Temporary Fuel Surcharge - Effective from 1st June 2026
From 1st June 2026, Tangalooma Island Resort is introducing a temporary fuel surcharge to help manage the significant increase in marine fuel and operating costs associated with running our boat transfer services between Brisbane and Tangalooma.
Fuel is one of the major operating costs involved in providing reliable island transfers. Recent global fuel market volatility, including price pressures associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has increased the cost of operating our vessels.
We have introduced this surcharge as a temporary, transparent measure so we can continue to provide safe, reliable and regular boat transfers for our guests. We have delayed introducing this for as long as possible, however it has now become a necessary measure.
We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Tangalooma introduced a fuel surcharge?
The temporary fuel surcharge is to be introduced on 1st June 2026 in response to increased fuel and operating costs for our boat transfer services.
Marine fuel costs have risen significantly due to global fuel market conditions, including volatility associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As an island resort, Tangalooma relies on regular boat transfers to connect guests, day visitors, team members, supplies and property owners between Brisbane and Moreton Island. The surcharge helps offset part of these increased costs while allowing us to continue operating reliable transfers to and from the resort.
Why doesn't Tangalooma absorb the fuel costs instead of passing these costs on to the customer?
Operating an integrated island resort involves fine margins, as we effectively manage the complex logistics of a small town. When one area of our business suffers, the entire operation is impacted. Global events have fundamentally increased our operating costs, risking our ability to deliver the standard of facilities that guests, property owners and timeshare owners expect.
Tangalooma has actually absorbed these fuel increases for several months in the hope that economic and diplomatic factors would resolve. Unfortunately, we can no longer sustain this without making major reductions to resort services.
Tangalooma is a local family-owned business and one of the largest employers in the Australian tourism industry. We care deeply about our loyal staff and take our responsibility to their livelihoods very seriously. Without this surcharge, we would have no choice but to retrench team members. We refuse to take this step lightly. Such reductions would not only impact our staff but also create negative flow-on effects, degrading the maintenance, general services, opening hours, and frequency of boat transfers and tours at the resort.
We remain committed to sharing this burden. The surcharge will only cover approximately 50% of the real additional costs. Tangalooma is already set to absorb an enormous increase in expenses that will not be passed on to our community.
When does the surcharge apply?
The surcharge applies to new bookings created from 1st June 2026 for travel between 1st June and 31st January 2027. It also applies where an existing confirmed booking is changed and the new or amended booking falls within the applicable travel dates. The surcharge and applicable dates will be monitored and reviewed regularly in line with fuel price movements.
Does the surcharge apply to day trips?
Yes. All Tangalooma day trips include return boat transfers, the temporary surcharge has been automatically applied to the booking price.
Does the surcharge apply to existing confirmed bookings?
No. Existing confirmed bookings made before 1st June 2026 will not attract the surcharge unless the booking is changed. What happens if I change an existing booking? If an existing confirmed booking is changed and the new or amended booking falls within the applicable travel dates, the fuel surcharge will apply.
I have an accommodation-only booking. Do I need to pay the surcharge?
The surcharge applies only to boat transfers booked through Tangalooma Island Resort. It does not apply to your room rate. If your accommodation package includes boat transfers, the surcharge may apply to the transfer component of your booking, depending on when the booking was made or changed. If you have arranged you own transport to the Resort you will not be impacted by this surcharge.
Do private property owners and Timeshare guests need to pay the surcharge?
Yes. Private property owners (and their guests) as well as Timeshare bookings will need to pay the surcharge when booking boat transfers through Tangalooma Island Resort during the applicable travel dates.
Is this surcharge permanent?
No. This is a temporary surcharge. It was introduced on 1st June 2026 and is currently scheduled to apply to travel between 1st June and 31st January 2027. The surcharge amount, applicable dates and conditions may change depending on fuel price movements and operating conditions.
When will Tangalooma Island Resort review the surcharge?
Tangalooma Island Resort will monitor and review the surcharge regularly in line with fuel price fluctuations and reserves the right to adjust the surcharge, applicable dates or conditions at its discretion.
Where can I see the current price?
Prices are shown on our website at the time of booking. You can also contact our Reservations team on (07) 3637 2000.