Oct 18

The Best Destination in Queensland 2021

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The Best Destination in Queensland 2021

The Island

The question of the year: “What are we going to do this summer?”
With pins put into international holiday plans, you’re probably wondering: “where else can I go that feels as if I’ve flown to Bali without leaving the country?” We have the answer for you: The stunning Moreton Island (Mulgumpin). Pristine waters and stretches of golden beaches, world-class snorkelling, and abundant wildlife create the picturesque Moreton Island.

Here’s why a See Moreton Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks cruise, only 70 minutes from Brisbane, is the perfect gateway to paradise.

Location, location

A local’s secret, Moreton Island is a unique holiday destination to 40km from the coast of Brisbane.

Begin your Queensland Holiday in the capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane. The heart of SEQ gives easy access to taste all slices of Australian paradise, from the Gold Coast and its national parks to the golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast.

You can board our luxurious catamaran, Spirit of Migaloo II, from Rivergate Marina in Brisbane and enjoy a sub-tropical day out. Being a day trip, you can enjoy a full day of island adventures and return to your accommodation by dinnertime.

Divine weather and turquoise water

Picture a beautiful tropical island with golden beaches crystal clear waters. You won’t have to imagine anymore when you visit Moreton Island. A See Moreton day trip includes snorkelling and swimming in turquoise water, abundant with coral and marine life.

The average temperature on Moreton Island over the summer is 28°C, and over 90% of days are full of beautiful sunshine. The water temperature can reach up to a refreshing 28°C.

The Tangalooma Wrecks against stunning turquoise water.

World-Class Snorkeling

There aren’t any snorkel sites in Brisbane, but only 70 minutes from the city is a passage to paradise. Snorkelling the world-class Tangalooma Wrecks is a highlight on your See Moreton tour. Discover schools of rainbow fish, turtles, dugongs and colourful coral.

Your ticket includes all that you need to snorkel: Your mask, snorkel, gloves and fins (flippers). Our professional snorkel guides will be there to guide you and help you find the best places in the reef to spot wildlife. Snorkelling is open to all swimming abilities, with floatation devices and safety procedures in place.

Please note: Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks is recommended for children aged 6 and up. Younger children are welcome to snorkel under competent adult supervision during free beach time.

The mysterious Tangalooma Wrecks (Image courtesy Shutterstock)

Tropical Buffet Delights

We have collaborated with the best local producers in the Gold Coast and Brisbane region to carefully craft a delicious tropical buffet lunch. Indulge in fresh king prawns, maple-glazed ham, tender roast chicken and a delightful assortment of sides.

In the afternoon, cool down with a tropical fruit platter and refreshing happy hour deals.

Dolphins and Turtles and Dugongs, oh my!

Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) boasts one of the largest dolphin populations in the world, consisting of over 700 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and 200 Australian humpback dolphins. Dolphins are commonly found surfing at the bow of our vessel.

Our cruise will take you on a wildlife discovery tour as we look for shadows in the water that could be a sea turtle or even our favourite local dugong, Dougie.

Dolphin watching on our Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) Cruise

Perfect for everyone

See Moreton Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks cruise is the ideal day trip from Brisbane. It is perfect for families young and old, couples who want a romantic getaway or social groups looking for something unique.

Grab your bestie and enjoy fun in the Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) sun.

See Moreton 2021/2022 seasons begins in November. Be the first to visit the island.

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How did the Tangalooma Wrecks get to Moreton Island?

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How did the Tangalooma Wrecks get to Moreton Island?

The Island

Hidden off the Brisbane coast lies South East Queensland’s best-kept secret: Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) and the Tangalooma Wrecks. Boasting crystal clear water, pristine beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, it is one must-do on your bucket list. Home of the Tangalooma Wrecks, a group of purposely sunk ships, is one of the best snorkeling sites in Australia and the world.

Find out below how the Tangalooma Wrecks got to Moreton Island and answers to other need-to-know questions.

How did the Tangalooma Wrecks get to Moreton Island?

Are they World War II ruins? Are they old pirate ships? Did they all sink at the same time? Good questions, but not quite. The history of the Tangalooma Wrecks dates back to the 1960s when boat owners asked for safe anchorage on the island as small boats found it difficult to dock. Their request for a man-made harbour was granted in the form of the Tangalooma Wrecks. Fifteen vessels were deliberately sunk over the next two decades. Over time the shipwrecks have rusted into the skeletons of ships protruding from the turquoise water. The unique formation has become a popular tourist attraction.

Did you know that each shipwreck has a name of its own?

Where does the name Tangalooma Wrecks come from?

