Welcome to Moreton
Island (Moorgumpin)
Starting
your journey
Scale
0
Moreton
Island
urban grind and
experience an
island paradise
Amity
Brisbane
City
Amity
or Victoria Point
Pinkenba
Whyte Island
Trader
A boat trip from
will bring you to
Moreton Island.
the information centre—located inside a former lighthouse
keeper’s residence—to uncover the island’s rich history and
fascinating wildlife.
lagoon is the second largest on the island, and a popular
spot for swimming and picnics.
are a must for
driving on the beach and sand tracks. Don’t have a 4WD?
Mt Tempest—towering 280m above sea level, it’s
Book a tour—for one day or combine an overnight stay—
renowned as the largest vegetated sand dune in the
to see the island sights. Explore the bay and its fascinating
southern hemisphere. After a steep climb, you’ll be
marine life on a chartered boat tour.
rewarded with panoramic views of Moreton Bay and
For boaties, the Tangalooma Wrecks and western beach
south of Big Sandhills are popular anchorage sites offering
shelter in most weather conditions.
Cape Moreton headland looking south along eastern beach.
turtles, dolphins and other marine life. Wander through
Blue Lagoon—set amid flowering heathland this freshwater
Victoria
Point
Four-wheel drives
Ranger Justen
Cape Moreton—perched high atop the island’s headland
views and keep an eye out for whales (July to November),
M
doorstep.
that capture the hidden essence of Moreton Island.
sandstone. From the headland soak up the breathtaking
Ta
or nga
et loo
on
m
Isl a F
an
l
d yer
Fe
rr
y
on Brisbane’s
either Brisbane
The bucket list
sits Queensland’s first lighthouse, built in 1857 from island
Redcliffe
r
Trade
‘A jewel in Moreton Bay, the island’s calm
bay waters, freshwater lagoons and long
stretches of pristine beaches make it ideal
for a family holiday. If you’re a keen angler,
the eastern surf beaches, Tailor Bight and
the Cape’s rocky headland are good spots to
cast a line. For the explorer, there’s plenty to
discover with historic lighthouses and WWII
relics, secluded bays and abundant wildlife.’
12km
Beyond the long stretches of beach, there are a few spots
Escape the
Tr aditional homeland of the
Quandamook a people
6
island scenery. On a clear day you can see the Glass House
Mountains on the horizon.
Check out the map to see the other spots handpicked
by our rangers.
camping at a glance
Comboyuro Point
camping area
Ben-Ewa camping area
The Wrecks camping area Blue Lagoon camping area North Point camping area
Large camping area with
shady camp sites within
walking distance from Bulwer
township. Located on the
western beach with sheltered
bay waters.
Set in a valley, with mediumsized, shady camp sites.
Good protection from
strong winds. Located on the
western beach with sheltered
bay waters.
Medium–sized, defined sites
set next to a sheltered bay.
Popular with campers without
vehicles as it is located next
to barge landing point and
within walking distance to
Tangalooma Resort. No vehicle
access to campsites.
Large selection of medium to
large sites, some with shade.
Easy beach access to the ocean
surf beach. Walking track
from the camping area to Blue
Lagoon. Located on the eastern
beach north of Middle Road.
Large grassy area with many
shady sites. Camper trailer
and caravan sites are available.
Walking track from camping
area to North Point beach
and Honeymoon Bay. Vehicle
parking in bays near sites.
Camp restfully
Other accommodation
A few things to keep in mind!
• Walking over sandblows or up steep sections of tracks
There’s a host of camping experiences available, from
If camping isn’t your thing you can choose to stay at
social camping areas with facilities to secluded beach
the local resort, a self-contained holiday house or try
can be very tiring—plan to do this in the cooler months
camping with no facilities. Remember to bring everything
glamping—privately operated luxury camping where
and the cooler parts of the day. Carry plenty of water
you need for your style of trip, including a portable toilet
everything is done for you.
and keep to the walking tracks.
and fuel as facilities are limited. All campsites are marked
with a totem.
• For the longer walks, let someone know where you’re
FERRY TR ANSFERS
going, when you plan to return and what to do if you’re
MICAT
late or lost.
From Whyte Island (Brisbane River southside) to
Tangalooma Wrecks (daily). Pedestrian and vehicle
transport. www.moretonislandadventures.com.au
Photo courtesy of Moreton Island Adventures.
Enjoy having a campfire—check-out where fires are
Tangalooma passenger launch
• Mobile phones may have limited range. Consult your
Marine animal str andings:
From Pinkenba (Brisbane River northside) to Tangalooma
Contact RSPCA Qld on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
Resort (daily). Pedestrian only transport. For Tangalooma
to report any injured or dead dugongs, turtles, whales
guests and day trippers only. www.tangalooma.com
or dolphins.
Bookings: 1300 652 250 or (07) 3637 2000.
permitted before booking your camp site.
or recreation area (down to low water mark).
service provider.
Bookings: (07) 3909 3333.
Western beach, Moreton
Island—a place to relax
and unwind.
• Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park
Marine park zoning maps
‘Sitting by the campfire boiling billy tea and roasting
Amity Trader
The Moreton Bay Marine Park surrounds Moreton Island
marshmallows was a real treat for my two children. I often
From Victoria Point to Kooringal. See website for
so know the zones and designated areas before heading
forget that these simple things are what my children enjoy
schedule and prices. www.amitytrader.com
out. Maps can be downloaded at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.
the most about our family holidays’.
Bookings: (07) 3820 6557.
Leanne (happy camper)
North-west camping zone North-east camping zone
South-west camping zone South-east camping zone
Yellow Patch
camping zone
Various sites ranging from
secluded sites to close, social
camping areas. Many sites have
sea views and shade. Located
on western beach between
Ben-Ewa and Comboyuro
Point camping areas.
Sheltered bay waters.
Sites vary in size and range from
secluded sites to close, social
camping areas. Many sites have sea
views and shade. Eastern beach
between Middle Road, heading
north to Spitfire Creek, excluding
sites in the Blue Lagoon camping
area. Exposed surf beaches.
Sites on western beach
from Tangalooma Bypass
to Toulkerrie. Sites range
from secluded sites to close,
social camping areas. Many
sites have sea views and shade.
Sheltered bay waters.
Located on eastern beach
between Middle Road, heading
south to Rous Battery. Various
sites, many with ocean views
and shade. Exposed surf
beaches.
Small number of sites, most
with sea views and shade.
Located on western beach
in the Yellow Patch area,
between North Point and
Heath Island. Surf beach with
large tidal lagoon.
No facilities.
No facilities.
No facilities.
No facilities.
No facilities.
Eastern beach, Moreton Island Adventures.
Moreton Island—a place
to explore the bay waters.
Photo (left): The Wrecks,
Tourism and Events Qld.
Further information
• For inspirational ideas on discovering national parks visit
www.nationalparks.queensland.com
Packing checklist
• Untreated, clean milled firewood because you’re not
allowed to collect bush timber.
• Sealable containers and strong plastic bags for
• Like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/qldnationalparks
• For detailed information on Moreton Island visit
www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-island
• To book your camp site visit www.qld.gov.au/camping
or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
• For help with planning your holiday, including tours and
accommodation, visit Queensland Holidays
www.queenslandholidays.com.au
keeping your camp site tidy. Pack food, bait and rubbish
• Pest free gear—check your camping gear and
supplies are free of soil, cane toads, ants, insects or
plant seeds. Moreton Island is cane toad free so let’s
• Generator if staying in a camping zone (optional).
Make sure it’s sound-rated at 65 decibel or less.
• Portable loo, if camping away from facilities. Don’t
pump, snatch strap and tow rope.
• First aid kit—accidents are never planned so
be prepared.
• Mobile phone—check with your provider about
coverage on the island.
• For fishers and boaties, a map of the Moreton Bay
Marine Park showing zones and designated areas.
Got a thirst?
You can collect water from the Big Sandhills on the
western beach, Rous Battery and Eagers Beach on the
Front cover photo: Cape Moreton bluff looking down to Boulder Beach
by Keiran Lusk.
©State of Queensland 2014.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.
BP2073 June 2014
Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources.
scatter rubbish and will eat anything, including bread
The Wrecks and Comboyuro Point camping areas.
• Vehicle spares, extra fuel, water, tyre gauge, air
Moreton island—a place to
uncover natural and manmade wonders.
Photos (clockwise from top):
The Desert, courtesy of
Moreton Island Adventures;
Cape Moreton and Mirapool
Lagoon by Adam Creed,
Queensland Government.
them highly efficient scavengers. They easily find and
and biscuits. Help rangers control these pests by
get caught short, toilets can be a fair distance away.
or www.visitbrisbane.com.au.
Feral pigs have an acute sense of smell which makes
your rubbish. Bins for campers are located near
keep it that way.
Mobile phone charges may apply.
Feral foes—camp pig-safe
eastern beach and all five camping areas. Be sure to boil
or treat water before drinking.
in strong lockable containers, bury fish offal below the
high tide mark and clean up after you’ve finished eating.
Staying safe
Moreton Island has many natural hazards for the
unwary visitor. Although it’s just a stone’s throw from
Brisbane, this sand island is remote with limited facilities
and no resident doctor. Medical assistance may be
hours away so you need to be self-sufficient and plan
ahead for any contingency.
