tangalooma wrecks day trip

Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise

Cruise with The Experts

Take a journey with us to the pristine waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Our full-day tours are all about freedom and flexibility, allowing you to choose the pace of your day from deeply relaxed to high-energy adventure. Snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks, spot the big three: dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles, swim in crystal clear waters, spend time exploring untouched beaches or kick back on our boat and enjoy the licensed bar onboard. Do it all or do as little as you please.

Locally owned and operated, you will soon discover why See Moreton is TripAdvisor’s #1 Brisbane Boat Tour Company

What to Bring

• Getting Here

Your Day at a Glance

We’re all about freedom + flexibility, allowing you to choose the pace of your day from high energy adventure to deeply relaxed with no hidden fees. Do it all or do as little as you please.

Snorkeling Tour

Our naturalist guides have been visiting the Tangalooma Wrecks for over a decade and will ensure you see the very best that this underwater treasure has to offer.

Marine Discovery

Join us in spotting dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and birdlife accompanied by expert commentary to foster a deeper connection with the natural and cultural heritage of the region

Tropical Lunch Buffet

When all that adventuring works up an appetite, we’ve got you covered with a delicious tropical buffet lunch, as well as morning tea, sliced season melons and fruits in the afternoon

Free Island Time

There’s plenty of free time to cool off with a swim, relax on white-sand beaches, climb one of the famous sand dunes or challenge your friends to a game of beach soccer.

Fish Feeding Session

The Tangalooma Wrecks are home to an eye-watering 200 species of fish. Join our guides as they lead a fish feeding session – a firm favorite with the little ones.

• Paddle Boarding

Explore the calm waters surrounding the island at your own pace by stand-up paddle board. Keep your eyes peeled for abundant marine life in the crystal-clear waters below.

Tour Itinerary

Order and times of the itinerary and the snorkeling location may vary due to daily conditions and operational requirements.

• Gold Coast pickup (optional)
• Brisbane pickup (optional)
• Check-in opens, Rivergate Marina
• Depart, Rivergate Marina 
• Arrive, Moreton Island
• Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks 
• Tropical Buffet Lunch
• Free Island Beach Time & Paddle Boarding
• Marine Discovery Cruise
• Depart, Moreton Island
• Arrive, Rivergate Marina

7:30 am Gold Coast pickup (optional)

8:40 am Brisbane pickup (optional)

9:00 am Check-in opens, Rivergate Marina

9:30 am Depart, Rivergate Marina

10:45 am Arrive, Moreton Island

11:00 am Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks

12:00 pm Tropical Buffet Lunch

1:00 pm Free Island Beach Time & Paddle Boarding

2:30 pm Marine Discovery Cruise

3:45 pm Depart, Moreton Island

5:00 pm Arrive, Rivergate Marina

You have the whole day to enjoy Moreton Island, don’t forget to pack a day bag! No need to worry about bringing snorkel gear or beach games, we’ve got all that covered!

Whether you’re driving yourself or jumping on one of our coach transfers, we have all the details to get you to the departure marina on time! Check below prior to your day trip to Moreton Island to ensure you’re ready to go.

Check-in: 9:00 am Depart: 9:30 am Return: 5:00 pm (approx.)

Jetty/Wharf A, Rivergate Marina, 17 Rivergate Place, Murrarie QLD.

*Free street parking available or 10$ a day on site*

Self-driving from Brisbane City We recommend leaving by 8:30 am

Self-driving from the Gold Coast We recommend leaving by 7:30 am

Or jump on a coach transfer and let us get you there in time!

All-day enjoying the beauty of Moreton Island, with the freedom to spend it as you please.

3 – 13 Years

0 – 2 Years

SPECIAl      (RRP $716.00) 2 Adults + 1 Child + 1 Child FREE

The VIP Captain’s Lounge

Take your island adventure to the next level with our VIP Captain's Lounge experience. Offering the best views onboard and an upmarket, spacious area that is yours to enjoy for the entire day, this is genuinely the most luxurious way to explore the region. Exclusively available to a small number of guests, book early to avoid disappointment.

Acknowledgement of Country

See Moreton acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters on which we operate and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Day Trip to Tangalooma & Snorkeling at the incredible Shipwrecks.

• Post author: Elyse
• Post category: Australia
• Post last modified: 18/04/2022
• Post comments: 8 Comments

Table of Contents

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » Day Trip to Tangalooma & Snorkeling at the incredible Shipwrecks.

If you’re looking for an incredible day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Tangalooma Island Resort needs to be on your list! Tangalooma is on Moreton Island and only a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. And the best part is, Tangalooma has one of the most unique and easily accessible snorkeling spots in southern Queensland.  

Recently my husband and I celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary, and for occasions like this, we always like to go away. The original plan was to be in Italy but then of course COVID ruined that. So taking advantage of the beautiful state we live in, we thought a day trip to Tangalooma would be perfect. Tangalooma Island Resort was absolutely stunning, the water (although a little cold) was amazing, so blue and crystal clear.  

There’re so many options when it comes to visiting Tangalooma. You can simply just book the ferry over and do your own thing for the day, or there are heaps of tour & accommodation options. We booked the ‘Beach Day Cruise’ through Tangalooma Island Resort for $89 each. This pack is basically a look after yourself kind of day. Which was perfect for us! Also, it’s the best value for money because it covered your ferry tickets, use of the resort facilities, and includes lunch vouchers, that could be used at any of the cafes & restaurants.  

How to Get to Tangalooma

The ferry departs from the Holt Street Wharf in Brisbane. We drove up from the Gold Coast and that took us just over an hour. There’s plenty of free parking on Holt Street or it’s $15 a day to park at the ferry terminal. If you’re flying in, the ferry terminal is only a 10-minute drive from Brisbane airport.  

When we first arrived on the island all I could think about is getting to the beach, the water looked incredible. Luckily the pier is right in front of the resort. The beach is really long so there was plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. The ocean was calm, very clear, and the most amazing color.  

Find The Cheapest Flights to Brisbane with Skyscanner!

Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Shipwrecks

The best part about the day was snorkeling at the shipwrecks. There are 15 shipwrecks laying only a short swim from the shore. In 1963 these ships were deliberately sunk to create a break wall for smaller boats.

There are snorkeling tours you can book but honestly, you don’t need to! From the resort, it’s a 25-30 minutes walk, straight down the beach to the shipwrecks. Then from the shore, we swam out in under 5 minutes.

The only thing you’ll need to do is check the tide times, generally, the best time to snorkel is around 1.5 hours before low tide. Our plan was to go then but the wind was starting to pick up so we decided to go a bit earlier. By the time we got in the water it was about 2.5 hours before low tide and it was actually the most perfect time. In most areas, the visibility was very good and the currents weren’t too strong. We snorkeled for about an hour, didn’t see any turtles or dolphins but so many fish, and the wrecks looked awesome.

If you’re not keen on getting in the water, Tangalooma Island Resort offers glass-bottom boat and kayak tours. And, we took our own snorkeling gear but it’s possible to hire some on the island.

Day Tours & Accommodation at Tangalooma Resort

If you wanted to stay on the island for longer the accommodation at Tangalooma Island Resort looked beautiful and the rooms have the most gorgeous ocean views. There are also so many tours and activities available. Moreton Island is the world’s third-largest sand island, so during my next visit, I definitely want to go 4 wheel driving and sand tobogganing.

If you’re there in the evening you could take part in the unique opportunity to hand feed, wild bottlenose dolphins!

Book tours & activities on Moreton Island here.

Have you visited Tangalooma before? Comment below and tell me what you love most about this island.  

Thanks for reading,  

Happy Travels  

Book Your Day Trip or Holiday to Tangalooma Here;

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Search for the best accommodation prices; Agoda / Booking.com / Tripadvisor  

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Planning a Trip? Travel Resources Below;

Where to Next?

If you want to travel around more of Australia, check out my Ultimate Guide to Travel Down Under . Which includes heaps of ideas for your Australian bucket list!

Searching For The Best Flights

Without a doubt the best site for comparing and booking flights is Skyscanner. Just click here to compare flights and get the best prices with Skyscanner. 

Booking Accommodation  

Then when it comes to booking accommodation; if you’re after a hostel the best place to search is HostelWorld.

Or, if you’d prefer a hotel or resort,  Booking.com or Agoda  are two of the best sites out there, they consistently return cheap rates.

Get Your Cashback

Before you book though don’t forget to activate your  Rakuten browser extension so you get cashback on these bookings. 

Don’t know what Rakuten is? Read my guide here!

And, Don’t Forget Travel Insurance 

Unfortunately, everything doesn’t always go to plan but travel insurance will protect you when it comes to illness, injury, theft & cancellation. I never travel overseas without travel insurance, it’s just not worth the risk! 

Cover-More is a trusted company and they also have COVID-19 benefits available. 

Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.

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This post has 8 comments.

Hi Elyse! Great post. Thank you for sharing it. The snorkelling looks like so much fun. I love your blog and will definitely be coming back to it when I finally get to travel Australia 🙂

Thank you so much Trea, really appreciate it. Hopefully, the borders open soon

Ah, I love Australia. Can’t wait to go back when the borders open! This island looks absolutely incredible and is now on my bucket list 😍

Yay, that’s awesome, and it’s so good how close it is to Brisbane.

Thanks for this helpful post! Snorkeling the shipwrecks would be amazing and I’d love to go. I appreciate your photos and your tips!

Thank you Erica, you’re very welcome

What an incredible mini holiday to celebrate your marriage! I love that you don’t even need to book a tour, you can just wander down and see the shipwreck! The beaches look incredible too!

Thank you, yeah it was all so amazing, the water was perfect

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Snorkelling the tangalooma shipwrecks: a comprehensive travel guide.

The Tangalooma Shipwrecks, located on subtropical Moreton Island, are an iconic and mesmerising site. While you may not have heard of their name, you have most likely seen a photo of them while travelling around Australia ! Although initially placed for various reasons, these shipwrecks are now a super popular snorkel and dive spot just off Brisbane . 

