A few weeks ago I had the privilege of exploring Moreton Island with my trusted Land Cruiser GXL 105 4wd. We drove right across the Island and visited all of the beautiful spots it offers.
In this page I will tell you where you can go and what the Island offers its guests. I can honestly say that this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my live. If you have never visited this little piece of paradise you should make a plan. At least put it on your bucket list.
Massive sand dunes, kms of sandy beaches, crystal clear creeks and lagoons, coastal heath, rocky headlands and abundant wildflowers make Moreton Island a jewel to explore.summary
Moreton Island size
The island covers a area of approximately 186 square kilometers. Its about 37 Kilometers from North to South and 13 kilometers wide at it’s widest. The highest point on the Island is Mount Tempest which is a 280 meters high the highest, stabilized, coastal sand dune in the word.
Fraser Island covers about 1800 square kilometers, 120 kilometers from North to South and 24 kilometers wide.
Moreton Island is more compact and easier to maneuver. Inland tracks is shorter and scenery is easier to reach.
How does it compare to Fraser Island
A lot of people ask me what the best 4×4 destination is, Fraser of Moreton. This is a difficult question because both offer so much. The short answer is you cant go wrong visiting either one of them. Or even better make sure you visit both. It is also imperative to explore both these destinations by means of 4wd. Hands on back to nature is the only way to really enjoy this.
I have a real soft spot for Moreton Island and will pick it as my favorite destination, with Fraser coming a close second. Reason for this being the diversity Moreton offers its guest. from beautiful crystal clear beaches and diving spots to fresh water lakes, sand dunes
Snorkeling: The wrecks
This is undoubtedly one of the best snorkeling spots around. Fifteen vessels were deliberately sunk in 1963 to create the artificial break wall close to shore.
The Wrecks are home to a myriad of different species of reef fish, coral formations and marine life. Its easily accessible from the beach and will give you and the family hours of pleasure.
We usually swim or paddle over to the reefs and then sit on one of the structures with you mask on and just explore the water world underneath.
Do not try to swim over alone as its difficult to do and dangerous.
Great spot for spending the whole day.
4×4 Driving Moreton Island
4Wd vehicles are essential for driving on the sand tracks on Moreton island. Four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance (lifted suspension) and low range function are essential.
All-wheel drive vehicles without true 4WD function and vehicles with low clearance are not recommended for driving conditions on the island.
All vehicles should be equipped with essential recovery gear (tyre pressure gauge, shovel, snatch strap, towrope or traction pads). We hire vehicles specially costumed for conditions on the islands.
There are numerous inland tracks and beaches that your can explore at your own leisure.
Blue Lagoon
Situated amid flowering heathland, this beautiful freshwater lagoon is the perfect setting for a refreshing swim paddle or picnic.
Blue Lagoon is a picturesque spot to enjoy. The crystal clear freshwater lake is the spot to cool you down on a hot summer day.
The lake was formed through the natural catchment of fresh water accumulated of thousands of years.
If you’re an explorer, bring your canoe, kayak or paddle board with and set off on a paddle adventure around the lagoon’s forest-fringed edges.
The desert
The dessert is a popular spot for dune surfing and tobogganing. Its highest sand dune is over 200 meters.
Travel from beautiful tropical beaches to barren desert in a few minutes. This is a nice spot to watch the sun set or rise.
Make sure you have enough water with you and stay hydrated. On hot days ware protective foot wear.
North point Lighthouse
This is the only portion of the island that contains a rocky surface. It offers spectacular views over the whole Island and also the ocean.
It was build in 1857 to help direct boats around it dangerous waters. Not sure how great it worked (just have a look at all the wrecked boats on the island. Lol).
You will need a high clearance 4wd / 4×4 vehicle to take on the the terrain around the Light house.
Honeymoon Bay
Honeymoon Bay is a secluded beach situated close to the light house. It is well hidden from wind and is just beautiful.
Crystal clear ocean and rocky outcrops surrounding. Abundant sea and bird live all year around.
Arrive at sunset and enjoy the orange and yellow hues reflecting over the rocky headland. As night falls watch the North Point Lighthouse shine its guiding light out to sea.
Gutter Bar
The gutter bar is one of the places you need to visit on the Island.
Its a world famous local island bar its popular with both residents and visitors from around the world.
Watch your favorite sporting event(s) while enjoying fresh seafood sourced directly from the trawlers and oysters straight from the local growers on the island.
They sell rum and other hard licker per bottle so make sure you assign a designated driver for this adventure. Lol
Fishing
Moreton Island is well known for its marine life and abundant fish. Its one of the better fishing spots if you are a serious or novice fisherman.
You can hire rods from Tangaloo Reef Resort.
Take your 4wd and head along the white sandy beache(s) until you find a nice gutter. Its a nice way of enjoying the beautiful surroundings and to soak it all in. Take the family along and enjoy breakfast or lunch on the beach.
Various fish species can be caught including Tailor (especially in tailor season round about June – September),Flathead, Bream, Sharks and numerous more.
Bird Watching
Best time for bird watching is between April and September when various migrating birds visit the shores of Moreton Island from the Arctic Tunda, Eastern Siberia and other sport of the world as well. Some of these birds does not survive the ordeal.
Large sea eagles can be seen in abundance. The mangroes around the island is the ideal spot for residing wading birds species.
Over 180 species of birds have been recorded on the island including seabirds, waders, forest dependent birds and birds of prey. Thirty-one species of migratory birds have been recorded on Moreton Island.
The pied oyster catcher and the red-capped plover are two of the more common resident waders of Moreton Island.
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