• Beach driving is best 2 hours either side of low tide.
• Avoid night driving—obstacles and wash-outs can be
very difficult to see.
• Don’t climb on the shipwrecks at Tangalooma
or Bulwer. They may collapse causing serious injuries.
• Stay away from beach rocks—surf and swell can
wash you away.
• Keep behind the fence on the Cape walking track as
the cliff edge can be unstable.
• Take care if swimming in the ocean as it’s not
patrolled and there may be strong currents, rips
and sharks.
• Never dive into water as sandbanks and submerged
objects can be hard to see.
Moreton Island (moorgumpin)
and surrounds | discovery guide
• Supervise your children at all times especially near
Unwind
leisurely
water and around vehicles on the beach.
• Do not sand toboggan on the western facing dunes
between The Wrecks and Ben-Ewa. There is a high
risk of injury from buried debris and collision with
vehicles driving along the beach.
• Tune into local radio stations for weather updates.
Tourism and Events Queensland.
• Sand slips are silent. Park and play well away from
North Point beach.
sand cliffs.
Drive safely
Long stretches of beach sound like the perfect drive
but beaches have natural hazards. Washouts, exposed
rocks, and very soft sand can make four-wheel driving
more challenging particularly after heavy rain and
rough seas. Stay alert, drive to conditions and don’t
take any risks.
Emergencies: Call 000 or text 106 for
speech or hearing impaired.
Permits
Buy your camping and vehicle permits before visiting
Moreton Island. You can book camping up to six months
in advance from:
• Phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) anytime; mobile phone
Tangalooma Wrecks.
Photo courtesy of Tourism
and Events Queensland.
charges may apply
• Moreton Island Adventures when booking your barge
from Brisbane to the island (07) 3909 3333.
Photo: Keiran Lusk.
• ParksQ Online at www.qld.gov.au/camping
Explore
naturally
Walking is on
Here are a fe
Cape Mor
Walk in the
of island san
and observe
pop in to th
lighthouse r
Photo: Keiran Lusk.
store.
R anger tips for a memor able
holiday. Try one or all, the
choice is yours.
North
Moreton
Artificial Reef
Moreton Bay Marine Park
Nort
spend hours
offshore
built artificial reefs scattered
ot
o:
ad
t Ro
oin
hP
or t
Ph
... at one of the six purpose
Yellow Patch
Heath Island
Ad
am C
re e d , Q l d G o
v t.
throughout Moreton Bay. North
spearfishing. Take your own boat or a charter fishing
Bul
Dog
Creek
Moreton artificial reef—designed to
attract pelagic species at a shallower depth—is ideal for
r–
we
Tailor Bight
N
Lake
Jabiru
Five Hills
Comboyuro
Point
tour to discover these reefs off Moreton’s coastline.
r–
lwe
Bu
Bulwer
e
Blu
Lagoon
d
Roa
Curtin Artificial Reef
Blue
Lagoon
Honeyeater Lake
Due to creek
crossings, low
N6
Cravens
ne of the best ways to explore the island.
ew of the ranger’s favourite walks.
Mount Tempest lookout 2.2km return, 2hr
A slow climb up numerous steps to the summit of Mount Tempest at 280m
—the highest sand dune in Australia—will reward you with 360 degree views
eton circuit 1.3km, 30min
of the island, Moreton Bay and on a clear day the Glass House Mountains.
shadow of Queensland’s first lighthouse, built in 1857
ndstone, as you take in the breathtaking island scenery
Rous Battery tr ack 9.8km one-way, 3.5hr
e marine life in the waters below. Before heading back
Retracing the old Rous Battery service road, the track branches off as you near the
he information centre and listen to wildlife calls, see
eastern beach revealing remnants of the WWII Rous Battery scattered around the
relics or match wildlife to their habitat.
bunker, gun emplacements, grated escape hatch, battery plotting room and artillery
be invigor ated
... in this natural spa as water
cascades over the North Point
Ph
ot
oc
sQ
ld
rocks on the incoming tide.
Flinders
Reef
Aarhus
historic
wreck
lighthouse illuminate in brilliant orange hues.
Once the sky darkens you’ll be able to see the
en
m
N10
over the bay see this majestic sandstone
er n
itfi
ee re
k
nt
t
rotating light of this active lighthouse.
catching
your dinner
N12
Cr
f Tour
Eve
ism &
Cape Cliff
e
u
Sp
: Q u e e n sl a n d G ov
N14
te s y o
... from Cape Moreton. As the sun’s rays disappear
o to
Cape Moreton
our
enjoy a stunning sunset
Ph
Honeymoon Bay
th Point
6
dunes. Explore concrete structures in varying states of decay including a command
Caution: At times,
exposed rocks make
beaches impassable,
especially after rough
sea conditions.
