Located off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton Island is the third-largest sand island in the world (after K’gari/Fraser Island and North Stradbroke Island) and is a must-visit when exploring Southeast Queensland.
So, what’s so great about Moreton Island? For starters, it’s most known for its Tangalooma Wrecks - 15 shipwrecks laying 20 metres off the island's west coast, a popular spot for snorkelling, diving and kayaking. The ships were purposely sunk in the 1960s through the 80s to provide safe anchorage for boats coming to the island. Today, coral has formed around the wrecks, providing a home to over 100 species of fish and sometimes turtles, dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs!
So, what’s the best way to experience the Tangalooma Wrecks and Moreton Island’s dunes? By booking the Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour!
What’s Included in The Tour?
I recently went on the Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour with Backpacker Deals, and it was such a fantastic experience.
Your day starts by getting picked up at the Brisbane City Coach Terminal or going to the Port of Brisbane departure point, where you’ll board the ferry (I went with the latter because it was more convenient and cheaper). However, if you don’t have a car or mode of transport and are staying in the city, getting picked up at the coach terminal is the way to go.
Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, check in with Sunset Safaris (the tour operator) before boarding the ferry.
The ferry from the Port of Brisbane to Moreton Island takes around 90 minutes. You can sit inside or outside on the deck, taking in the sights and even spot a dolphin or two! If you book the tour between June and November, you may be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale!
During the ride, a Sunset Safaris team member will give you a coloured wristband to determine the activity you’ll do first (kayaking, snorkelling or sandboarding).
As you get closer to the island, you’ll be able to see the spectacular Tangalooma Beach, the resort and even some dunes. The great thing about the ferry is that it drops you off right next to the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Once you get off the ferry, Sunset Safaris staff will direct you to their truck on the beach near the wrecks, which has kayaks, wetsuits and snorkel gear and will be your base for the day.
Kayaking
I was in the group that went kayaking around the wrecks first, and it was incredible. Since the kayaks are clear, they allow you to see all the colourful fish and coral beneath you.
You’re given around 45 minutes to kayak around the 15 shipwrecks, see a variety of fish and maybe even have the chance to spot a turtle, wobbegong or dugong! Remember not to paddle into the wrecks; they are fragile and can be damaged easily!
While kayaking, you’ll also have the chance to feed fish, which causes a total frenzy and is exciting! You’ll be given some fish food, and seeing hundreds swim towards your kayak to eat the food is truly amazing!
Also, note that the kayaks hold two people, so you’ll have to pair up with someone else if you're a solo traveller.
Snorkelling
When it’s your turn to go snorkelling, the staff will give you a wetsuit, snorkel gear and gloves (in case you touch the rusty wrecks) before taking you out to the wrecks on the back of a jet ski.
Two Sunset Safaris team members will always be with you, one at the front of the snorkel group and one at the back to keep you all together. There will also be a team member on the jet ski who will direct you to a spot if they see any interesting marine life, such as a wobbegong or dugong!
Again, you’re given around 45 minutes to explore the shipwrecks, see the ships beneath the surface, and spot various colourful and unique fish.
Lunch
Halfway through the day, you’re given a delicious lunch on the beach. Sunset Safaris team members set out an impressive spread next to the truck with tasty meats, salads, biscuits and chips to snack on!
As someone with gluten intolerance, it was refreshing to see gluten-free options available, as well!
Once you’re plated up, sit down on the sand, bask in the sun and enjoy a tasty meal before heading off on your afternoon activity!
Sandboarding
As the third-largest sand island in the world, you can expect some impressive dunes on Moreton Island, and that’s what your next activity is all about!
After lunch, I jumped aboard the 4WD bus that took us through the bumpy tracks of the forest to The Desert. The steep dunes here provide fantastic views of the surrounding vegetation but are even more fun to slide down on a sandboard, making The Desert one of the most popular places on the island.
Once you arrive at The Desert, a team member will guide you through the stunning landscape and climb to the steepest dune, where you’ll be given a sandboard. Now it’s time for the real fun!
Find a spot on the top of the dune, put the board down, hop on top and get going! As you glide down the dune, you can get up to 70km/h speeds! With about an hour in The Desert, you can climb to the top of the dune and sandboard down as many times as you like!
Afterwards, you’ll board the bus and head back to the beach before boarding the ferry back to Brisbane. After such a fun-filled day, you could nap on the ferry or stand on the outdoor deck looking out for dolphins!
I have been to Moreton Island five times, and this tour was among my favourite days because of the number of activities included and the amount of time given to experience the activities.
Is the Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour Worth It?
For me, yes. I have been to Moreton Island five times and this is one of the best days I have had there. The real appeal is how much variety fits into one day. You spend time on the water, eat a proper lunch on the beach, and finish with a thrilling dune session, without having to book or coordinate any of it yourself.
It suits first-time visitors, solo travellers who would like a ready-made group, and families with children aged 4 and up. It is not the right pick if you would rather spend the day doing nothing but lying on the sand, or if you would like to stay overnight on the island.
One thing to keep in mind is that the activities depend on the weather, wind, and tides. If conditions are poor, the operator may swap an activity for a scenic tour of the island, so it is worth going on a day with a flexible mindset.
How Long Is the Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour?
Plan on a full day. The tour runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Departure times depend on where you join:
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Gold Coast: around 5:45am from Mantra on View Hotel, 22 View St Surfers Paradise
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Brisbane City Coach Terminal: around 7:00am from Parkland Crescent, Brisbane City
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Port of Brisbane: around 7:30am from 14 Howard Smith Drive
The ferry crossing from the Port of Brisbane takes roughly 75 minutes each way. Return times are approximate and depend on the ferry schedule and traffic. Expect to be back in Brisbane at around 5:30pm and on the Gold Coast at around 7:30pm. For that reason, avoid booking a flight or an evening connection close to those times.
What Is Included in the Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour?
Your tour ticket covers:
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Return bus transfers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Port of Brisbane
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A fully guided day including the transparent kayaks, the snorkel session, and sandboarding
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Transparent kayaks have a clear bottom that lets you see marine life beneath you while paddling, which makes the wreck section genuinely impressive even if you never put your head underwater
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All water and safety gear including wetsuits, snorkelling equipment, and life vests
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A picnic lunch on the beach with dietary options available
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The 4WD bus ride to The Desert dunes
Paid separately: The local access fee covering the return ferry ticket and national park entry is charged separately and paid directly to your driver at departure. The current fee is $85 per adult and $65 per child aged 13 and under. Payment can be made by cash or card, though a surcharge applies for card payments. Local fees are subject to change so confirm the current amount directly with Sunset Safaris when booking. Holiday surcharges may apply on some dates and anything purchased from the bar on the boat is extra.
What Should You Bring on a Moreton Island Day Trip?
Because the gear is looked after, you only need to pack a few personal items:
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A beach towel
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Swimmers worn under your clothes
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Cash or card for the local fee plus a little extra for the boat bar
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as shade is limited on the sand
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Insect repellent
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Thongs and a pair of walking shoes
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A refillable water bottle
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A camera or waterproof phone pouch
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A dry change of clothes for the trip home
There is a cold shower on the island if you would like to rinse off before heading back.
How Do You Get to Moreton Island from Brisbane?
You reach the island by ferry from the Port of Brisbane, and there are two ways to get to the departure point. The easiest option, especially if you are staying in the city without a car, is the operator's bus from the Brisbane City Coach Terminal on Parkland Crescent. The other is to drive to the Port of Brisbane and meet the group there. This needs to be booked in advance and is listed at around $10 cheaper for adults than the Coach Terminal option. If you are based on the Gold Coast, pick-ups run from Surfers Paradise.
Whichever you choose, you check in with the tour operator Sunset Safaris before boarding. The crossing takes roughly 75 minutes and you can keep an eye out for dolphins from the deck. Humpback whales migrate past Moreton Island from around June to October, so you might spot one on the way, but sightings are never guaranteed. The ferry lands you right beside the Tangalooma Wrecks so you will not need another transfer once you arrive.
Moreton Island Tours — Book Online Today
If you’re planning a trip to Moreton Island and want to experience the best of what it has to offer, definitely consider booking the Get Wrecked Tour!
Looking for other activities to experience on the island? There are plenty of different activities on Moreton Island to suit various preferences and budgets.
Moreton Island is only one of many fantastic places to see in Queensland. From beaches to islands and even waterfalls, there is so much to see and do. Looking for inspiration for your trip? My travel blog has a range of articles to help you plan the perfect itinerary!
