Wildlife Encounters on Moreton Island

Fri, 14 Mar 2025

By Tangalooma Island Resort

Wildlife Encounters on Moreton Island: Experience Nature Up Close

Moreton Island is not only a stunning tropical paradise but also a haven for wildlife lovers. Located just off the coast of Brisbane, this beautiful island offers a range of opportunities to encounter iconic animals in their natural habitats.

Arguably the most famous wildlife experience on Moreton Island, the Tangalooma Dolphin Feeding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with wild dolphins. Every evening, the same pod of dolphins that have been visiting Tangalooma since the 80s, swim up to the shores of Tangalooma Resort, where visitors can stand in the shallows and feed them fresh fish under the supervision of the expert Dolphin Care Team. Tangalooma Island Resort has long been recognised as the World's leading dolphin provisioning program, with its ongoing commitment to research and best-practice-care protocols to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the dolphins that participate in the program.

The Tangalooma Wrecks are a must-see. A collection of sunken ships off the coast of Moreton Island, the wrecks have created an artificial reef that attracts an abundance of marine life. Snorkel or dive around the wrecks and you'll encounter colourful fish, sea turtles, wobbegong sharks, and even the occasional octopus! The crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting for snorkelling, and the diverse underwater world around the wrecks is teeming with life.

If you're visiting Moreton Island during the winter months, one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences you can have is whale watching at Tangalooma. From June to October, the waters surrounding the island become a migration highway for humpback whales making their way to and from their breeding grounds in the Great Barrier Reef.

Tangalooma Image

Take a Whale Watching Safari to the spectacular cliffs of Cape Moreton that provide the perfect viewing platform for watching these gentle giants of the sea - this is without a doubt the best land-based Whale Watching Bus Tour you can do from Brisbane! Or, opt for the ultimate Whale Watching adventure on a Whale Watching Cruise.

One of the most charming and unique experiences you can have at Tangalooma Island Resort is the kookaburra and pelican feeding. These daily feeding sessions give you the chance to interact with two of Australia's most iconic and fascinating bird species in a way that’s both educational and memorable. During the pelican feeding session, Tangalooma’s knowledgeable staff will share insights into the pelican’s behaviour, habitat, and role in the local ecosystem. They will also explain the importance of conservation efforts to protect these amazing birds and their coastal environments. Tangalooma Island Resort is lucky enough to have a resident kookaburra population that frequently visits the area. During the kookaburra feeding sessions, guests are invited to witness these charismatic birds up close as they swoop down to claim their daily treat.

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Tangalooma Island Resort

Take the world's 3rd largest sand island…add a splash of sunshine, balmy sea breezes, a dash of discovery and a handful of adventure, and you've got Tangalooma Island Resort. An island oasis, just a 75 minute cruise from Brisbane.

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