Itching for a day or weekend trip to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)? ‘Course ya are. Who isn’t? Here’s our big, beautiful guide to Moreton Island camping and all the adventures you can have on this Queensland island. 

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Quandamooka Country and the Quandamooka People who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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About Moreton Island

Not too far from Brisbane city lies Mulgumpin / Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in the whole dang world. A whopping 37km long, 10km wide, wedge-shaped, sand island. Moreton Island, alongside North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke Islands, form the eastern boundary of Moreton Bay.

Featuring some of the most pristine beaches, lakes, and lagoons in Australia, as well as towering sand dunes and plenty of classic Aussie wildlife, the island receives over 170,000 visitors per year. Why? Because there are countless adventures to be had on this beautiful and rugged island. From epic camping to 4WDing, sand tobogganing, snorkelling with wild dolphins, fishing and more – whatever your adventure of choice, Moreton Island’s got it. 

 

Moreton Island History

Mulgumpin means ‘place of sandhills’ and is the Aboriginal name for Moreton Island. Moreton Island lies on Quandamooka Country, which is commonly defined as the region of Moreton Bay and its islands and is also the name of the Aboriginal people who have occupied the area for centuries. 

Captain Cook made the first recorded European sighting of Moreton Bay and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) in 1770, followed by Matthew Flinders in 1799. 

European settlement began in 1848, and the northern end of Moreton Island became the main passage to Brisbane. As the Brisbane settlement grew, shipping activity increased, which led to many shipwrecks and much loss of life at sea. Some of these shipwrecks can still be seen today. 

Established in 1966, most of the island today is contained within the Moreton Island National Park.

How to Get to Moreton Island

To reach Moreton Island, take the MICAT ferry/barge from 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane. You’ll need to book online well in advance as car spots fill up quickly.

The ferry cost to Moreton Island starts at around $70 one way for a small vehicle (no trailer or van) and prices go up from there. The ferry to Moreton Island includes the driver, but you’ll need to pay for each additional passenger over the age of three. Adults are $28.50 one way.  This is also the same price for walk-on passengers without a vehicle.

You’ll arrive just north of Tangalooma Resort near the Tangalooma Wrecks. If you haven’t got a 4WD, there are campgrounds within walking distance at The Wrecks Campground. If you have a 4WD, you can reach the campgrounds at Comboyuro Point, North Point, and Blue Lagoon via the inland roads or the beach, working around the tides.

 

Places to Stay in Moreton Island

The best places to stay on Moreton Island will depend on the activity you most want to do! There’s camping, glamping, an island resort and some private houses available to book.

Moreton Island Camping

There’s hands down, no better way to experience the absolute splendour of Moreton Island than by camping. There are five campgrounds on Moreton Island run by the National Parks authority – Blue Lagoon, Ben-Ewa, North Point, The Wrecks, and Comboyuro – plus five camping zones.

All of the campgrounds have toilet and shower facilities – pure luxury! Some are accessible by 4WD, others by boat and one by foot from the barge landing.

Just remember you need a camping permit before camping on Moreton Island, and you also need a vehicle permit to drive.

 

 

Moreton Island Glamping

Want a more luxurious camping experience? Try Castaways Glamping. Located in Bulwer, Castaways has nine safari-style tents available to rent by the beach, complete with their own queen-size bed, private ensuite (with a flushing toilet and hot shower!) and verandah.

Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma Island Resort offers six types of accommodation. It’s the only resort on the island, so it’s the best place to stay on the island for families, couples, and friends.

Private Accommodation

If none of that floats your boat, Moreton Island does offer some private accommodation by the way of holiday houses. These are best for larger groups of people who are keen to get away for the whole weekend.

Moreton Island Camping Grounds

There are five campgrounds and five beach camping zones on Moreton Island, all of which are glorious beach camping sites. There’s the North West Camping Zone and a South East Camping Zone.

What’s the difference between a campground and a camping zone? A campground is an allocated area with basic facilities such as showers, drop toilets, and designated waste facilities located nearby, while a camping zone is a larger area spread out between two points that doesn’t provide facilities and offers more secluded sites. Staying in a camping zone means you need to bring your own toilet, but you can also use the facilities at the other campgrounds.

The Wrecks Campground

The Wrecks Campground is the closest camping spot to Tangalooma Resort, and is unique in the fact that no vehicles are allowed here – only boats or those walking on the barge with their gear can stay here. This campground has 21 clearly defined sites, and while they’re not right on the beach and have no beach views, it’s a quick walk to the shoreline.

 

 

Ben-Ewa Campground

North of the wrecks is Ben-Ewa campground, which is one of the more popular camping spots for families. Thanks to its beautiful sheltered bay, it’s protected from the wind and offers some lovely calm waters for swimming. With just 12 sites available to book, you have to get in quick.

This campground is suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers. Fires in existing campsites are permitted, but generators aren’t.

Comboyuro Point Campground

Part of the north-west camping zone and located just north of Bulwer Township, the Comboyuro Point Campground is one of the best spots if you want to be a walking distance from town. In addition, the location is perfect for those after sheltered and calm water.

North Point Campground

Part of the Yellow Patch Camping Zone and located at the island’s northern tip, the North Point Campground offers large, grassy sites with plenty of shade. North Point Campground is an ideal spot for campers who want to be close to Honeymoon Bay and Champagne Pools, and it’s also one of the closest areas to the surfing side of the island.

