Top 10 Family Adventures on Moreton Island: Sun, Sand, and Smiles!

Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), a pristine paradise just a hop, skip, and a ferry ride from Brisbane, is an absolute haven for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Of course it is also the island on which Tangalooma is located, and guests of Tangalooma have the perfect launchpad to jump into the islands adventure highlights. With its towering sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, this Moreton Island offers something for everyone, from toddlers to teens (and parents too!).

So, pack your bags, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for an epic Moreton Island family getaway with our top 10 must-do activities:

1. Hand-Feed Wild Dolphins

Experience a truly magical moment as you hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort. Every evening at sunset, these playful creatures visit the shallows, allowing visitors to get up close and personal under the guide of an experienced Eco Ranger. Kids will be mesmerized by this unique encounter, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, the program has been curated to teach all guests on the behaviours, habitats and threats to dolphins here and around the world, and inspires everyone to return home as a strong activist for the protection of these wonderful creatures for generations to come.

The wild dolphin feeeding encounter each evening at sunset is exclusive to guests of Tangalooma Island Resort. Check your accommodation or say cruise package at the time of booking to make sure that it includes this amazing encounter in your visit.

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2. Sand Tobogganing

Hold on tight and prepare for an adrenaline rush as you zoom down the massive sand dunes on a toboggan. Moreton Island boasts some of the tallest coastal dunes in the world, making it a sandboarding and tobogganing paradise. Kids will squeal with delight as they race down the slopes of the Tangalooma Desert as part of the Desert Safari tour which departs Tangalooma multiple times per day, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h. Don't forget all those exhilarating moments will be caught on camera by our adventure photographers from the Tangalooma Photoshop.

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3. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks

Dive into an underwater wonderland at the Tangalooma Wrecks, a series of deliberately sunken ships that have become a haven for marine life. Snorkel through the eerie remains of these vessels, now teeming with colourful fish, coral, and even the occasional turtle, or even wobbegong shark (don't worry, they're harmless!). This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about marine ecosystems and witness the beauty of the underwater world.

Its easy to join a tour to the Tangalooma Wrecks. Book a Tangalooma Wrecks Day Tour from Brisbane, or visit Tangatours on arrival to the Resort.

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4. Spot the Dugongs

Glide through the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park on a kayak and encounter gentle giants – dugongs! These fascinating creatures, often referred to as "sea cows"  (or Manatees in some countries), graze on seagrass in the shallows, providing a unique opportunity for kayakers to observe them in their natural habitat. It's an educational and awe-inspiring experience for the whole family.

Tip: If you don’t want to take a kayak, you will often spot 'Dougie' the Dugong off the Tangalooma sandbank as part of the family-friendly Marine Discovery Cruise.

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5. Explore the Island on a 4WD Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 4WD tour and discover the hidden gems of Moreton Island. Traverse rugged tracks, climb towering sand dunes, and explore secluded beaches. This off-road adventure is a great way to experience the island's diverse landscape and spot wildlife, sealife and birdlife. The Resort runs a number of 4WD bus Safaris to the major attractions on Moreton Island – but if you have your own 4WD – you can explore all of these at your own leisure too.

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6.  Pelican and Kookaburra Encounters

Get up close and personal with some of Moreton Island's feathered residents. Resort guests can join one of the free Eco Ranger presentations that run daily featuring encounters with kookaburras, sea-bird, and pelican encounters. Get up close to these amazing birds and learn all about their unique calls, habitats and behaviours. Resort guests should check the What’s-on guide for details and times for these free presentations.

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7. Relax and Rejuvenate at the Champagne Pools

Take a dip in the naturally formed Champagne Pools, a series of rock pools on the northern tip of the island. The waves crashing over the volcanic rocks create a bubbly effect, resembling a glass of champagne. It's the perfect spot to cool off, relax, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. You can visit the Champagne Pools as part of the Northern Safari 4WD Bus tour.

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8.  Get Adventurous with Quad Biking:

For an adrenaline-pumping experience, hop on a quad bike and explore the island's diverse terrain. Zoom along the beach, navigate through bushland trails, and conquer challenging sand dunes. Quad biking is a fun and exciting way for families to experience the thrill of off-road adventure. Tangalooma also has a small selection of Tandem Quad Bikes for those adventurous kids that want to hold onto mum or dad instead of driving. (Note: Age restrictions may apply.)

The ATV Quad Biking on Moreton Island is only available as a Tour from Tangalooma Island Resort and can be booked as part of a day trip cruise, or whilst staying overnight at the Resort.

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9. Visit Cape Moreton Lighthouse:

Step back in time at Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Queensland's first lighthouse. Explore the historic site, learn about its fascinating history, and climb to the base of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for migrating whales during the winter months! You can visit Cape Moreton as part of the Northern Safari 4WD Bus tour, or Whale Watching Bus Safari tour.

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10. Unwind on Pristine Beaches:

Moreton Island boasts miles of pristine beaches, perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun. The beach at Tangalooma was voted as the #1 beach in the world to see Nature in Lonely Planets 2024 publication – 100 Best Beaches.

Whether you prefer the sheltered waters of Tangalooma or the wild beauty of North Point or Honeymoon Bay, there's a beach to suit every family (without the crowds or traffic you get on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast).

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Find your own hidden Adventures on Moreton Island

We could have named this list Top 100 Family adventures on Moreton Island, as there is just so many great family activities and tours available on this beautiful island. But we will not give away all the secrets, as the best adventures in life are the ones you find yourself with those you love. The one thing to be certain about, is that your family adventure on Moreton Island will be one that leaves you all with cherished lifelong memories.