Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
The world's third-largest sand island floats just 40 km off Brisbane — 98% national park, zero paved roads, and a legendary fleet of deliberately sunk ships teeming with marine life.
The world's third-largest sand island floats just 40 km off Brisbane — 98% national park, zero paved roads, and a legendary fleet of deliberately sunk ships teeming with marine life.
Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the Tangalooma Island Resort jetty on the island's western shore.
💡 Pro move: There is no public pier or ferry terminal. All access is via your ship's tenders to the Tangalooma Resort.
No cruise pier exists on Moreton Island; all ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the resort jetty.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess | Tangalooma Island Resort Jetty, western shore📍 | Tendered |
| All cruise lines | Tangalooma Island Resort Jetty📍 | Tendered |
The resort's activity desk offers everything from guided wreck snorkelling to 4WD desert safaris — book before sailing or first thing ashore.
A 4WD bus takes you into the island's interior to towering white sand dunes where you slide down on Masonite boards at up to 40 km/h. Surreal fun for all ages.
Find sand dune tours →A guided boat takes you to 15 deliberately sunk ships now colonised by 100+ fish species, sea turtles, and rays. All gear included; far safer than swimming out independently.
Find wreck snorkel tours →Catamaran cruise through Moreton Bay searching for dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays in their natural habitat.
Find marine wildlife tours →Guided quad bike tours wind through coastal bushland and over sand dunes behind the resort. No prior experience required; minimum age applies.
Find quad biking tours →Free use of the calm, white-sand beach right at the resort. Swim in the sheltered bay, hire a paddleboard, or just claim a spot under the palms.
Find beach and resort packages →Walking on Moreton Island means soft sand — the island has no paved roads, so comfortable shoes and sunscreen are essential.
Walk north along the beach from Tangalooma Jetty to the cluster of 15 sunken ships. The wrecks are visible from shore and offer superb photos at low tide. Bring water and reef shoes if you plan to wade in.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →A leisurely walk along the western beach from the jetty toward the resort's southern end. Calm, sheltered water perfect for paddling; pelicans and ibis are common.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 78°F / 26°C | 74°F / 23°C | 11 | 5:05 AM | 6:45 PM |
| Feb | 78°F / 26°C | 74°F / 23°C | 12 | 5:30 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Mar | 77°F / 25°C | 73°F / 23°C | 18 | 5:47 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Apr | 74°F / 23°C | 70°F / 21°C | 14 | 6:03 AM | 5:29 PM |
| May | 70°F / 21°C | 65°F / 18°C | 13 | 6:19 AM | 5:05 PM |
| Jun | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 12 | 6:34 AM | 4:59 PM |
| Jul | 66°F / 19°C | 60°F / 16°C | 8 | 6:35 AM | 5:09 PM |
| Aug | 67°F / 19°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 | 6:16 AM | 5:25 PM |
| Sep | 69°F / 21°C | 63°F / 17°C | 6 | 5:44 AM | 5:39 PM |
| Oct | 71°F / 22°C | 67°F / 19°C | 9 | 5:11 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Nov | 74°F / 23°C | 70°F / 21°C | 8 | 4:47 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 11 | 4:46 AM | 6:36 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Cruise ships anchor offshore and ferry passengers by tender to Tangalooma Island Resort. No additional cost — this is your point of arrival on the island.
The Tangalooma Passenger Ferry and MiCat ferry both connect Moreton Island to Brisbane wharves. The journey takes 75–90 minutes each way and must be booked in advance.
Guided 4WD bus tours explore the island's highlights including the Tangalooma Desert, Cape Moreton Lighthouse, and Blue Lagoon. These are the primary way to cover distance on the island.
Tangalooma Resort offers pre-booked shuttle buses between select Brisbane hotels and Holt Street Wharf (the ferry departure point). Must be booked directly with the resort.
The area around Tangalooma Resort — including the famous Wrecks snorkel site and resort beach — is easily walkable. Bring sunscreen; distances across open sand can be deceptive.
Upcoming cruises that call at Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.