We were lucky enough to visit and snorkel these shipwrecks in late May 2022 before we both got jobs at the Tangalooma Island Resort . Afterwards, we could snorkel them for work and whenever we wanted in our free time! We realised we only knew half of what we thought we did before we came for our snorkel tour day trip. Therefore, we decided to make a post so you can find all the information you need to know about snorkelling the Tangalooma Shipwrecks!

What are the Tangalooma Shipwrecks?

The Tangalooma shipwrecks are a group of 15 wrecks just off the coast of Moreton Island in Queensland , Australia. As Moreton Island doesn’t have a harbour or Marina, the Queensland government intentionally sank these ships between 1963 and 1984. Altogether, these wrecks break up the swell and wind, creating a calm environment and a safe anchorage site for recreational boats.

As these shipwrecks provide a large and stable structure likely to withstand weather events, multiple species of coral found a place to settle. Together with coral came lots of fish, making it one of the better artificial reefs in Australia.

All boats that they sank had something to do with Moreton Island. As Moreton Island is the world’s third- largest sand island , most ships were used as barges, trawlers and dredges. When you go snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, you can easily see the dredge buckets used to scoop sand off the island. The island’s sand has a high percentage of silicon, making it ideal for glass, concrete and other building supplies. Today the island is luckily protected as a national park, making it impossible to use any of its resources.

How to get to the Tangalooma Shipwrecks: 

Getting to the Tangalooma Shipwrecks is easy, with various options leaving daily from Queensland’s capital of Brisbane. The shipwrecks are located about 1.5 km from the Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island’s western side. Once you get to Moreton Island, you are only a short walk away from the Shipwrecks. The only thing left is a 40-metre swim over the 12 metres-deep channel to start your adventures in snorkel town.

You will need to take the Micat, the Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry, your own boat, or a helicopter to get to the island. Please note that you can only take the Tangalooma Resort Ferry and helicopter service if you stay at the resort or hold a valid day pass. For more information about getting to the island, please see our Tangalooma Island Resort Guide here . 

Self-guided snorkelling: 

Snorkelling the wrecks without a tour is easy if you know what you are doing and pick the right day and time. Luckily, you have found this post, written with the knowledge after months of experience diving and snorkelling on the wrecks almost every day. Below, in the snorkelling on the Tangalooma Shipwrecks section, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to snorkel the Wrecks by yourself. We talk about everything, from currents, tides and winds and what gear you should bring to how the combination of all these factors will affect your experience. 

However, if you are not a confident swimmer, we also line out all different tour options to snorkel the Wrecks with a tour guide. If there is anything you need to know about snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, it is in this beginner’s guide to snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks!

1. Take a day trip or camping trip through the Micat: 

If you have your own snorkel gear and are a confident swimmer, we recommend taking the Micat to Moreton Island and snorkelling the wrecks yourself! The Micat travels almost daily and operates on an ‘on-demand’ basis, so it can run anywhere between 1 to 5 services per day. Its anchoring place is next to the Wrecks, close to the additional campsite, so only a 2-minute walk to the Wrecks.

The Micat is the cheapest option and has very reasonable prices for foot passengers. Moreover, if you bring your camping gear, camping on the island is inexpensive, lowering the general cost of your stay. You can also bring your own car over on the Micat and drive around the entire island to get the most out of the trip! To book the Micat, click  here . 

2. Visit or stay at the Tangalooma Island Resort:

If you want to stay on the island, but feel like something other than camping, stay at the Tangalooma Island Resort! The resort is located a little over 1.5km from the wrecks making it easily accessible if you want to do a self-guided tour. If a stay is not your thing, the Tangalooma Island Resort also offers various day passes, allowing you to use all resort facilities. Although snorkel gear is available on the island, it comes at a price, and we recommend bringing your own. Additionally, try to pack as lightly as possible, as there are no free options to store your stuff, even if you book one of their tours.

Snorkel equipment hire prices:

3 hours (mask, snorkel and fins):  $39

Full day (mask, snorkel and fins):  $49

See the Tangalooma Shipwrecks on a Guided Snorkel Tour:

If you are not a confident swimmer, there are multiple options available to see the Tangalooma Shipwrecks. Two guided snorkel tour companies operate on the island, and two are available off-island. Below we line out all options to help you find the one that fits you best: 

1. Tangalooma Island Resort: Guided Tours: 

If you are staying at the resort or have purchased an appropriate day pass, you can hop onto one of the Tangalooma Island Resort guided snorkel tours! Operated by Tangatours, there are anywhere between 2 or 4 tours (depending on the season) per day, making it easy to find a time that suits you. Full gear (snorkel, mask, fins and wet suit) is provided, as well as boat transfer to and from the wrecks with a snorkel guide to take you around the wrecks in the water. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, including briefing, transport, and 35 minutes of water time. 

As a former employee of Tangatours, I can thoroughly recommend this tour. All tour guides are well-trained, and their guidelines are strict. Moreover, since the Tangalooma Island Resort is very dependent on the future of these shipwrecks, Tangatours treats this place with the respect it deserves. 

Price for house guests: 

Adults –  $69

Child (6+) – $55

To book, click  here . 

If you are not staying at the Tangalooma Island Resort and if you want a Tangalooma Island Resort Day trip with a snorkel tour included and a food voucher, you will need to purchase the Wrecks Day Criuse. 

Guided snorkel tour – day cruise/pass:

Adults (14yrs +) –  $149 

Children (6-14 yrs) –  $119

Includes: Return ferry transfer from Brisbane, lunch-, drink voucher, guided snorkel tour and access to all resort facilities for the entire day.

2. River to Bay: Guided tours from Brisbane:  

River to bay offers snorkel tours from Brisbane, Redcliffe & Sandstone Point. All-inclusive tours include snorkel gear hire and transportation, light snacks, and refreshments for the trip. Tours depart early morning and return just after lunch, around 1 pm. The minimum age for snorkelling is six years. 

Prices: 

Leaving from Brisbane:

Adults (15+) – $150

Children (6-14yrs) – $120

Two adults + two children – $500

Couples – $290

To book from Brisbane, click  here . 

Leaving from Redcliffe & Sandstone Point:

To book from Redcliffe & Sandstone Point, click  here .

3. Sunset Safari: Guided tours from Brisbane: 

Their day consists of more than just the snorkel as with kyaks and sand tobogganing; you get an entire day of activities on offer! Sunset Safari offers a Get Wrecked 1-Day tour to the Tangalooma Wrecks, with pick-up available from Brisbane city, Gold Coast and Port of Brisbane. s, Departs Gold Coast at 5:45 am from the Mantra on View Hotel, Brisbane Coach Terminal at 7 am and the Port of Brisbane at 7:30 am.

Leaving from Brisbane – $249

From Gold Coast – $279

From the Port of Brisbane – $239

To book, or to find out more, click  here . 

4. See Moreton: Guided tours from the Gold Coast: 

Voted TripAdvisor’s #1 Brisbane Boat Tour, the See Moreton day trip has a full day of adventure and indulgence planned for you. With pick-up available from Brisbane city and the Gold Coast, you can snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, have a Tropical Buffet Lunch, have free island and beach time, and even have a chance to Kayak! Moreover, you even get a Marine Discovery Cruise included, so you get three adventures in one day!

Adults (14+) – $199

Child (3-13yrs) – $159

Infants – free

Family (2 adults + two children) – $716 or $557 if you get it on sale!

If you want even more indulgence and luxury, why not upgrade to the VIP Captain’s Lounge Seating? This VIP experience is just $40 more! 

Snorkelling on the Tangalooma Shipwrecks: 

Below we will list all the components to consider when planning your snorkel trip to the Tangalooma Island Shipwrecks. These are helpful when planning your self-guided snorkel tour and determining what time of day is the best option for a guided snorkel tour. Please read and plan carefully to get the most out of your adventure. 

Choosing the best time to snorkel or dive: 

It isn’t always a sunny wind-free day in the middle of summer with perfect conditions to snorkel the Tangalooma Shipwrecks. Elements vary per day, and even on an ideal day, the currents around the shipwrecks can suddenly surprise you. There are so many different components to snorkelling the Wrecks that it is an art to predict the best time to snorkel on a particular day. However, with the proper knowledge of all the elements, it’s much easier to narrow your options, so keep reading!

1. Tides: 

It is possible to snorkel the Tangalooma shipwrecks at high and low tides. Yet, when it comes to accessibility, the high tide is the preferable tide to snorkel. High tide makes it easier above shallow bits, and there are more reachable areas. The chances of hurting yourself on the ships are much higher at low tide, and some areas will be impossible to see. 

Keeping an eye on how significant the tide changes are is essential. The lowest tide at the Tanglooma shipwrecks is about 0.2, and the highest is about 2.3 metres. If on your day the low tide is a 1-metre low tide, snorkelling is much easier than on a 0.2 metres low tide.

2. Currents: 

The best time to snorkel the Tangalooma shipwrecks is as close to the tides as possible. Although the high tide is the big winner regarding accessibility, it doesn’t make a difference whether it is low or high for the currents. 

The hour around high or low tide is a perfect time to avoid any currents influenced by the tides. The current slows significantly about an hour before and after the tide change, making it the ideal 2-hour timeslot to snorkel. For example: if it’s high or low tide at 11 am, the best time current-wise is 10.30 till 11.30 am. Yet, 10 am till 12 am is very acceptable.

Currents are the strongest in between the tide changes, and the way the current drags depends on whether it is an outgoing or incoming tide. When the tide changes from high to low tide, the current will be going from South to North or away from the resort. When the tide changes from low to high, the current will go from North to South or towards the resort. There is no point swimming against the current, so it’s best to snorkel in the direction of the currents. If you choose to snorkel between tides, I recommend snorkelling with an incoming tide, as the North to South route is easier to manage the currents.