 

North Point Campground

 

Blue Lagoon Campground

Close to Blue Lagoon (who’d have thought?!), the Blue Lagoon Campground is a simply dreamy spot on the island’s eastern side and offers some of the best beachside camping. If you’re keen to have easy access to Ocean Surf Beach, this is the spot for you.

North East Camping Zone

The North East camping zone is on the island’s eastern side and covers the beach from Spitfire Creek in the north to Middle Road. You can camp anywhere along here with tents, 4WDs, and caravans. But there are no facilities here, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Along here, generators are permitted, as are fires in existing sites.

South East Camping Zone

This camping zone covers the beach from Middle Road to the Rous Battery on the southern end of the island. The same rules as above apply! Camp anywhere, and remember you must be self-sufficient.

South West Camping Zone

The South West camping zone covers the beach from the Tangalooma Bypass down south to Toulkerrie. These campsites differ from the other camp zones because they’re accessible by boat. You still need to be self-sufficient, with no camping facilities available. Fires are allowed in existing sites and generators are permitted.

Moreton Island Activities

There are plenty of things to see and do on Moreton Island, no matter what your adventure style! Some of the most popular things to do on the island include;

Some of the most popular spots to visit include Honeymoon Bay, Ocean Surf Beach, and Heath Island.

 

Honeymoon Bay

Day Trip Itinerary to Moreton Island

Have the day to spare and want the ultimate island getaway? There’s plenty to see and get done on Moreton Island in one day – so no excuses not to visit! Drive along the beaches, swim, snorkel, hike… whatever you want, you can do it here! Check out how one Explorer spent her day on Moreton Island below. 

Read more: Day Trip to Moreton Island (QLD)

How to Spend a Long Weekend on Moreton Island

Lucky enough to have a long weekend to spare? You ripper – I’m jealous! There’s so much to do across 2-3 days on Moreton Island, from swimming, snorkelling and surfing; to wiling the days away at gorgeous beachfront campgrounds, to 4WDing across some of Queensland’s most gorgeous beaches! We have a whole guide to spending a long weekend on Moreton Island, check it out below!

Read more: A Long Weekend Guide to Moreton Island

 

Snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks

Essential Gear

Check out our essential gear and packing list for Moreton Island camping below.

  • High clearance 4WD
  • Camping gear including tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag
  • Cooking equipment
  • Esky or fridge (Ice and basic supplies are available at the general store at Bulwer)
  • 4WD recovery equipment
  • Shovel
  • Air compressor
  • Drinking water
  • Firewood
  • Swimmers
  • Snorkelling gear
  • Beach towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Radios (if travelling in a group)
  • List of tide times
  • Garbage bags
  • Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent

Tips For Visiting Moreton Island

Before You Go

Morton Island is a national park so the usual rules apply – leave the dogs at home, leave no trace, and book your campsite in advance. You also need to buy a vehicle access permit to drive on the island.

Mulgumpin Camping

Fires are permitted in some but not all campgrounds, so make sure you check as fines may apply. You must bring your own firewood.

Most camping areas have toilet facilities, and some have cold showers. The camping zones located on the beach don’t have toilet facilities, and groups staying away from facilities are encouraged to bring a portable toilet. There are waste facilities at Ben-Ewa and Comboyuro Point camping areas.

Camping areas also have water taps scattered around the grounds, but this water must be treated before use.

Getting Around

The only real way to get around Moreton Island is via 4WD, so either bring your own or hire one before you arrive – it’ll definitely make your island adventure more fun and interesting!

Make sure you take note of tides, as some beaches are not trafficable at high tide and you’ll need to use inland routes instead. Make sure you download a list of tide times before you go.

Since you’ll be doing a lot of sand driving, make sure you have a tyre compressor for the trip. You can pump your tyres back up on your return MICAT trip.

 

Cape Moreton

Moreton Island Camping FAQs

Is Moreton Island worth visiting? 

Ummm, yes of course! I may be biased, but the third largest sand island in the world, 25km off the coast of Brisbane sounds like a must-visit to me!

How do you get onto Moreton Island?

To reach Moreton Island, take the MICAT ferry/barge from 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane. You’ll need to book online well in advance as car spots fill up quickly.

 

Can I bring my dog to Moreton Island?

Unfortunately no, your gorgeous dog must sit this adventure out, as Moreton Island is a national park and dogs are prohibited from Queensland National Parks.

How do I book Moreton Island camping?

Camping permits are required on the island, and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite at all times. All camping permits must be obtained before you arrive on the island (there’s no self-registration on site).

How much does it cost to go to Moreton Island?

Moreton Island camping fees include 4WD permits, and the campsite itself.

Vehicle Access Permits cost $55.90 per vehicle for up to one month. A limit of one vehicle per campsite is allowed.

Camping fees cost $7.00 per person per night or $28.00 per family per night.

What is the best time to go to Moreton Island?

Moreton Island can experience warm and sunny days at any time of year due to its subtropical climate. To strike the balance between clear skies, warm (but not hot) air temps and warm water temps, head over in autumn.

Do I need a car on Moreton Island?

It’s not 100% essential, but having a car would increase your experience ten-fold. Especially if it’s a 4WD! Unless you plan to walk to camp and around the island, bring a car over.

What should I take to Moreton Island camping?

There’s a lot to pack when camping on Moreton Island. Here are some of the essentials:

  • A 4WD (plus recovery equipment)
  • Tent, swag, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag
  • Cooking equipment
  • Esky or fridge
  • Shovel
  • Air compressor
  • Drinking water
  • Firewood

 

All photos thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland