Moreton Island is so close to Brisbane, and its many attractions within easy reach, that you can experience most of the island in just one day, or take longer to explore some of the locals favourite spots.
Try one of our suggested itineraries, and be sure to check the tides first to choose the best times to travel.
Suggested One and Two Day Touring Itineraries
Before venturing to Moreton Island, it is advisable that a little planning and preparation in advance will assist you in maximizing the most of your Moreton Island escape.
- Check the tides for the day of your arrival. Remember that in most cases you will arrive at the drop off point on Moreton Island by 10.30am so plan your itinerary around this. If you are arriving right on a high tide, you will need to confine your touring activities until the tide has started to fall. Relax – enjoy a picnic beachside, go for a bushwalk or simply rest and relax with a good book.
- If you are planning on driving on the beach, allow for 1 ½2 hours of driving either side of- low tides. Driving on the internal tracks across the island does not require tidal planning.
- Ensure you know how to lower the tyre pressure for your vehicle. Please remember our Micat crew are experts at this and always willing to help.
- Work out your level of confidence. Take your time and relax. You are not driving in a F1 car race.
- If you are camping, it is advisable to go set up camp first so your Moreton Island base is secure and comfortable. You might want to go do the same if you are staying in private accommodation in Bulwer or Cowan Cowan.
Places to Go, Places to See
At The Wrecks drop off point, you can complete a loop of the top part of the island in one day. While at The Wrecks, there are a myriad of old shipwrecks to snorkel around. This is a great spot to be based while waiting for the tides to turn. Camping is available nearby at Ben-Ewa campgrounds.
From the drop off point at The Wrecks to Bulwer is a very comfortable 25 minute drive. There are shipwrecks at Bulwer to snorkel around and in the township, there is the Bulwer convenience store where fuel, ice, firewood, basic foodstuffs and alcohol can be purchased. The Comboyuro Point campground is located here.
From Bulwer head north to North Point, approximately a 50 minute drive. Camping is available here as well. Park at North Point then take the 10 minute walk to Honeymoon Bay – a most beautiful beach with crystal white sands.
From Honeymoon Bay to Cape Moreton is a 10 minute drive and this is where the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse and lookout is. Walk the track up to the lighthouse for spectacular views overlooking the entire island. Watch for dolphins, dugongs and turtles frolicking in the shallows and in the season, humpback whales love to meander in the warm ocean waters.
From Cape Moreton, head south onto the Eastern Beach – head for Blue Lagoon, approx 30 minutes drive, which is a pure spring fed lake and one of the most stunning places on the island to swim.
From Blue Lagoon, head west via the Bulwer Blue Lagoon track and this will take you back to Bulwer or else travel south along Eastern Beach to Middle Road. At Middle Rd, you can turn off at the Mt Tempest Rd and park in the car park then walk up to Mt Tempest –a million dollar view of the island awaits you.
Travelling along Middle Rd you can cross back to the Wrecks and this trip only takes 30 minutes.
Day Two
Head to the Desert Dunes for sandboarding. From Bulwer, this takes just 60 minutes and from the Wrecks, it is just a short 30 minute drive.
From Middle Road, head to Eastern Beach and drive south to Mirapool Lagoon – this is an incredible shorebird sanctuary and well worth the drive. This drive takes 30 minutes from the ocean beach and bypasses the Big Sandhills and the Small Sandhills where the famous Coke ad of the 1980’s was made.
Travel back up to the Wrecks to connect with your 3.30pm Micat transfer back to Brisbane.