The formation originates from the Quandamooka language for ‘where fish gather’. Quandamooka is the name of the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea surrounding Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Tangalooma Wrecks is a fitting name for the abundance of fish and wildlife that call the island home.

Elaborate coral formations have formed on the wrecks over the decades, creating an underwater wonderland.

How can I visit the Tangalooma Wrecks?

One of the best ways to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks is See Moreton’s Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise! Our all-inclusive tour departs from Brisbane daily between November and May.

Departing from Brisbane, you will board our multi-million dollar vessel, Spirit of Migaloo II, taking you on a 70-minute journey to Moreton Island. From here, our expert snorkel guides will lead you through the Tangalooma Wrecks, sharing their knowledge and secret turtle hiding spots. The ticket price includes all snorkel hire, a delicious tropical buffet lunch with fresh ocean king prawns, succulent roast chicken and maple glazed ham, and a selection of fresh seasonal fruit. Drinks and light refreshments are available for purchase onboard.

I’ve never been snorkeling before. Can I still go?

The best part of the Tangalooma Wrecks is how easy it is to snorkel, and there is no experience needed. Our expert guides will help you the entire way, starting with an in-depth brief on the way to the island. This includes safety hand signals, wearing a snorkel and fins, and everything else in between to make your experience comfortable. For many of our guests, this will be their first-ever snorkeling experience, and we’ll be sure to make it a positive one.

Over 250 fish species are found in the Tangalooma wrecks.

Want to see the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks for yourself? Book your seat and prepare to set sail to paradise.

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Paradise in your backyard: 6 reasons why Moreton Island should be your next tropical escape

By user The Island No Comments

Paradise in your backyard: 6 reasons why Moreton Island should be your next tropical escape

The Island

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Many of our summer travel plans have been disrupted and cancelled this year. No Bali, no Europe, stuck at home with travel money to spare. Where do you go now? Moreton Island is the perfect place to satisfy your wanderlust cravings.

With state borders now open, it is time to discover the hidden wonders and beauty of Australia. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the idyllic Moreton Island, paradise only 75 minutes away from Brisbane. Drift away to turquoise waters and unspoilt beaches, sand dunes, dolphins and so much more. You’ll be the height of island envy amongst your friends.

6 Reasons Why Moreton Island Should Be Your Next Tropical Escape

1. Perfect for the budget-conscious

Only 75 minutes from Brisbane, Moreton Island is every budget traveller’s dream. No flights, excess baggage fees, hotel stays, just you and your ticket headed for paradise. Your tour includes all that you need, from snorkel hire to a buffet lunch. All you need to worry about is choosing which of your dozens of photographs is Insta-worthy.

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2. Feel a world away in a day

A visit to Moreton Island is the day-trip detox you need. Let your worries disappear and bathe in the summer sunshine as you are whisked away from city life. The replacement of concrete skylines for crystal clear waters will make you forget that reality is just over an hour away. Pick up and drop off options are available, allowing you to relax and enjoy paradise stress-free, just how it should be.

3. A nature lovers dream

Moreton Bay is a marine wildlife mecca that needs to be seen to be believed. The region is home to the largest group of resident bottlenose dolphins in the world as well as the rare Australian humpback dolphin. Where else can you get up close with schools of fish, sea turtles and even shy and gentle dugongs? Keep an eye out for the bottlenose dolphins who also love to ride the bow on the cruise over to Moreton Island.

4. Discover the mystery of the Tangalooma Wrecks

Moreton Island is home to the unique the Tangalooma Wrecks, a fleet of purposely sunken boats that over time have become home to a vibrant coral reef. Snorkel your way through colourful schools of fish and keep your eyes open for turtles, wobbegongs and everyone’s favourite local, Dougie, the dugong. We have trained snorkel guides that know the wrecks inside and out, and are happy to share their favourite spots and secrets of the Tangalooma Wrecks. (All snorkel gear is included in your ticket price).

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5. Explore on Moreton Island time

We’re all about freedom and flexibility, so do as much or do as little as you like during your free island time. Explore stretches of unspoiled white sand beaches or unleash your inner adventurer by scrambling up famous dunes to capture a view worthy of Instagram envy. Pop up an umbrella and unwind under with a good book or tanning session. Challenge your friends to a game of beach footy with supplied sports equipment.

6. Feast on local flavours

When all that adventuring works up an appetite, we’ve got you covered with a Tropical Buffet Lunch (included in your ticket price). Soak up the sunshine as you devour a chef-prepared lunch including ocean king prawns, succulent chicken, maple-glazed ham, salads, bread rolls and servings of sweet, tropical fruits. Nothing says an island getaway more than pairing lunch with an ice-cold beverage or frozen cocktail from the onboard bar and some summer tunes (available to purchase onboard).