It is essential to keep an eye out for how significant the tide change is. The current will be better if the difference between high and low tide is only 0.6 metres. Yet, if the difference between the tides is close to 2 metres, you can get extreme currents at the shipwrecks. Even more, the currents usually don’t affect swimming out or in from the beach, whereas the tides on a current switch of 2 metres can make it hard for advanced swimmers.

As if the tides and currents aren’t enough to look out for, it is also essential to keep an eye out for the wind.   Winds under 10 knots do not affect the Shipwrecks much, although winds between 10 and 30 do. 

If you have between 10 to 30-knot winds going in the same direction as the currents, you can expect the waves to push the current even harder. However, the opposite is also true. When you have 10 to 30-knot winds opposite the current, it will slow down the current slightly. Yet, the collision of the waves and the current will create some waves. If these winds come from the west, you can expect the waves to go over the shipwrecks and make snorkelling rough. A 10 to 30-knot wind from the East will only affect your snorkelling experience a little, as the island protects most of it.

Although it isn’t impossible to snorkel the wrecks above 30 knots winds, it is strongly discouraged. It gets dangerous with such high waves as it increases the chances of getting hurt by the shipwrecks. When the wind comes from the East, the waves at the wrecks will be minimal, although when the wind comes from the west, the swell can make it hard to snorkel. Please, if the wind is above 30 knots, have a good look at what the other circumstances are before swimming out. There aren’t any lifeguards around, so you must be confident. If nobody else is snorkelling at the wrecks, that is a sign, as all year round, these wrecks are a popular snorkel spot!

4. General weather: 

Although the weather isn’t the biggest life-changer at the wrecks, it does play a part in your snorkelling experiences. In heavy thunder and lightning storms, you should not be in the water at any time and wait for the storm to pass. Visibility-wise it is better to snorkel on a sunny day, and even better, on a sunny week as that improves the visibility significantly. Rain doesn’t always affect visibility, although rainy weeks make a difference. 

In summer, the water temperature is about 25 degrees on average. In winter, that average drops to about 19 degrees. Although swimming is acceptable in both periods, 19 degrees with cold winds isn’t ideal. Yet, I liked winter better, as fewer people mean less damage to the corals and a much more beautiful and healthy underwater world.

5. Other things influencing your snorkel 

The Tangalooma Shipwrecks are busy and popular for various reasons and people. On school holidays, public holidays or cruise ship days at the resort, snorkelling gets very chaotic. Avoiding these days is advised, as there are people and boats everywhere. Moreover, since there are barely any regulations on ships at the Shipwrecks, people act like they own the place, creating hazardous situations for snorkellers. 

On the other hand, it’s on these days that many people are around if something goes wrong. During the school holidays, you’ll often find lifeguards patrolling the area, whereas, on cruise ship days, the resort has extra people to keep a lookout.

What equipment should I take?

Whether you take a day trip by yourself or through any tour company, try to take as few items as possible. There are only a few places to store your stuff, and the available lockers come with a price. Make sure there is nothing to lose to avoid any unnecessary stress. Here are the items I would take for a stress-free day: 

• Snorkel mask, snorkel and fins:  avoid the hassle and prices of hiring snorkel gear and bring your own. If you do a tour, these items will likely be included.
• A towel : a day at the beach, snorkelling the shipwrecks is better with a towel.
• Drinking water, food and snacks:  to use the facilities of the Tangalooma Island Resort, you’ll need a valid day pass. If you are staying at the campsite, ensure you are entirely self-sufficient. 
• Wetsuit:  wearing a wetsuit for the temperatures isn’t needed, but a wetsuit significantly protects you from sharp and rusty shipwrecks. If you have a wetsuit, you should bring your own. If you need one, you can always hire one.

Additional must-knows for snorkelling the Tangalooma Shipwrecks: 

Although most of Moreton Island’s wildlife and marine life are innocent, you are still in Australia. At the Tangalooma shipwrecks, we do have stonefish and lionfish. Being the number one and two deadliest fish in the world, you should keep an eye out for them. Encounters aren’t regular but happen once in a while.

1. Stonefish:

Stonefish dig themselves in the sand, making them hard to see. If you keep an eye out for these fish, they are spotted as a grumpy rocks sitting at the bottom of the ocean. As a rule of thumb, you should not stand on anything that looks like a rock in the water. Stonefish do not chase you; their poison is a defence mechanism if you stand on them. Anti-venom is available, but it needs to be administered fast, as paralysis and death can occur within the hour. If you are stung by the spikes on their back, you should call the ambulance (000) immediately!

1. Lionfish:

In comparison to stonefish, lionfish are easy to spot. These very colourful fish is pretty cool to look at; however, their red, white and black bands have venomous spiky fin rays. Lionfish are rarely fatal to adults but can be very dangerous to children, the elderly, and anyone with an allergic reaction. Their stings will cause extreme pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties. If you see a lionfish, keep a safe distance. If you accidentally touch one of their venomous spiky fins, you should immediately call the ambulance (000)! 

Wildlife and Marine Life at the Tangalooma Shipwrecks: 

Since the addition of the last shipwreck in 1984, things have changed drastically. Coral started multiplying, and with that coral came lots of wildlife and marine life. Today, the Tangalooma Shipwrecks house up to 200 different species of fish and about 130 species of hard and soft coral. Below I’ll give a brief overview of the most important species to watch. 

Corals at the Tangalooma Wrecks:

As the Tangalooma Wrecks are at the edge of the tropical north and the temperate south, the coral species are a mixture of both. Also, since the water temperature varies between 19 degrees in winter and 25 degrees in summer, it houses specific corals that can withstand these changes. The most common species of coral found at the Tangalooma Wrecks is Staghorn Finger Coral. These types of coral can grow up to 30 cm a year.

Luckily, in Moreton Bay, the water is pretty healthy, with very stable temperatures, preventing the coral from bleaching. The different colours of the corals are from the algae inside the coral, which provide the corals with food. The coral, in return, provides the housing for much young fish that find a home at the Tangalooma wrecks. 

It is crucial to remember that collecting corals is forbidden. Besides, it would be best if you didn’t touch the coral. Not only can you hurt yourself, but it is also bad for the coral. Over the past few months, I worked as a snorkel guide at the Tangalooma wrecks. I have seen much damage from people stepping on coral or boats anchoring above corals. Please have respect for these corals if you are out on your snorkelling adventure.

Animals at the Tangalooma Wrecks: 

Listing all 200 different species of fish, together with sharks, dolphins, Dugongs, and Rays, would be an impossible task. However, here’s a brief introduction to the most common and extraordinary things you might encounter while snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks: 

1. Wobbegong Sharks: 

Although being in the open ocean, there is always a chance to see all kinds of sharks, the only species to inhabit the Tangalooma Shipwrecks is the Wobbegong Shark. These typical Australian sharks are born about 20cm big but can reach a size of up to 3 metres. 

The name Wobbegong comes from the Indigenous word for Shaggy Beard. Wobbegong sharks are not dangerous to humans, although they are the only shark that can bite their tale so pulling its tale is probably a bad idea. They have a brown desert camouflage colour with whiskers off the front of their mouth. Since these sharks are nocturnal and only hunt for fish or crustaceans at night, you’ll probably see them sleep on the bottom of the ocean. Wobbegong sharks fall under the category of carpet sharks as they don’t have to swim to pass water over their gills. Instead, they have involuntary pumps to get oxygen to survive.

2. Turtles: 

Moreton Bay is home to three species of turtles, and with some luck, you might encounter one on your snorkel adventure. If you see a turtle, please don’t touch it and give it space to come up for a breath if it needs to breathe. These turtles are very fragile and deserve to be left alone. Take nothing but pictures!

The green sea turtle is the most widespread in Moreton Bay. These turtles can grow up to 1.5 metres in length, exceed 80 years of age and weigh up to 200kg. Green sea turtles breathe every 5 minutes and even hold their breath longer if needed. Sometimes we see turtles ‘dance’ on the wrecks because they are trying to get rid of the barnacles on their shells. It is estimated that there are about 10,000 green sea turtles in the entire bay.

Less widespread in Moreton Bay are the Loggerhead Turtles. You know, you see a Loggerhead turtle if they have a very brown colour and their head has a log shape. Unlike the green sea turtles, these turtles feed on more than just sea grass and like to add small fish, crustaceans and sea urchins to their diet. It is estimated that there are about 2000 Loggerhead turtles in the bay.

The last specie of turtle you might encounter is the Hawksbill turtle. However, these turtles are critically endangered, with their population decreasing yearly. 

3. Stingrays: 

Moreton Bay is home to 6 different species of stingrays. The most common is the Blue Spotted Lagoon Ray. These rays have a grey colour with blue spots and two black stings at the back of the tail. With their 70cm in length and 30cm wide, they are the smallest rays around the Shipwrecks.

Other rays include the Bull Ray, which reaches sizes of almost 2.5 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. The shipwrecks sometimes get Eagle Rays as well, defined by their navy blue appearance with small white spots. In contrast to other rays, the shape of an Eagle Ray is triangular. However, consider yourself lucky to see these rays as they only appear once a month. 

A little bit deeper, you can spot shovelnose rays on the bottom of the ocean. These rays are commonly mistaken for sharks due to their small dorsal fin. They grow up to 2.7 metres in length and are well-known for their long pointy snout.

4. Dolphins: 

There are about 600 dolphins that call Moreton Bay their home. Although these are rarely spotted while snorkelling, you will likely see one during your stay on Moreton Island. The dolphins in the bay are inshore bottlenose dolphins that can live up to 45 years old. 

These dolphins feed themselves on small fish and take advantage of human activities to get fish. Fun fact; inshore bottlenose dolphins are conscious breathers. They sleep with only one-half of their brain at a time. The other half of the brain stays alert to regulate breathing.

Are the Tangalooma Shipwrecks worth it? 