... is as easy as casting a line. Whether
you’re fishing for tailor, flathead, dart,
bream, whiting or something else there are
Ph
plenty of spots on the island to try your luck
o to
: P aul
ld
C a n dlin , Q
Go
vt
.
from surf beaches to rocky headlands.
N8
Blue Lagoon
refresh yourself
... with a dip in the cool
tide access only.
feel the adrenaline
... as you slide down the steep
Creek
Telegraph
Walking Track
Cowan Cowan
N4
8km
sand dunes at The Desert.
Mt Tempest
N2
Ben-Ewa
Eagers Bea
P h o t o co u r
U-turn areas
Tangalooma wrecks
te s
f
or
e to
n Is
Tangalooma
Bypass
yo
M
The Wrecks
l a n d A d ve n ture s
Tangalooma Resort
One wa
y
One wa
y
dle
Mid
d
Roa
S1
S3
The
Desert
Tangalooma Point
S5
Rous Battery
Walking Track
9.8km
Ph
en
ts
Q ld
paddle at your
own pace
o to
co u r
i
tes y of Tour
sm
&
Ev
S7
White Rock
Shark Spit
... in the calm waters
S9
Caution: The beach
between Kooringal and
Tangalooma is not always
trafficable even at low tide.
from Tangalooma south
to Toulkerrie. If one day isn’t
enough time to explore, why not
S11
Rous
Battery
camp at one of the many remote camp
sites along this stretch of beach.
Big
Sandhills
S13
Moreton Bay Marine Park
S15
Little
Sandhills
S17
cruise
moreton bay
... on a charter tour to see marine
life up close including whales (June-
Toulkerrie
Ph
o to
: P aul
C a n dlin , Q
ld G
ov
t.
November), dolphins, dungong, turtles, stingrays and more.
Kooringal
Short P
Campbell Point
Day’s Gutter
Scale
0
2
4
6
Moreton Island topographic map enquiries to 13 QGOV (13 74 68); mobile phone charges may apply.
8km
Reeders Po
Cherubs Cave
Henderson
Rock
Ph
en
ts
Q ld
freshwaters of Blue Lagoon.
o to
co u r
tes y of Tour
ism
&
Ev
Take your kayak or paddle board
to explore further afield.
Moreton Bay Marine Park
world-class dive sites
ach
... await keen divers from the magnificent reefs of
Flinders Reef and Flat Rock with their abundant
marine life, and the coral encrusted historic wreck
Ph o
to
ue
:Q
Distance markers
for emergencies are
located on the ocean
beach at 2km intervals
north (N followed by an
even number) and south
(S and an odd number)
of Middle Road.
en
of the ‘Aarhus’ to Henderson Rock and Cherubs
sl a
nd G
Cave where the endangered grey nurse sharks may
ove r n m e n t
be observed during the colder months.
Legend
Recreation area
Regional park
Sand
: Qu
... as you wander through the sand
Private lease
P h o to
soak up some history
Settlements
ee
dunes and discover the relics of the Rous
an
ns
dG
l
No vehicle access
Battery—a WWII defence fortification built
20km/hr zone
ove
to protect Brisbane from enemy attack.
30km/hr zone
r nm en t
Special protection
zone and low tide
access only
4WD vehicle track
Walking track
Creeks
Rocks, intermittently
exposed
Amphitheatre
Camping area
Camper
4WD access
Ranger station
Toilets
Showers (cold)
Water
(treat before use)
Walking track
Lookout
Bins
Information
Telephone
S19
Accommodation
Mirapool
Lagoon
General store
Vehicle ferry
Point
Wreck
All walks at a glance
To
From
Distance
Walk
time
Blue Lagoon
Ocean Beach (north of
Bulwer-Blue Lagoon Road)
500m (return)
20min
Cape Moreton
Cape Moreton car park
1.3km (circuit)
30min
Five Hills lookout
Five Hills (off Bulwer-North
Point Road)
1km (return)
30min
Honeyeater Lake
(viewing platform)
Car park off Bulwer-Blue
Lagoon Road
60m (return)
5min
Mount Tempest
lookout (steep ascent
with many steps)
Mount Tempest car park
off Middle Road
2.2km (return)
2hr
Rous Battery,
eastern beach
The Desert
9.8km (one-way)
3.5hr
Telegraph track
(For one-way option get
picked up at BulwerBlue Lagoon Road)
Mount Tempest car park
off Middle Road
16km (return)
8km (one-way)
6hr
3hr
The Desert
Western beach (1 km south of
Tangalooma)
4km (circuit)
2hr
Airstrip
Lighthouse
Emergency
Services helipad
oint
Spearfishing
prohibited
N2
S7
Distance markers