Visit Moreton Island for yourself and discover paradise in your backyard.
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8 fun facts about Moreton Island

By user The Island No Comments

8 fun facts about Moreton Island

The Island

Moreton Island is known as the gem of South East Queensland. And the Gold Coast and Brisbane are lucky to have it right on their doorsteps! Moreton Island is one of Australia’s largest sand islands, making Moreton Island a unique and memorable getaway destination. The Island is almost completely sand with no roads, so to get further than walking distance from the ferry landing points, you’ll need a 4WD. Just across the bay from the city, Moreton Island is quickly being recognised as an unspoiled and pristine paradise for people wanting to explore nature. Here we offer 10 fun facts about Moreton Island that you might not already know!

1. Moreton Island’s traditional, Aboriginal name is Mulgumpin (also spelt Moorgumpin). This island has recently been reclaimed by the Quandamooka People who speak the Jandai language. The Quandamooka People are the rightful owners of the island, so try saying Moor-gum-pin when you visit!

2. Moreton Island is the third largest sand island in the world. It is a 37km long, 10km wide, wedge-shaped island located only 40km northeast of Brisbane. The island consists almost entirely of sand. The exception being a small area of sandstone and rhyolite at Cape Moreton, which has built up over the past 400,000 years!

3. Moreton Island is home to the highest coastal sand dune in the world! Mount Tempest reaches 285 metres high and provides 360 degrees of breath-taking views. The island is also the only area where Pleistocene dunes have been naturally destabilised and being actively reworked. Examples of this can be seen at The Desert south of Tangalooma and the Big and Little Sandhills.

4. Moreton Island is one of the least polluted and least disturbed coastal environments along the Queensland and New South Wales coast. The island has one of the most outstanding records of continuing geological and biological processes on sand island masses in South East Queensland. Natural dune processes of erosion (gradual deterioration), accretion (gradual growth) and stabilisation by vegetation have remained relatively undisturbed by human activities.

5. Moreton Island is restricted to 4WD access only. This is because all roads on the island are sand! And the inland tracks can be extremely soft. Bogging is quite common in these areas – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

6. The sheltered waters of Moreton Bay are home to many different marine animals. Especially wonderful are the resident dugongs, who feed on the diverse seagrass communities surrounding the island. You are also likely to see dolphins and migratory birds. In particular, the island is an important feeding and resting point for over 50,000 migratory waders!

7. The island has been deemed the jewel of Moreton Bay, receiving more than 170,000 visitors per year! This means it is more important than ever that we tread lightly, reduce our waste and show care towards the local plants, animals and ecosystems. Many visitors stay at the famous Tangalooma Island Resort, while others choose to camp. Camping permits can be booked through Mulgumpin Camping, owned and operated by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).

8. The island’s shape is always changing in response to the ocean currents and winds. The development of the Mirapool lagoon – from a series of islands to its current form as a large body of shallow water – is a good example of how quickly the sand environment can change.

From Moreton to Mulgumpin: The island rightfully returns to Traditional Custodians

By user Activities, Blog, Responsible Tourism, The Island, Wildlife No Comments

From Moreton to Mulgumpin: The island rightfully returns to Traditional Custodians

The Quandamooka Coast (Redlands Coast) is home to the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea that surrounds Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Before we continue, See Moreton would like to respectfully acknowledge the Quandamooka People and their continued care and ownership of the islands and their surroundings. We, at See Moreton, would like to pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We encourage you to do the same when you participate in our sustainable, informative and breathtaking tours of the Quandamooka Coast.

The Quandamooka People represent three distinct, yet closely connected, groups: the Ngugi People, the Nunukul People, and the Gorenpul People. Moreton Island is home to the Ngugi People, who call Moreton Island by its Jandai name, Mulgumpin, meaning ‘place of sandhills.’ The Quandamooka People maintain a continuous connection with the land and seaways around Mulgumpin. They continue to listen to nature and observe the seasons, and they urge visitors to Mulgumpin to do the same.

On 27 November 2019, Quandamooka native title was recognised for Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). This is a wonderful and momentous decision and acknowledges the expertise of the Quandamooka People to care for their beautiful sand island that we all know and love. Mulgumpin will continue to offer a national park, sand island experience on south east Queensland’s doorstep while also enabling the Quandamooka People to be directly involved in the island’s management. The partnership between the Quandamooka People and the Queensland Government will allow the island’s natural and cultural values to be showcased in a culturally sensitive way, delivering ecotourism opportunities and experiences from a First Nations perspective. We look forward to continuing our learning journey by listening to the knowledge of the Quandamooka People.

The Island