Where to Go - Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a unique island wilderness with sparkling clear water and white sandy beaches. It is one of the few untouched areas of natural wilderness along the East Coast of Australia.
Moreton Island is situated just 35 kilometres from Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Marine Park. The island is 98% National Park, protecting the flora, fauna, sandy coastline, freshwater lakes, wetlands and forests.
Moreton is 38 km long and 19,000 ha in area. It is one of the largest sand islands in the world. Moreton Island provides a fragile north easterly boundary for Moreton Bay. The island supports an amazing variety of vegetation.
Its white sandy beaches, clear sparkling water and delightful fresh water lakes make Moreton a popular destination with campers, fishermen, bush walkers and naturalists.
Natural Features
Moreton is a sand island formed by prevailing winds, wave action and sea level changes. Over time, deposits stabilized and became vegetated. Wind and water action, sand deposition, erosion and plant colonization has made Moreton the place we know today.
Freshwater Lakes
As the water table beneath the Island fills with rain water the swamps and creeks flourish with large lakes being formed. Blue Lagoon is an excellent swimming spot. It is also great for wild flower displays and bird watching. The Sand Hills are awe inspiring mountains of pure white sand. The bare sand dunes provide the slopes for an exhilarating toboggan. The Desert is a major sand blow reached by either 4wd or a scenic walking track. Mount Tempest is a vegetated sand hill in the centre of the island. It is the highest sandhill in the world. It is approximately 280m above sea level. It makes a challenging climb but is well worth the effort for the view of the Island is breath-taking.
The heath lands viewed from Mount Tempest are dominated by Banksia and Grass Trees.
Open Forest
The Scribbly Gum and Pink Bloodwood dominate Moreton's extensive forests. As the soils are low in nutrient, trees and shrubs rely on the efficient recycling of surface nutrients for food.
Wild Flowers
Wild flowers are at their best in spring with beautiful displays along the tracks. Click for a list of walking tracks.
Wildlife
The foreshores and tidal areas are rich in marine life supporting many resident wading birds. Between September and April, Moreton plays host to thousands of migrating birds from the Arctic tundra, eastern Siberia and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Dunes
Spinifex grass and other salt resistant ground cover plants, which are vital preventing erosion and nesting birds, protect the sand dunes.