In short, yes! There are so many reasons to go to the Tangalooma Shipwrecks; we could make a whole other post, but you will never regret going! Not only will you get some stunning photos and footage, but you will also discover and explore an incredible underwater world—spot turtles, different corals, wobbegong sharks and maybe even a dolphin out at the wrecks.

We hope this guide helps you plan your next adventure to the Tangalooma Shipwrecks or inspires you to visit them. Just over an hour on the ferry from Brisbane lies this underwater wonderworld full of life and colour, just waiting to be explored. This travel guide contains everything you need to know about snorkelling the wrecks, either by yourself or on tour. Don’t hesitate to contact us on the contact page if you have any questions or concerns.

Did you enjoy this  travel guide ? Please let us know in the comments below! Do you want to start exploring but have questions on how to start? We are  here to help  with all your  travel  needs! For more inspiration, check out our travel  blogs and vlogs  or the  tips & tricks  section. To keep up to date with our adventures and future travel guides, follow us on  Instagram  and  Facebook , or subscribe to our newsletter! Feel free to send us a message through the  contact page ! We can’t build this  platform  without our readers, so we thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for many more adventures to come! 

Yentl Doggen

Welcome to the Yentl Doggen website. This website reflects on my travels throughout the world and my freelance music career. I am a professional musician from Belgium and started travelling the world in 2019. Since then, I’ve been striving to combine as much music as possible into my love for travelling. Or as much travelling into my passion for music, whichever works best :)

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Tangalooma Wrecks

Tour the sunken shipwrecks adjacent to resort.

Located just north of the Tangalooma Island Resort are the Tangalooma Wrecks, a cluster of ships scuttled by the Queensland Government between 1963 and 1984 to provide safe anchorage spot for recreational boat owners on the eastern side of Moreton Bay.

Coral is now starting to form in and around the wrecks, providing a haven for over 100 species of fish and sometimes even dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs.

A total of 15 vessels were sunk – five in 1963; five in the 1970's; and a further five in the 1980's.

Each of the wrecks is named:

Maryborough (built in 1885)

Platypus II

Where are the Tangalooma Wrecks located?

The sunken ship wrecks on Moreton Island are just a 15-20 minute walk up the beach from Tangalooma Island Resort. It's not hard to find the wrecks as they cast an iconic silhouette, with the best photos taken at low tide and sunset.

While the wrecks are close to the beach please be careful when trying to swim across as a strong current sweeps between the wrecks and the beach when the tide is running, so don’t try and swim against it. The Tangalooma wrecks are an unpatrolled beach meaning there are no lifesavers on duty. There are also a large number of inexperienced boats and jet skis passing through between the wrecks and the beachfront, so please take care when swimming across. Tangalooma Island Resort recommends that guests join the guided Wrecks Snorkel Tour .

Snorkeling in the Tangalooma Wrecks

​Discover a hidden world under the sea by diving and exploring the shipwrecks at Tangalooma. The wrecks are home to a variety of different reef fish, coral formations and marine life. The Moreton Island wrecks are a well-known landmark that you must not miss when holidaying at Tangalooma, a unique combination of nature, mystery and history await.

The snorkel tours, provided by Tangalooma, are a much safer way to experience the wrecks as you are taken to the wrecks via boat - so there is no need to battle the currents and swim there yourself (which can be difficult for even strong swimmers). This guided tour includes all snorkel equipment, including snorkel, mask, flippers and wet suits.

How to see the Tangalooma Wrecks from Brisbane

The best way to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks from Brisbane is onboard one of Tangalooma's Snorkel The Wrecks Day Cruise's . These Day Cruises include return boat transfers to Moreton Island from Brisbane, along with lunch voucher and a guided snorkel tour through the wrecks. There is even an option to stay later and package wild dolphin feeding in as part of your day.

Snorkel the Wrecks Departing from Brisbane

Explore the wrecks at Tangalooma with a snorkel Day Cruise

Explore the Tangalooma Wrecks By Sea Scooter

Want to see more of the wrecks quicker than just snorkelling? Jump on a Sea Scooter tour to zoom around the wrecks and see the depths you may not have been able to by regular snorkelling. This experience is perfect those you aren't strong swimmers and give unique journey through an underwater world.

Take a scenic Helicopter Flight over the Tangalooma Wrecks

Fancy the VIP experience to see the majestic Tangalooma Wrecks at their very best. Our scenic helicopter flights will take you directly over the wrecks, for a birds eye view that is instantly recognised the world-over, as one of the most iconic shipwreck views in the world.

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Tangalooma Wrecks

Top ways to experience Tangalooma Wrecks and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tangalooma Wrecks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane (From AU$205.32)
• Moreton Island Eco Marine Safari Cruise and Snorkel (From AU$164.05)
• All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer) (From AU$231.11)
• Dunwich: Moreton Bay Islands Boat Tour with Swimming (From AU$136.20)
• Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass (From AU$133.09)
• (1.78 km) Tangalooma Island Resort
• (1.16 km) Beautiful beachfront home - a hop, a step & a jump to the water.
• (1.19 km) Beach Front Villa 49 - Air Conditioned
• (1.23 km) Tangalooma Beachfront Villa 44 with Air Conditioning
• (1.29 km) Beachfront villa 38
• (1.78 km) Tangalooma Coffee Shop
• (1.76 km) Beach Cafe
• (1.83 km) Fire & Stone
• (1.81 km) Tursiops Buffet
• (1.74 km) Beach BBQ

Tangalooma day trip from Brisbane

Even if you’re only doing a day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort, there are lots of things you’ll be able to do with your time.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

A Tangalooma day trip from Brisbane

With a short ferry trip from Brisbane, a Tangalooma day trip is an easy way to hit the beach and get a bit of tropical island adventure!

To help you plan, I've out together everything you need to know about visiting Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island.

Things to do at Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma day trips, staying at tangalooma island resort.

The great irony of Brisbane is that the capital of Queensland, a state famous for its golden coastline, has no beaches itself.

When it gets hot (and it certainly gets hot here), the easiest option for a beach is often either the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast , each about an hour’s drive away.

For visitors, though, another great way to get in the water is a day trip to the Tangalooma Island Resort.

An iconic family resort, easily accessible from Brisbane, Tangalooma Island Resort has long been a popular holiday destination for locals who pop over for a few nights to get away from the city. Just a short boat ride from the Centre of Brisbane, it’s an easy (and relatively affordable) Queensland island escape.

If you’re visiting, heading over to the island is certainly one of the best things to do in Brisbane . And, while you can stay overnight (more on that soon), you might find the best use of your time is a day trip to Tangalooma.

I suppose it’s important at this point to actually talk about what Tangalooma is, because it definitely confuses people.

So, Tangalooma Island Resort is a tourism site that is part of Moreton Island. (There’s no such place as Tangalooma Island, for the record.)

For day-trippers, it’s the base for a range of activities including guided snorkelling tours, ATV quad bike rides, and helicopter flights – although there’s nothing (other than logistics) that prevents you from leaving the resort.

It has a huge range of accommodation, from hotel rooms to apartments and even houses, and most overnight guests stay here. Although there are other places to stay on Moreton Island (including public campsites), Tangalooma Island Resort is by far the largest development.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island is one of the main islands in the bay around Brisbane. About 35 kilometres long, it’s the world’s third-largest sand island. (Of course, K’gari/Fraser Island is the largest.)

Most of Moreton Island is protected as a national park. Large parts of it are covered in green heath, but there are also a few striking inland lagoons.

There are also sections of Moreton Island that have dramatic sand dunes cut across them.

Around the island, much of the coastline is define by beautiful gold beaches. The western side is much calmer, while the eastern side bears the brunt of most of the waves rolling in from the Pacific Ocean.

In this article, I’m focusing on doing a day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort from Brisbane. But it’s also worth noting that you can visit Moreton Island independently.

There is a car ferry from Brisbane that you can use to take a vehicle across – although it needs to be a good 4WD that can handle the sandy roads. With a car, you can drive to one of the half-dozen camping sites on Moreton Island, or to some of the private accommodation that is dotted around the island.

Moreton Island is huge and you won’t be able to get around much of it on a day trip. But, don’t worry, there are still lots of things to do within Tangalooma Island Resort, which is where you’ll base yourself if you’re not staying overnight.

Some people like to just hang out around on the sand and use the resort facilities, treating it a bit like a day at the beach. While other visitors want to make the most of all the activities on offer here (some more adventurous than others).

To give you an idea of what to do at Tangalooma Island Resort, I’m going to run through the main activities (some of which are worth booking in advance as part of day trip packages – more on that in the next section!).

This is an obvious one, but still worth mentioning, I think. Stretching out in either direction from the resort is a long golden beach, almost five kilometres long. All of it is able to be used (other than just around the jetty, for obvious reasons) so swimming at the beach is certainly a good way to pass the time – and there’s not much surf on this side, which is good for young kids.

On a day trip to Tangalooma, you’re also able to use most of the resort facilities, which includes two large outdoor pools. So, if you don’t fancy the saltwater at the beach (or just want a change of scenery during the day) grab a lounge next to one of the pools for a dip.

One of the nice things about using the beach at Tangalooma is that there’s lots of equipment here that you can use, without having to bring it yourself. However, most of it isn’t free unfortunately.

Using the kayaks, for example, requires you to rent by the hour (or for longer periods for a cheaper hourly rate), but it’s a nice way to be able to explore a bit further from the resort, going for a paddle along the coast for the afternoon to quieter beaches, for instance.

There are solo kayaks and tandem kayaks for rent. And there are also kayak tours, where a guide will take you out to the wrecks and explain what you’re seeing.

Tangalooma Wrecks

One of the most iconic landmarks on Moreton Island is the Tangalooma Wrecks, a series of 15 ships that were intentionally sunk here between 1963 and 1984.

