around the island.

Instead, simply book a foot passenger ticket on the ferry and find your way by the licensed 4WD taxi service once you arrive. These can get anywhere on the island, and they'll carry your camping gear and luggage for you. So whether you've found a secluded cottage near the Tangalooma Wrecks, a modern holiday house in Bulwer, or a beachfront villa in Kooringal, you're sure to get your family (and your things) where you need.

Get up close with Moreton Island's dolphins

For a memorable family activity and fun with the little ones, feed the dolphins around Moreton Island. Every evening around sunset, a school of wild bottlenose dolphins turns up, giving your family the chance to feed these cute animals.

The Dolphin Care Program's feeding tours normally include a buffet for your family as well as the dolphins, along with informative sessions led by passionate guides. Before you meet the animals, the guides will take you through the rules of dolphin feeding, educate you about dolphins and their behaviour, and regale you with the dolphins' names and descriptions of their personalities. You can then see the creatures up close and get an incredible selfie with the family.

Camping and Outdoor Holidays on Moreton Island

Moreton Island is almost entirely taken up by national park area. Thus, you'll have a wide array of activities open to you with camping and outdoor holidays on Moreton Island. Diving, snorkelling, and bird watching are popular in this pristine marine environment, much of which can be done straight from your holiday rental. But if you take a boat offshore, you can also spot dolphins and whales.

The many beautiful walks across Moreton Island range from short, sweet scenic routes to challenging full-day hikes. The easy, 20min Blue Lagoon walk, through heathland to the dune sandblow on the lake, is popular with families. The Mount Tempest Lookout walk is more challenging, and takes a good two hours. But it rewards with superb 360-degree views over the island, Moreton Bay Marine Park and, if you're lucky with the weather, the Glass House Mountains.

The ARB Moreton Island Fishing Classic

Moreton Island has its own beach fishing competition every spring (August/September), the ARB Moreton Island Fishing Classic. One of the most popular events around Brisbane, it has become a hit among families – even kids compete in their own category.

Since its kickoff in 2012, this competition has gained immense popularity, attracting major sponsors and offering bigger prizes. Touted as Brisbane's only island fishing competition, the ARB Classic is a relaxed event. Join in and appreciate the tropical setting and calm waters of Moreton Island.

Frequently Asked Questions