Everything about Moreton Island totally explained
Moreton Island is a large
sand island on the eastern side of
Moreton Bay, on the coast of south-east
Queensland,
Australia. Moreton Island lies 58 kilometres northeast of the Queensland capital,
Brisbane. The island is 98% National Park and a popular destination for four wheel driving, camping, recreational angling and whale watching.
Geography
The island covers an area of approximately 170 square kilometres, and extends for 38 kilometres from north to south.
Cape Moreton, at the north eastern tip of the island, is the only rock outcrop on the island. It was named
Cape Morton by Captain
James Cook in May 1770, and was at that time assumed to be part of the mainland. The current spelling came about because of a clerical error later.
The highest point on the island is named
Mount Tempest, which, at 278 metres, is reputedly the highest coastal sand dune in the world.
History
While James Cook named the main headland on the island Cape Moreton, it was Matthew Flinders who, on 31 July 1799, named the island.
During
World War II, a number of defense installations were installed on the island by the
Royal Australian Navy and
Australian Army. These sites included anti aircraft guns and mine control buildings. Their purpose was to protect the approaches to the port of Brisbane.
Between 1952 and 1962,
Tangalooma, on the western side of the island, was the site of Queensland's only whaling station, with
humpback whales being harvested on their annual migration north. The site of the whaling station is now the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. The flensing deck of the station still exists as part of the resort.
A salt-water
lagoon on the island was used as a temporary home to a
dugong called Pig. Pig was the youngest dugong ever successfully reared in captivity . The dugong was placed in the lagoon to increase its natural
instincts before being released into the wild.
Recreation
Established in 1966, 98% of the island is contained within the
Moreton Island National Park. It's managing authority is the
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and has a
World Conservation Union (IUCN) category of II.
On Moreton Island, there are many activities to enjoy. For example, you can feed dolphins, snorkel in shipwrecks and
parasail. Camping and
four wheel driving is permitted and possible in many parts, with the appropriate fee. Motor vehicle access is by ferry, but is for four wheel drive vehicles only, as there are no sealed roads on the island.
There are more very large sand islands to the south,
South Stradbroke Island and
North Stradbroke Island, and to the north;
Bribie Island and
Fraser Island (reputed to be the largest sand island on Earth).
New management plan
The
Queensland Government implemented a new management plan called the Moreton Island Management Plan on
1 July 2007. This plan includes a new camping booking system, designated routes for quads,
trikes and trail bikes and other zoning which defines rules for access and recreational opportunities. The plan will incorporate existing fire management plans, pest and plant control measures and
feral animal eradication programs.
Transport
Access to the island is via:
1. Combie Trader barge service from
Scarborough in
Redcliffe City
2. Moreton Venture (MICAT) vehicle ferry service from Lytton, near the
Port of Brisbane
3. Tangalooma Flyer launch from Pinkenba
4. Kooringal Trader from Amity on North Stradbroke Island
There is no public transport on the island. 4WD Tours can be arranged at resorts. Outside of resorts, roads are unsealed and often sandy tracks.
| To Moreton Island |
From Moreton Island |
Tangalooma Flyer Day return: $40*, Journey: 75 minutes |
Moreton Venture (MICAT)Day return: $45
| To Moreton Island |
From Moreton Island |
| Combie Trader Day return: $40, Journey: 120 minutes
|
Kooringal Trader Day return: $20, Journey: 20 minutes
Get more info on 'Moreton Island'.
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