Originally the intention was that they would create a barrier for boats to safely anchor next to the coastline. But over the years the rusting wrecks have taken on a life of their own as a haven for dozens of species of fish and other marine creatures.

The closest point of the wrecks to the beach is only about 30 metres, and the furthest is about 100 metres, so you can just swim out yourself with a snorkel and mask to have a look at the wrecks. Tangalooma Island Resort does offer snorkelling tours where you’ll get the right equipment and have a guide to show you some of the most important spots and marine life.

Dolphin feeding

Speaking of local wildlife, one of the things Tangalooma is particularly famous for is the opportunity feed the wild dolphins that come into shore every evening.

Around sunset, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some bottlenose dolphins, with a large family that comes in for food. Some visitors will choose just to watch from the viewing area, but you can also get a package where you can go down into the water and hand feed the dolphins.

Although I am normally a bit wary about the sustainability issues with feeding wild animals, this program is run by rangers who only feed the dolphins a maximum of 20 per cent of their daily food requirement so they don’t become reliant on human intervention.

Desert safari

Back on land, there are some incredible landscapes across Moreton Island (most of which is protected as a national park). As the world’s third-largest sand island, it’s no surprise that sand is one of the focuses of the scenery, which is why a ‘desert safari’ is a great way to see things.

The resort uses its 4WD bus to take you up into the desert (the bumpy journey is half the fun) where the rolling sand dunes cut through the green heath, offering views down to the water.

If you want to get a little bit closer, you can then grab one of the toboggans and go racing down the sand dunes!

ATV quad bikes

If you want to go even faster on the sand, the answer is the ATV quad bike tour, where you’ll drive one of these four-wheel bikes through some exciting tracks in the wilderness outside the resort.

Starting on the beach to get a feel of the vehicle, you’ll then head up into the trails that swerve between trees, across sand dunes, and around some of Moreton Island’s best scenery.

You can go slowly until you’re comfortable, but most people end up enjoying a bit of speed (within reason) on the tracks that are designed for the quad bikes, with the right angles and slopes.

Helicopter scenic flight

There really is no better way to understand the majesty of Moreton Island than from the air, where you can see the interplay of the different parts of the ecosystem.

From the quiet western coast to the rougher eastern coast, you can see the green foliage that covers much of the island, the sections of sand dunes, and even the glimmering turquoise lagoons inland. When I went up in the helicopter, I could also see lots of animals in the water, including dugongs, turtles, and dolphins.

There is a range of helicopter flights you can choose from, with the shortest one (about 6 minutes) focusing on the wrecks, and the longest one (about 30 minutes) going all around the island to see the nature, heritage sites, and spot lots of animals.

While the helicopter rides aren’t cheap, they are really special and the views are spectacular. I think choosing one of the day-trip packages with a helicopter ride is worth it if you’re not going to see much else of the Queensland coast from the air.

Whale watching

During whale season (approximately June – November), Moreton Bay is the closest area to Brisbane where you can go whale watching. There are a few tour companies that offering whale watching from Brisbane, but Tangalooma Island Resort has the benefit that you can combine it with some time on Moreton Island.

The whale watching cruise leaves from Tangalooma at about midday and goes for about three hours, including a light lunch. That means it takes up a fair amount of the day, but if you get the early ferry over, you’ll still have a few hours of free time before the cruise leaves.

You can book the whale watching cruise on its own if you’re staying at Tangalooma, but you’ll need to arrange it as part of a package for a day trip.

Where is Tangalooma Island Resort?

Tangalooma Island Resort is on the western coast of Moreton Island, about 40 kilometres from Brisbane. You can see it on a map here .

How do you get to Tangalooma Island Resort?

The main way to get to Tangalooma Island Resort is on the ferry that is run by the resort. It leaves the Holt Street Wharf in eastern Brisbane at 7:30, 10:00, 12:30, and 15:30. It takes about 75 minutes each way and costs $88 return for an adult or $48 for a child up to 14 years. (Those prices are for accommodation guests – day visitors get different packages).

When can you visit Tangalooma Island Resort?

Tangalooma Island Resort is open all year round and the different seasons offer different experiences (although I would recommend avoiding school holidays, if possible). For day-trippers, the earliest ferry you can get from Brisbane is 7:30, and the last ferry from the island leaves at 19:00.

How much does it cost to visit Tangalooma?

For a Tangalooma day trip, the cheapest option is $95 for an adult and $55 for a child.  This includes return ferry ride (coming back on the 16:00 departure), use of resort facilities, and a lunch voucher ($25 for adult/$20 for a child).

Are there packages for Tangalooma day trips?

Other than the standard ticket, there are lots of packages for day trips to Tangalooma with extra activities. For example, there’s this trip that includes ATV quad biking , or there’s this trip that includes a snorkelling tour of the wrecks , or even this trip that includes a whale-watching cruise .

If you’re only staying in Brisbane a few days, you obviously want to make the most of your limited time, which is why a day trip to Tangalooma is the perfect way to squeeze in all the island fun.

But, if you’ve got a bit longer up your sleeve, you might want to think about staying overnight – or maybe even for a few nights.

Compared to a Tangalooma day trip, staying overnight is even more relaxed because you don’t have the stress of the ferry departure time in the back of your mind (well, not until the last day, at least). It means you can spend hours on the sand, in the water, or out one on of the island’s hiking trails.

There are quite a few different types of accommodation at Tangalooma Island Resort, catering for different types of travellers and with a range of price points. (Nothing is super cheap here, but the basic rooms are still definitely affordable.)

The cheapest option is a budget room , which is just as it sounds. It won’t necessarily have kitchen facilities or ocean views, it doesn’t include daily cleaning, and you won’t be able to choose the exact location of your room. But it’s a clean and comfortable place to stay, start from $189 a night for up to three people.

The next option up, the standard hotel room , can fit up to four people with a king (or twin) bed and a sofabed. The large rooms have been recently refurbished and include a balcony. These rooms are set in a quiet part of the resort and come with the usual amenities. From $249 a night.

Although they’re quite similar in size to the standard option, the deluxe hotel room takes things up a notch, with wine and chocolates on arrival, for instance, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Ocean views are guaranteed for these rooms, which start from $299 a night for up to four people.

If you’re planning to stay a bit longer, or don’t want to eat at the restaurant for every meal, you might want to consider a resort unit , which comes with a kitchenette with a friend, electric frypan, microwave, and toaster. Perfect for families, they start from $279 a night for up to four people.

For an even bigger group, a family suite is another great option, with room for up to six people. There’s a separate bedroom for two people, and then the other beds including a sofa bed) are in the living area. There’s also a kitchenette in the suites, which start from $319 a night.

If you have an even larger group (family or friends), then the next accommodation I would recommend is a beachfront villa . The largest ones have two separate bedrooms and can accommodate up to eight people. They’re split over two levels and have a lot more living space. They’re also a bit quieter because they’re slightly further from the centre of the resort. They cost from $449 a night.

And finally there’s another level called a Deep Blue apartment . Set within two apartment blocks in the centre of the resort, these modern units are the most luxurious accommodation at Tangalooma. There are different sizes (and styles) ranging from two-bedroom, to three-bedroom, and even a penthouse across the entire fifth floor. Prices start at $529 a night, which is decent value for all the space and amenities you get.

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How To Visit The Tangalooma Wrecks On Moreton Island

Introduction.

Welcome to Moreton Island, a pristine natural paradise just off the coast of Brisbane, Australia. This beautiful island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. One of the most popular attractions on Moreton Island is the Tangalooma Wrecks, a collection of sunken ships that have become an artificial reef and a haven for divers and snorkelers.

The Tangalooma Wrecks offer a unique opportunity to explore a fascinating underwater world, rich in history and teeming with marine biodiversity. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a novice snorkeler, the wrecks provide an unforgettable experience for all types of visitors.

In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island. From getting there and understanding the history of the wrecks to exploring the vibrant marine life and taking part in other activities on the island, we’ve got you covered!

So, grab your snorkel or scuba gear and get ready for an adventure at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Discover the wonders that lie beneath the surface and immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique marine ecosystem.

Getting to Moreton Island

Getting to Moreton Island is relatively easy, as it is located just off the coast of Brisbane, Australia. There are several options available for transportation, depending on your preferences and budget.

The most common way to reach Moreton Island is by taking a ferry or a barge from the mainland. There are regular ferry services that operate from the Port of Brisbane to Tangalooma, the main resort area on the island. The ferry ride takes approximately 75 minutes, and the schedule may vary depending on the time of year. It is recommended to check the ferry timetable in advance and book your tickets early, especially during peak seasons.

If you prefer a more adventurous option, you can also reach Moreton Island by hiring a private boat or joining a guided tour. This allows you to have more flexibility in terms of departure times and exploring different parts of the island.

Once you arrive on Moreton Island, you may need to arrange transportation to your accommodation or the Tangalooma Wrecks. There are various options available, including hiring a 4WD vehicle, joining a guided tour, or even cycling or walking if you’re staying nearby. It’s important to note that driving on the island requires a vehicle access permit, which can be obtained from the island’s authorities.

If you prefer not to drive, there are also shuttle bus services available that can take you to different parts of the island, including the Tangalooma Wrecks. These services are convenient and can save you the hassle of navigating the island on your own.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, be sure to check the weather and sea conditions before departing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to Moreton Island.

What are the Tangalooma Wrecks?

The Tangalooma Wrecks are a collection of fifteen sunken ships that have been deliberately scuttled to create an artificial reef off the coast of Moreton Island. These ships were once used to create a breakwall for a whaling station, but over time, they have become a popular attraction for snorkelers, divers, and nature enthusiasts.

Each ship at the Tangalooma Wrecks has its own unique history and story. Some of the vessels date back to World War II, while others were retired recreational boats. The wrecks create a fascinating underwater landscape with their skeletal remains rising up from the sandy ocean floor.

One of the highlights of the Tangalooma Wrecks is the vibrant marine life that has made it their home. The sunken ships have become an artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of fish, corals, and other marine organisms. Snorkelers and divers can swim among schools of colorful fish, spot sea turtles, and marvel at the array of corals that have flourished on the wrecks.

The wrecks are located in relatively shallow water, making them easily accessible for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The shallow depth also means that the wrecks are well-lit by sunlight, allowing for excellent visibility and the perfect opportunity for underwater photography.

One of the most iconic wrecks at Tangalooma is the Maheno, a former trans-Tasman passenger liner that was used as a hospital ship during World War I. Today, the Maheno is a popular diving site and a symbol of the rich history of the wrecks.

The Tangalooma Wrecks not only provide an incredible underwater experience but also serve as a hub for scientific research and education. The wrecks have become a living laboratory for marine biologists, who study the impact of artificial reefs on marine ecosystems and monitor the health and biodiversity of the underwater environment.

Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner snorkeler, exploring the Tangalooma Wrecks is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Witness the fusion of history and nature as you dive into the intriguing world of these sunken ships and discover the abundant marine life that thrives around them.

Planning your visit

Before embarking on your adventure to the Tangalooma Wrecks, it’s essential to plan your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key factors to consider when planning your trip:

• Timing: The best time to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks is during the Australian summer months (December to February) when the water temperature is pleasant and the weather is typically sunny. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so it can get crowded. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May).
• Accommodation: Moreton Island offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. There are resorts, cabins, and camping grounds available near the Tangalooma Wrecks, as well as in other parts of the island. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Activities: Aside from snorkeling and diving at the Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island offers a multitude of other activities to enjoy. You can go sandboarding on the island’s vast sand dunes, take a guided tour to explore the island’s natural beauty, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or even join a dolphin feeding experience at Tangalooma Resort. Plan your itinerary to make the most of your time on the island.
• Equipment and Services: If you’re planning to snorkel or dive at the Tangalooma Wrecks, you may need to bring your own gear or rent it from the dive shops or resorts on the island. It’s important to ensure that your equipment is in good condition, especially your snorkel, mask, and fins. If you’re a beginner, consider taking a guided tour or hiring a diving instructor to enhance your experience and ensure your safety.
• Permits and Regulations: Moreton Island is a protected nature reserve, so it’s essential to be aware of the environmental regulations and obtain any necessary permits. If you’re driving on the island, you’ll need a vehicle access permit. It’s also important to follow responsible snorkeling and diving practices to protect the marine ecosystem and preserve the wrecks for future generations.

By taking the time to plan your visit to the Tangalooma Wrecks, you can make the most of your experience and ensure a memorable adventure on Moreton Island. So, pack your sunscreen, camera, and sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the captivating underwater world of the Tangalooma Wrecks!

Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks

Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks is an incredible experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world and get up close and personal with the marine life that call the wrecks home. Here are some key points to know about snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks:

• Equipment: To fully enjoy your snorkeling experience, it’s important to have the right equipment. You’ll need a mask, snorkel, and fins. It’s advisable to bring your own gear if possible, as it ensures a comfortable fit and eliminates the need for rental fees. However, if you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it from the dive shops or resorts on the island.
• Snorkeling Tips: Before venturing into the water, familiarize yourself with some basic snorkeling techniques. Practice breathing through the snorkel and clearing any water that may enter the tube. Remember to swim slowly and avoid touching or disturbing the marine life. Keep an eye on your surroundings, as there may be other snorkelers or divers in the area.
• Explore the Wrecks: Once you’re in the water, take your time to explore the Tangalooma Wrecks. Swim around the skeletal remains of the sunken ships and observe the vast array of marine life that inhabit the area. You’ll be mesmerized by the colorful fish, coral formations, and possibly even encounter turtles or rays. The wrecks are located in relatively shallow water, making it accessible and enjoyable for snorkelers of all skill levels.
• Visibility and Safety: The visibility at the Tangalooma Wrecks is generally good, thanks to the shallow depth and clear waters. However, it can vary depending on weather and tidal conditions. It’s important to follow safety guidelines and snorkel within your comfort zone. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or tired, return to the surface and rest. Always snorkel with a buddy and keep an eye on each other for added safety.
• Photography Opportunities: Don’t forget to bring an underwater camera or a GoPro to capture the stunning beauty of the Tangalooma Wrecks. The wrecks provide a unique backdrop for underwater photography, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments with the colorful marine life.

Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks offers a captivating glimpse into an underwater world filled with history and abundant marine biodiversity. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this experience is sure to leave you in awe of the wonders that lie beneath the surface. So, grab your gear, dive in, and prepare to be amazed!

Diving opportunities

The Tangalooma Wrecks offer fantastic diving opportunities for those looking to explore the underwater world in more depth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, diving at the Tangalooma Wrecks is an adventure not to be missed. Here’s what you need to know about diving at the Tangalooma Wrecks:

• Certification: If you’re a certified diver, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deeper and explore the wrecks up close. The wrecks range in depth from around 10 to 15 meters, making it accessible for open water certified divers. For those with more experience and advanced certifications, there are also deeper areas to explore.
• Guided tours and dive operators: If you’re new to diving or prefer to have a knowledgeable guide, there are several dive operators that offer guided tours of the Tangalooma Wrecks. These tours provide valuable insights into the wreck’s history and marine life, as well as ensure your safety throughout the dive.
• Marine life sightings: Diving at the Tangalooma Wrecks allows you to encounter a diverse range of marine life. Keep an eye out for tropical fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish, which weave in and out of the coral formations. Turtles, rays, and even the occasional dolphin may also make an appearance during your dive.
• Wreck penetration: For more experienced divers, the Tangalooma Wrecks offer opportunities for wreck penetration. This involves swimming inside the sunken ships and exploring the interiors. It’s important to have proper training and experience for wreck penetration to ensure your safety and the preservation of the wrecks.
• Photography and videography: The Tangalooma Wrecks provide stunning visuals that are perfect for underwater photography or videography. Capture the eerie beauty of the wreck structures and the vibrant marine life that surrounds them. Remember to respect the marine environment and avoid touching or disturbing the delicate corals and marine creatures.

Whether you’re fascinated by marine history, love exploring underwater ecosystems, or simply want to experience the thrill of diving, the Tangalooma Wrecks offer a unique and memorable diving experience. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant marine life as you explore the underwater world of the wrecks.

It’s important to plan your dive in advance, ensuring your equipment is in good condition, and diving within your limits. Safety should always be a priority, so be sure to follow the instructions of your dive guide, monitor your air supply, and conduct thorough pre-dive checks.

So, gather your dive buddy and get ready for an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves at the Tangalooma Wrecks!

Safety precautions

While visiting the Tangalooma Wrecks can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a enjoyable and incident-free time. Here are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Know your skill level: Be honest with yourself about your swimming, snorkeling, or diving abilities. The Tangalooma Wrecks cater to both beginners and experienced individuals, but it’s crucial to choose activities that match your skill level. If you’re a beginner, consider taking lessons or joining guided tours to enhance your skills and confidence in the water.
• Swim with a buddy: Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, it’s always safer to have a buddy by your side. This allows you to look out for each other, provide assistance if needed, and ensure that someone is aware of your location at all times. Stick together and communicate underwater using pre-determined signals.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Take note of any potential hazards or changes in conditions while exploring the Tangalooma Wrecks. Keep an eye out for other snorkelers, divers, and boats in the area to avoid collisions. Be mindful of currents, tides, and weather conditions, as they can impact visibility and safety in the water.
• Respect the marine environment: While snorkeling or diving, do not touch or disturb the corals, marine life, or the wrecks. These delicate ecosystems take years to form, and their preservation is essential. Make sure to take only photographs and leave only bubbles as you explore the underwater world.
• Check your equipment: Before entering the water, perform a thorough check of your snorkeling or diving equipment. Ensure that your gear is in good working condition, including your mask, snorkel, regulator, BCD, and dive computer. Double-check the fit and secure any loose straps.
• Stay hydrated and protected from the sun: Remember to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, even if you’re underwater. Dehydration and sunburn can affect your well-being and diminish the enjoyment of your experience.
• Follow the instructions of professionals: If you’re participating in guided snorkeling or diving tours, listen carefully to the instructions given by the professionals. They will provide valuable guidance on safety procedures, entry and exit points, and the best routes to navigate the wrecks. Following their advice will help ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

By adhering to these safety precautions, you can make the most of your visit to the Tangalooma Wrecks while minimizing potential risks. Remember that safety should always be a priority, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty and wonders of the underwater world.

Now, go out and explore the Tangalooma Wrecks with confidence, and create memories to last a lifetime!

Wildlife and marine life at the wrecks

The Tangalooma Wrecks are not only a captivating piece of history but also a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life. From colorful fish to majestic turtles, the wrecks are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here’s a glimpse of the fascinating wildlife and marine life you can encounter at the Tangalooma Wrecks:

• Fish species: The wrecks are home to a wide variety of fish species, ranging from small tropical fish to larger pelagic species. Keep an eye out for vibrant angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and damselfish darting in and out of coral formations. Schools of trevally, snapper, and fusiliers are often seen swimming around the wrecks, creating a magnificent spectacle of colors and movement.
• Turtles: The Tangalooma Wrecks are known for their frequent turtle sightings. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are commonly seen gliding gracefully through the water or resting on the coral formations. Snorkelers and divers can witness these gentle creatures in their natural habitat, providing a truly magical experience.
• Rays and sharks: The sandy patches around the wrecks attract various species of rays, including eagle rays and stingrays. These graceful creatures can often be spotted gliding effortlessly along the ocean floor. Occasionally, lucky divers may even encounter harmless reef sharks, such as whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, cruising around the wreck sites.
• Corals and invertebrates: The Tangalooma Wrecks are adorned with a stunning array of corals and invertebrates. Hard corals, soft corals, and colorful sea fans create a vibrant underwater landscape. Look closely, and you may find nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and other fascinating invertebrate species blending in with their surroundings.
• Dolphins and whales: Although not directly associated with the wrecks, it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins and whales near Moreton Island. Dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the waters, while humpback whales migrate along the coastline during their annual journey. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of these incredible marine mammals.

It’s important to remember that the marine life at the Tangalooma Wrecks is wild and should be observed from a respectful distance. Avoid touching or disturbing the animals and corals, as this can harm both the marine life and the delicate ecosystem.

For an even more immersive experience, consider bringing an underwater camera to capture the beauty of the wildlife and marine life. Take memorable photographs and relive the awe-inspiring encounters with these fascinating creatures.

Explore the Tangalooma Wrecks with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible biodiversity that thrives within its waters. Discover a world where history meets nature and embark on an unforgettable journey through the underwater wonders of the wrecks.

Other activities on Moreton Island

While the Tangalooma Wrecks are the main attraction on Moreton Island, there is a plethora of other activities to enjoy during your visit. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or prefer a more relaxed experience, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top activities to explore on Moreton Island:

• Sandboarding: Moreton Island is home to some of the largest coastal sand dunes in the world, making it a perfect destination for sandboarding enthusiasts. Grab a sandboard or toboggan and experience the adrenaline rush as you slide down the steep slopes of pure white sand.
• Whale watching: From June to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast of Moreton Island. Join a whale-watching tour and witness these majestic creatures breach and play in the waters surrounding the island. It’s an awe-inspiring experience, and you’re sure to create lifelong memories.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore the calm turquoise waters of Moreton Island by renting a kayak or paddleboard. Glide along the coastline, venture into hidden coves, and admire the stunning scenery from a different perspective.
• Bushwalking and nature trails: Moreton Island is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a network of walking trails that lead through pristine forests and coastal areas. Take a leisurely stroll or embark on a challenging hike, and discover the island’s diverse flora and fauna along the way. Look out for native birds, wallabies, and even wild dolphins that often swim close to the shore.
• Fishing: Cast your line into the sparkling waters surrounding Moreton Island and try your luck at fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, there are fishing opportunities for all skill levels. Popular catches include whiting, bream, flathead, and tailor.
• Cultural experiences: Learn about the rich history and culture of the local Indigenous people, the Quandamooka. Join a cultural tour and gain insights into their traditions, storytelling, and connection to the island. Engage in activities like bush tucker-tasting and traditional crafts.
• Relaxation and beach activities: Of course, simply relaxing on the pristine beaches of Moreton Island is an activity in itself. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, and enjoy the serenity of this unspoiled paradise.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Moreton Island offers an abundance of activities to suit your preferences. Plan your itinerary to make the most of your time on the island, and be sure to check the availability and booking requirements for each activity in advance.

With a wealth of experiences to choose from, Moreton Island ensures that your visit is filled with unforgettable moments, picturesque landscapes, and a true sense of connection with nature.

Accommodation options

When planning your visit to Moreton Island, you’ll have various accommodation options to choose from, catering to different budgets and preferences. Whether you prefer a luxurious resort, cozy cabins, or a back-to-nature camping experience, there’s something for everyone. Here are some accommodation options on Moreton Island:

• Resorts: Moreton Island is home to several resorts, offering a range of amenities and services. These resorts often provide comfortable rooms, onsite restaurants, swimming pools, and activities for guests. Staying at a resort is ideal for those who enjoy a more upscale and convenient experience.
• Cabins and holiday homes: If you’re looking for self-contained accommodation and more privacy, consider renting a cabin or holiday home on the island. These options often include kitchen facilities, separate bedrooms, and outdoor spaces where you can relax and unwind. It’s a great choice for families or groups of friends traveling together.
• Camping grounds: Moreton Island offers picturesque camping grounds for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. These camping areas provide basic amenities such as toilets, showers, and barbecue facilities. Wake up to the sound of waves, enjoy stunning sunsets, and sleep under a canopy of stars.
• Glamping: For a more glamorous camping experience, consider glamping on Moreton Island. Glamping combines the beauty of outdoor living with the luxury of comfortable accommodations. Stay in safari-style tents equipped with comfortable beds, stylish furnishings, and sometimes even en-suite bathrooms. It’s a perfect balance between adventure and comfort.
• Day trip options: If you’re looking to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks but don’t plan on staying overnight, day trips are available from the mainland. These trips usually include return ferry transfers, access to resort facilities, and the opportunity to snorkel or dive at the wrecks. It’s an excellent option for those short on time or who prefer day-only visits.

Whichever accommodation option you choose, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons and holidays, to ensure availability. Take into consideration your budget, preferred level of comfort, and the proximity of the accommodation to the Tangalooma Wrecks or other activities you’re interested in.

Stay in comfort, wake up to breathtaking views, and choose an accommodation option that aligns with your ideal Moreton Island experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the variety of accommodation options will enhance your overall visit to this idyllic island.

Best time to visit

Moreton Island is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Each season on the island offers unique experiences and advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons and the best time to visit Moreton Island:

• Summer (December to February): This is the peak tourist season on Moreton Island, as it coincides with the Australian summer. The weather during this time is generally hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F). The warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the long daylight hours allow for plenty of outdoor activities. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during this period.
• Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Moreton Island. The weather is still warm, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). This season offers more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities, with fewer crowds compared to summer. It’s a great time for snorkeling, fishing, and exploring the island’s natural beauty without the sweltering heat.
• Winter (June to August): Winter on Moreton Island brings mild temperatures, ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F). While this time of year is considered the off-peak season, it can still be a wonderful time to visit. The cooler weather allows for comfortable bushwalking, birdwatching, and whale-watching experiences. It’s also a good time to enjoy quieter beaches and take advantage of lower accommodation rates.
• Spring (September to November): Spring is another great time to visit Moreton Island, as the weather starts to warm up and nature awakens. Temperatures range from 20-28°C (68-82°F), and the island becomes vibrant with colorful wildflowers and native fauna. Snorkeling and fishing conditions are excellent, and it’s the season when humpback whales migrate along the coastline, providing thrilling whale-watching opportunities.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Moreton Island depends on your personal preferences and the activities you wish to engage in. Consider factors such as weather, crowds, and prices when planning your trip. Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and the availability of accommodation and activities beforehand.

Regardless of the season you choose to visit, Moreton Island promises natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags, embrace the island’s charms, and get ready to create lasting memories on this idyllic island getaway.

Visiting the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island is a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a snorkeler, diver, or nature enthusiast, the wrecks offer a captivating glimpse into an underwater world brimming with history and marine biodiversity.

From the moment you set foot on Moreton Island, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and diverse marine life create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the wrecks or engaging in other activities like sandboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone on Moreton Island.

When planning your trip, consider the best time to visit based on your preferences and the activities you want to pursue. Whether it’s the peak summer season for warm temperatures and vibrant underwater colors or the quieter months of autumn and winter for peaceful hikes and wildlife encounters, each season offers its own unique charm.

Ensure that you prioritize safety during your visit. Pay attention to weather conditions, follow the guidance of experienced guides and instructors, and respect the delicate marine ecosystem. By doing so, you’ll not only have a safe and enjoyable experience but also contribute to the preservation of this remarkable natural treasure.

Whether you’re snorkeling amidst the wrecks’ skeletal remains, observing colorful fish darting through the corals, or encountering turtles gliding gracefully through the water, the Tangalooma Wrecks will leave an indelible impression on you.

So, pack your snorkel or dive gear, bring your sense of adventure, and embark on a journey to the Tangalooma Wrecks. Immerse yourself in the magic of this underwater wonderland and create lasting memories on Moreton Island.

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Extraordinary Travel for Ordinary Couples

Australia , Destinations , Oceania , Queensland · May 7, 2019

• How to See Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island, Australia

Very few people who live outside Brisbane have ever heard of or seen the Tangalooma Wrecks. For many years it’s remained a relatively undiscovered island in Queensland , frequented only by local Brisbanites on weekends and school holidays.

During my University years, my friends and I would haul our camping gear out to the island to celebrate Australia Day or the Easter Holiday break camping, sandboarding, fishing, and snorkeling around the Wrecks.

Since the popularity of drone photography and Instagram, the rest of the world has begun to take notice of this hidden Australian landmark , after seeing amazing birds-eye views of the spectacular formation of 15 shipwrecks on Instagram.

Having recently met some fellow Brisbane-based travel bloggers through Instagram – Jasmine and Bevan from The Travel Quandary , and Phoebe from Kaptain Kenny Travel – we all agreed that we needed to get together and start discovering our own backyard a little more.

After all, there are so many bucket list places to explore around our home city – such as Byron Bay, Noosa , Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Stradbroke Island… the list goes on. But the first place on our list was a day trip to Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island !

Here is everything you need to know before visiting the spectacular tangalooma wrecks!

Planning a holiday in Australia right now? Here are 150 Australia Bucket List experiences to tick off!

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In This Post:

Tangalooma Wrecks History

In spite of what many people seem to think, it’s no coincidence that fifteen vessels happened to run aground in the exact same spot. In fact, the old dredging ships were deliberately sunk off the coast of Moreton Island, near Brisbane, Australia in the 1960s to create a break wall from small boats. It also managed to attract scores of reef fish and marine life, thereby creating a popular wreck dive and snorkel site. It’s also common to see reef sharks and, during the right time of year, migrating whales regularly cruise by. We were lucky enough to see two humpbacks there last year!

Related Post: 50+ Famous Landmarks in Australia to Add to Your Bucket List

Where are the Tangalooma Wrecks Located?

The Tangalooma Wrecks are located on Moreton Island, which is one of the few islands near Brisbane city that is inhabited. Moreton Island is entirely sand with no sealed roads. While the island has many great attractions, such as the Big Sand Dunes and the Champagne Pools, the Tangalooma Shipwrecks are undoubtedly the star attraction.

Moreton Island is a great place for a weekend getaway from Brisbane . It’s possible to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks on a day trip, however, staying overnight will allow you more time to experience other areas of the island.

Read More: 15 Best Weekend Getaways from Brisbane for Couples

How to Get to Tangalooma Wrecks

There are a few options to get to Tangalooma Wrecks, but in general, you will need to catch a boat from Brisbane to Moreton Island. There are two public ferries that run from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a daily basis during the high season. It is also possible to reach the Tangalooma Wrecks by private boat – if you are interested in hiring a boat and skipper for the day or know someone who has their own boat (even better).

Micat Ferry

The Micat Ferry is the Moreton Island vehicle ferry that also takes walk-on passengers. The Micat Ferry runs from Brisbane to Moreton Island leaving from the Port of Brisbane, arriving at the Moreton Island beach landing point, approximately 200 metres to the north of Tangalooma Wrecks site and campground. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. Micat operates a demand-based timetable, up to 5 times per day during peak season. For Micat bookings and timetable information, visit the Micat website .

Tangalooma Ferry

The Tangalooma Ferry is a passenger-only ferry (no vehicles) that runs from Brisbane to Moreton Island, departing from Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba and arriving at the Tangalooma Jetty on Moreton Island. From here it is 15-20 minutes walk to Tangalooma Wrecks. The Brisbane to Tangalooma ferry ride takes approximately 75 minutes, with four services operating daily (each way).

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Tangalooma Wrecks?

Micat Ferry  – $28.50 AUD one-way for walk-on passengers and approximately $100 AUD one-way for vehicles.

Tangalooma Ferry  – $84.00 return per person. A cruise + activity package is also available which includes return ferry transfers, one activity of your choice, lunch, and use of the resort facilities. A Tangalooma Day Cruise pass costs $129 AUD per adult.

Moreton Island Camping Permit  – If you plan to camp on Moreton Island, a camping permit will cost around $7 AUD per person, per night. For more information on bookings and purchasing a camping permit, visit the Moreton Island National Park webpage .

Moreton Island Vehicle Permit  – If you plan to take a vehicle, you will need to purchase a Moreton Island vehicle permit for around $52.00 AUD, which covers up to a month. Only 4WD vehicles are allowed on Moreton Island.

Note: the above prices are correct at the time of writing this article and may vary.

Where to Stay on Moreton Island

Tangalooma Island Resort   – The main resort on Moreton Island offers a range of accommodation options ranging from budget rooms to deluxe beachfront villas.

Tangalooma Campgrounds  – For those willing to brave the elements, a Moreton Island camping experience at The Wrecks camp area is one of the best accommodation options on the island. The Tangalooma Campgrounds (non-powered) are well set up with campfire pits, eco-toilets, shower facilities, and wifi! You don’t need a vehicle to camp on Moreton Island as the Micat Ferry landing point is located approximately 200 metres from The Wrecks camping area, so it’s possible to walk to the campsite.

In My Opinion: Personally, I thought that Tangalooma Island Resort is looking a little tired and is in major need of a facelift. Camping at Tangalooma campgrounds is one of the best experiences as it allows you to have the Tangalooma wrecks and beach mostly to yourself in the morning before the tour groups begin to arrive around 9 or 10 am.

Other Things to Do on Moreton Island

If you do decide to stay overnight, there are several other fun things to do around Moreton Island. But if you have your own 4WD vehicle, or have hired one, it’s possible to drive around the island and experience these other fun activities:

Sand Boarding

There is a tall sand dune just a short walk north of the wrecks. There are even bigger sand dunes in the middle of the island, but you’ll need a vehicle to reach them.

Champagne Pools 

Natural rock pools are located on the northeast tip of the island. You’ll need a vehicle to reach the champagne pools.

Feed the Dolphins

Each evening at sunset, wild dolphins swim up to the jetty at Tangalooma Island Resort for a feed. The program follows strict guidelines to ensure the dolphins maintain their natural hunting instincts. The dolphin feeding area is within walking distance from the Tangalooma Wrecks.

Read Next: 15 Incredible Queensland Island Holidays & Resorts for Your Next Vacay

Take a ride along the beach and over the sand dunes on an ATV quad bike adventure. Tours are run from Tangalooma Island Resort which is just a short walk from the wrecks.

Transparent Kayaking

For a unique experience try kayaking in see-through kayaks over the wrecks to see the ships and sea life below. Also available at night using bright LED lights.

Cape Moreton Lighthouse

The first lighthouse ever built in Queensland and a great place for spotting whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, manta rays, and dugongs.  Cape Moreton Lighthouse is located on the northern end of the island. You’ll need a vehicle to reach the lighthouse from the wrecks.

The Blue Lagoon

Take a dip in the tea-tree oil-infused freshwater lake in the middle of the island. A short drive away from the Tangalooma Wrecks.

Read Next: The Ultimate World Travel Bucket List – 150+ Places to See Before You Die

Additional Tips for Visiting Tangalooma Wrecks

Some things to be aware of.

It’s very easy to swim out to the wrecks from the beach, however, sometimes the current between the beach and the wrecks can be very strong. Be sure not to swim against the current, swim towards the beach instead. You’re also not allowed to climb on the wrecks as the rusty surfaces may have sharp areas that can cause injury, not to mention, that you’d be ruining the fish’s home!

How Much Time to Allow

I have visited Moreton Island on a day trip and have also stayed overnight a few times. Both are great, however, obviously staying overnight and having access to a 4WD vehicle will allow you to see so much more than the island offers.

Getting Around Moreton Island

Moreton Island is entirely made of sand with no sealed roads. Only 4WD vehicles are permitted on Moreton Island. You can bring a 4WD from Brisbane to Moreton Island on the Micat Ferry. It’s also possible to hire a 4WD once you arrive on the island at Tangalooma Island Resort .

Tours on Moreton Island

For some of the best tours and things to do on Moreton Island, check out these recommended day tours:

• Tangalooma Day Trip with Whale Watching Cruise
• Tangalooma Day Cruise with ATV Quad Bike Tour
• Tangalooma Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise

Don’t Forget to Bring

For a day trip, don’t forget sunscreen, snorkeling gear, a picnic rug, and a sunshade. If you’re planning to camp, don’t forget to bring a tent, drinking water or water sterilisation tablets, rubbish bags, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Can you recommend any other great tips for visiting Moreton Island and the Tangalooma Wrecks? Let our readers know about them in the comments below.

Planning a Queensland adventure? Read more:

• The Ultimate Australia Bucket List
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• A Guide to Visiting Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays
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• 10 Best Airbnbs in Cairns, Australia

Feeling Inspired? Here are 10 Bucket List Places to Visit around the world this year!

Planning a trip soon? Here’s a list of the websites we use for booking our trips:

• Skyscanner  for the best flight deals
• Booking.com for the best rates on hotels
• HomeAway  for the best price on apartment and home rentals
• Rentalcars.com  for quick and easy car rentals
• Luxury Escapes  | Expedia for luxury package holiday deals and tours
• Get Your Guide  | Klook | Viator  for booking day tours and attraction tickets
• Tourradar  for a wide selection of multi-day tours
• Safety Wing for the most comprehensive worldwide travel insurance

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About the Author:

Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.

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You’ll Also Love

May 29, 2019 at 9:27 pm

Although Australia has been written about a lot, it is still a refreshing destination.Really amazing place. This photography is really incredible and the article also informative. Thank you.

Amanda Twine says

May 30, 2019 at 12:28 pm

Thank you for your lovely comment Rose.

The Travel Quandary says

May 31, 2019 at 8:25 pm

Let’s go baaaaack! <3

June 3, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Absolutely… let’s go camping there next time!

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Your Moreton Island

Adventure starts here: , ami day pass.

Spend the day exploring the crystal clear waters and the Tangalooma Shipwrecks at your own pace with  kayak ,  stand up paddle board  and  snorkeling equipment hire

Wrecks Adventure Tour

You’re the boss when it comes to our Wrecks Adventure Tour! Choose up to 3 unique adventures for your  Moreton Island Day Trip . Come and experience that Tangalooma Island has to offer with Adventure Moreton Island.

Create Your own adventure

Pack your swimmers & towel, grab your friends & family and discover the aquatic adventures waiting for you in the crystal clear waters of the bay and Tangalooma Shipwrecks. Come see all that Adventure Moreton Island has to offer at your leisure.

Whether you’re an Introductory (beginner/unlicensed) or Certified Diver (licensed),  Adventure Moreton Island  has a Scuba diving experience to suit you!  The Tangalooma Shipwrecks are Moreton Island’s premier dive location.

Your Adventure starts here:

Adventure Moreton Island is your one-stop shop with a wide range of activities, including snorkelling, kayaking, glass bottom boat cruises, scuba diving, parasailing and much more!  See the beauty of Moreton Island in full swing over at Tangalooma Island Resort. From your ferry trip over to your activities on the island, Adventure Moreton Island has it all. Find your adventure today!

Experience Adventure Moreton Island with us! For the best range of  outdoor activities and Island Day Trips! 

AMI is based at Tangalooma Island Resort, so you will also have access to all Tangalooma Vendors!

All Adventure Moreton Island packages include a return ferry transfer from Brisbane.

Meet our local wildlife:

Green Sea Turtles

Moreton Island is home to 5 different species of Sea Turtles and while snorkelling the wrecks it’s not uncommon to come across one going about their day. Sea Turtles often nest on the same beaches they were born on and the temperature of the sand is what determines the sex of the turtle. Moreton Islands cool sands mean that male turtles are more likely to hatch than females.

Wobbegong Sharks

Reading the word shark probably sounds intimidating however the Wobbegong Sharks that inhabit the wrecks are harmless. These bottom-dwelling sharks spend most of their time on the sea floor eating crabs and other smaller fish. The name “Wobbegong” comes from the “Australian-Aboriginal” language meaning “shaggy beard” which refers to the many growths on the bottom of it’s mouth.