Moreton Island: Why this lush Queensland paradise needs to be on your bucket list

Bali this, Bali that. It’s time to check out a new tropical island — and this little hidden slice of paradise is much closer to home.

Bali this, Bali that – we’ve heard it all before.

But a small island just over 60 minutes off the coast of Queensland recently took my breath away, and given it’s super close proximity to home, flowing cocktails, crystal clear waters and more marine life than you can count – I’d say this island is even better.

Tangalooma Moreton Island is just off the coast of Brisbane.

Aerial view of the island and Tanaglooma.

Stepping on board the Tangalooma Ferry that sailed down the Brisbane River and across Moreton Bay to the island, it was hard not to be consumed by the aquamarine waters that surrounded the white-sand beaches by the ferry dock.

Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island.

The sand stretched as far as the eye can see, dotted with palm trees, kayaks and snorkelling gear — a complete contrast to the city of Brisbane sitting just a stone’s throw away.

So whether you’re planning a week or perhaps just a weekend on this hidden gem — here’s the best way to do it.

The resort

Tangalooma Island resort is the way to do Moreton Island. Jumping on board their comfortable catamaran cruise for the 75-minute journey to the island, the resort has all accommodation options covered.

Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island.

Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island.

The rooms are comfortable without the need for any bells and whistles, with the views across the resort grounds and out to sea being all you’ll need for an enjoyable stay.

Tangalooma Resort is a real family vibe, with multiple swimming pools, plenty of green open spaces, and direct access right along the beach. There’s also several low-key dining options, a great cafe serving up stellar coffee and plenty of water activities to book at an additional charge.

Things to do

If the idea of lounging by a pool, sipping on a cocktail and reading a book – or perhaps snagging the shade of a palm tree and watching the day roll by while seated on the sand isn’t your jam – there’s plenty of action-packed activities on the island.

Either by kayak or by boat, a visit to the shipwrecks is a must.

From fish-feeding boat tours (which, if you have little ones, I highly recommend), to snorkelling, sand dune riding or quad biking – there’s plenty to fill up your day.

The standout would have to be taking a trip – whether it be on a kayak or with an organised snorkel or fish feeding tour – to the 17 shipwrecks just off the main beach of the island.

The fish feeding at the shipwrecks on Moreton Island is such a joy to watch.

These wrecks were deliberately sunk in the 60s and 70s, creating an artificial reef abundant with fish, turtles and the occasional dugong over time.

For an adrenaline hit, join one of the quad-bike tours.

We had the chance of throwing some food into the water from the glass-bottom boat that runs twice daily, and the amount of fish that created a frenzy on the surface of the crystal clear water was a sight to behold.

Slipping on a mask and taking to the sea is an experience you’d expect further north, yet this marine encounter – and the incredible sea turtles swimming by – was just an hour off Brisbane.

Snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks is an epic experience.

At night, the action doesn’t end – with perhaps one of the most memorable encounters of all happening at sunset.

Walk towards the dock and down onto the beach, and almost every evening a pod of wild dolphins will swim into waist-deep water to say hello and enjoy a fish or two.

As darkness falls, each guest waiting on the sand is handed a small fish and walked into the water by one of the island workers.

Stepping into the water at night to meet the wild dolphins has been happening on the island for 40 years.

These pods have been coming to the island on and off for over 40 years, and the encounter is an absolute bucket-list item. And before you fear for the wellbeing of these friendly creatures, the island resort is super conscious not to alter with dolphins’ natural behaviour.

So the small fish guests are given, perhaps half the size of an adult palm, only constitutes to 15 per cent of their daily diet. This means they won’t become dependant on the nightly feeds

Before you set sail to the island

Nothing like a taste of the city before you set sail to paradise, and a recent visit to one of Brisbane’s most bustling new precinct’s is the perfect place to get that fix.

Crystalbrook Vincent in Brisbane is a perfect hotel location to explore the bustling Howard Smith Wharves precinct.

Known as Howard Smith Wharves, the stretch of docks from Stanley Restaurant following the river all the way through to Ciao Papi Italian is the perfect place to spend a night or two, wine and dine, take in some live music and watch the city float by along the Brisbane River.

I checked out the lively Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, which is perfectly positioned so you can lean in and out of all the action.

Crystalbrook Vincent has epic views over Brisbane River and Story Bridge.

The hotel itself is decked out with Vincent Fantauzzo’s artwork on each wall and within the corridors, and the rooms are fun and spacious – with epic views to compliment.

I was surprised, given the hotel’s location opposite the bustling Felon’s brewery, that the noise hardly came through the windows of the 166-room within the hotel.

Crystalbrook Vincent rooms and suites

There’s a pool and rooftop bar called Fiume under the city’s famous Story Bridge, but if you’re after a really epic feed – you cannot go past an afternoon at Ciao Papi.

Ciao Papi is one of the many restaurant options at Howard Smith Wharves.

Ciao Papi was an epic spot for an Italian dinner.

The location at sunset is a standout, as the bridge lights up. A glass of Prosecco along with their oysters and plate of Pollo con pepperoni alla romana (Spring Chicken, bullhorn peppers, shallot, basil, garlic — and you cannot go wrong.

This journalist visited Brisbane and Moreton Island as a guest of Tourism Events Queensland