This sand island, only 35km from Brisbane, is often compared to Fraser Island and offers pretty much the same attractions without the crowds.
You can visit as a day trip from Brisbane, but a longer visit gives you a better experience of the island.
Coming & going
Moreton Island is best reached by ferry from Lytton in Brisbane’s southeastern suburbs or Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula north of Brisbane.
Moreton Island Adventures charge $50 return for walk-on passengers or $199–279 return for a 4WD with up to two passengers. Their ferries depart from Howard Smith Drive in Lytton (with pick up service from Wynnum North train station) and sail to the Tangalooma Wreck.
Local transport
Because it is a sand island, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to explore Moreton Island, however there is a network of hiking tracks. There are plenty of places in Brisbane to rent a 4WD, and also a number of companies that organise affordable tours to the island.
Moreton Island is a national park and you will have to buy a vehicle access permit, although this permit is sometimes included if you’re taking a tour.
Companies operating tours of the island include:
Moreton Bay Escapes
This highly recommended company run tours to the island that includes sailing, snorkelling and hiking.
Tel 1300 559355
Day trip $189 ($169 HI/YHA, VIP, students); two-day overnight camping tour $259 ($239 HI/YHA, VIP, students)
Sunrover Expeditions
This tour operator runs day trips from Brisbane as well as longer two and three day camping safaris.
Tel (07) 3203 4241
Day trip $145 ($135 HI/YHA, students); two-day tour $245 ($235 HI/YHA, students); three-day tour $300 ($280 HI/YHA, students)
Accommodation
There are five campgrounds on the island, which is really the only affordable accommodation option. You’ll have to pay camping fees of $5.75 per person per night.
