If you are planning a trip from Brisbane to Moreton Island, this page explains which ferry suits passengers or 4WDs, the permits campers and drivers need, and the main limits on island access.
Getting to Moreton Island
Moreton Island, also known as Mulgumpin, lies off the coast of Brisbane. Ferry services leave from different Brisbane terminals: the passenger ferry goes to Tangalooma Island Resort, while visitors bringing a 4WD use the Micat vehicle ferry from the Port of Brisbane.
Your accommodation and transport plans determine what you need to book. Tangalooma Island Resort guests can add passenger transfers to their accommodation booking and use resort facilities. Campers must arrange their own ferry crossing, campsite and vehicle permit before travelling. Queensland Parks requires a confirmed camping booking before arrival, and popular sites book out well ahead. Use the Queensland Parks booking service to see campsite availability and Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) safety and conditions for current access information.
Passenger ferries to Tangalooma
Tangalooma’s passenger ferry travels from Holt Street Wharf, 220 Holt Street, Pinkenba, to Tangalooma Jetty. The crossing takes about 75 minutes each way. Tangalooma’s transport information estimates the drive to the wharf at about 10 minutes from Brisbane Airport and 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
Passengers must pre-book and check in at least one hour before departure. Tangalooma also asks passengers to confirm bookings at least 24 hours before travel. Departure times change, so check the current ferry timetable before travelling to Pinkenba.
Resort guests can add ferry transfers when booking accommodation. Other visitors should contact Tangalooma before making travel plans to confirm the passenger-ferry options available to them.
Taking a 4WD to Moreton Island
Visitors taking a 4WD to Mulgumpin need the Micat vehicle ferry. It departs from 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane, and the operator estimates the crossing at about 90 minutes. Micat uses a demand-based timetable, so check current departure times, vehicle space and fares before booking.
A vehicle access permit is required before driving in the Mulgumpin Recreation Area. Buy the permit through the Queensland Parks booking service. The Queensland Parks safety and conditions page lists track closures, beach access and other conditions that affect driving.
For a camping trip, confirm the ferry booking, campsite and vehicle permit before leaving the mainland.
Moreton Island tours and transport
A guided 4WD tour suits visitors who want to explore more of Mulgumpin without bringing a suitable four-wheel drive. Tangalooma’s Northern Safari travels through Cowan Cowan and Bulwer to North Point and Cape Moreton. From June to October, the resort replaces the Northern Safari with a whale-watching bus safari. Check the current tour details and schedule before booking. Whether a trip can operate on the day depends on the weather and tides, as well as track conditions.
Tangalooma’s ferry from Brisbane carries passengers only. Independent travellers need a suitable 4WD and a vehicle access permit to drive in the Mulgumpin Recreation Area. Deep sand, beach driving and unsealed inland tracks require preparation, and access restrictions can follow rough weather.
Tangalooma is a private resort. Access to its food outlets, shops and guest facilities depends on the ferry, tour or accommodation booking. Arriving on the passenger ferry does not itself provide access to those facilities. Confirm the access included with your booking before travelling.
Tangalooma Wrecks and beaches
The Tangalooma Wrecks lie off Moreton Island’s western coast. Fifteen vessels were deliberately sunk from 1963 onwards to form a breakwater for small boats. Their hulls now support an artificial reef. Visit Brisbane lists coral and tropical fish around the wrecks, along with turtles and dugongs in the surrounding waters. Sightings of larger marine animals are not guaranteed.
The wrecks were added in stages. Tangalooma Island Resort says five vessels were sunk in 1963, with the remaining ships added during the 1970s and 1980s. Visit Brisbane refers to the group collectively as the 1963 wrecks. Both sources describe the same 15 vessels.
Take care when entering the water from the beach. The beach is unpatrolled, tidal currents pass through the channel between the shore and the wrecks, and boats and jet skis use the area. Follow local signs and assess conditions before entering the water. A guided snorkelling trip by boat avoids the swim from the beach.
Cowan Cowan, Bulwer and North Point are accessible destinations on the island, but beach and track access varies with conditions, including closures and hazards.
Walking on Moreton Island
Walking provides a quieter way to explore Mulgumpin. Queensland’s Moreton Island itinerary includes Mount Tempest as a walking destination.
