Hiking on Moreton Island

Want to hike the tallest Sand Dune in the world?

Hiking is one of the best ways to appreciate Moreton Island’s rich array of native plants, birds and wildlife. The hike to Mount Tempest (Moogar Bippo) is a favourite among fitness fanatics and is fast becoming a regular bucket list item.

It is the highest coastal sand dune in the world measuring an astonishing 285 metres above sea level.

The challenging walk to the top will reward you with a spectacular 360 degree view. On a clear day you can see the coastline from the Sunshine Coast and Glass House Mountains to Brisbane and then right through to the Gold Coast.

To find the beginning of the walking trail follow Middle Road north toward the eastern beach. The walk up to Mount Tempest contains steps with seats provided along the way to stop and marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the island.

This walk is best done in the cooler part of the day or in winter and takes approximately 2 hours to complete the 2.5km return trip, so make sure to take plenty of water. 

The track is surrounded by untouched national park so keep an eye out for gorgeous wildflowers including Banksia and tall Scribbly Gum trees.

The Scribbly Gum tree is an Australian eucalypt that is named after the unique "scribbles" on its bark. These zigzag tracks are tunnels made by the larvae of the scribbly gum moth.

Moreton Island is also the perfect place for bird-watching with over 180 species of birds, including seabirds, forest birds and birds of prey.

See some more of the remarkable views along the 2.5km track here: