Looking for a weekend getaway? Look no further than the gorgeous Moreton Island off the coast of Queensland. Filled with scenic walks and off-road driving tracks, swimming and camping spots and perfect locations for a sunset sene, there’s no shortage of things to do on Moreton Island.
Moreton Island Walks
There are seven main walking routes and circuits throughout Moreton Island. Meaning no matter what your experience or fitness level, you can find a track that suits. Here you will find the:
- Blue Lagoon Track – easy, 20 minute return walk
- Honeymoon Bay Track – easy, 20 minute return walk
- Honeyeater Lake Track – easy, 5 minute return walk
- Cape Moreton Track – medium, 1 hour circuit
- The Desert Track – medium, 1 hour return walk
- Rous Battery Track – medium, 3.5 hour one way walk
- Telegraph Road Track – difficult, 6 hour return walk
Moreton Island Lookouts
A moderate, 30 minute trek up the Five Hills Lookout Track brings you to an incredible view of Moreton Island’s marshy glades. From here you can also see the iconic Cape Moreton Lighthouse and the meeting of the land and sea at Heath Island.
Though one of the more difficult treks, the Mount Tempest Lookout Track rewards visitors with one of the most awe-inspiring views Australia has to offer. The climb to the summit is a steep 280 metre hike but once you’ve made it you’ll see it was well worth the effort. The view from the Mount Tempest Lookout boasts an astonishing panorama of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Not only this, from your vantage point atop Mount Tempest, on a fine day, you can even see the peaks of the Great Dividing Range.
What better place to get your steps in and meditate with a peaceful view than Moreton Island?
Moreton Island Drives
Spanning 38km from North to South, the best way to see all the Moreton Island has on offer is via an off-road adventure! Due to the sheer size of Moreton Island, the best off-road paths to travel have been divided into two main sections. The Northern Island Discovery Drive and Southern Island Discovery Drive.
Travelling the Northern Island Discovery Drive will take you approximately 6 hours, with time for stops to check out the scenery along the way. This circuit takes you through beach and bush as you explore some of the best sites Moreton Island has to offer.
Including the distinguishable Tangalooma Wrecks, the aforementioned Five Hills Lookout Track, North Point Beach & Headlands and the picture-perfect Champagne Pools. The Northern Island Discovery Drive also takes you to the historic lighthouse at Cape Moreton, the gorgeous Blue Lagoon and ends at the scenic Mount Tempest.
If the Southern part of Moreton Island is more to your taste, there’s a discovery drive you can take here also. The SouthernIsland Discovery Drive is a 63km circuit which takes approximately 6hours to travel, including stops.
This gorgeous off-roading adventure brings you to the Desert Track allowing the opportunity for a short mid-drive walk. From here you can experience the picturesque location of the Mirapool Lagoon and get some snaps for the ‘gram! Or watch for the local bird life, whatever takes your fancy.
Your next stop is at the Rous Battery Track, where you can take in some history from World War II. Once an essential part of Australia’s WWII defense systems, Moreton Island is filled with incredible relics and historically significant sites. A short trek along the Rous Battery Track will take you to the remains of the battery along with some beautiful coastal views.
The drive ends with a steep climb to the Mount Tempest Lookout. Not a bad way to end the day.
Moreton Island Camping
If you’re looking to make the trip to Moreton an over night affair, there are plenty of campsites available for you to pitch a tent.
Comboyuro Point Camping Area
Large and shady, sand based campsite suitable for tents and camper trailers. With easy access to the beach for walks, scenic drives, canoeing & kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing.
Ben-Ewa Camping Area
4WD accessible camping area perfect for young families. Available for tent and camper trailer camping with easy access to scenic drives and walks. Nearby activities include canoeing & kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing.
The Wrecks Camping Area
Bushy camping area with access via boat or 4WD. Perfect for exploring, bush walks, scenic drives, snorkelling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing.
Blue Lagoon Camping Area
Accessible only by 4WD and with non-flushing toilets, this is one of the “rougher” camping spots for anyone wanting the authentic experience. Fortunately this campsite still boasts easy access to scenic drives and walks. As well as swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking after an overnight stay in your tent or camper trailer.
North Point Camping Site
Large and bushy camping area with designated spots for tent camping and trailer camping. Just a short walk to Honeymoon Bay with access to scenic drives and walks with options for fishing and swimming.
Getting To Moreton Island
Approximately 40km offshore from Brisbane, the only way to get to the island is by ferry, barge or boat. For those of you looking for an off-roading adventure once you arrive, taking your own vehicle via ferry or barge is the best way to go!
The MICAT currently runs from Brisbane at 8.30am Thursday-Tuesday and again at 1pm on Fridays and Sundays. However, bookings fill up fast. Particularly for school holidays and peak summer periods, so make sure you get in quick when planning your trip.
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