Moreton Island (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Moreton Island?
What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can sand-toboggan, snorkel guided around wrecks, feed dolphins and use resort pools, yet rips, 4WD-only roads and a long ferry mean parents must supervise closely all day.
Positives:
- Family-friendly Wildlife Encounters: Activities like dolphin feeding and fish cruises are designed for young children and include safety briefings.
- Resort Amenities: Tangalooma Resort offers kid-safe pools, playgrounds, and fully supervised activities.
Challenges:
- Age Restrictions: Snorkeling at the wrecks requires children to be at least 6 years old and confident swimmers.
- Weather Sensitivity: Strong sun and variable winds may disrupt water activities; check forecasts before planning.
What is Moreton Island?
- A 186-square-kilometer sand island in Moreton Bay, northeast of Brisbane, designated largely as national park and marine reserve
- The world’s second-largest sand island, sculpted by ancient dune systems rising to over 280 meters and interspersed with freshwater lakes and wetlands
- A landscape marked by 19th-century maritime landmarks such as the 1857 Cape Moreton Lighthouse and a series of deliberately scuttled shipwrecks forming a coastal marine habitat
What is so special about Moreton Island for with kids?
- Up-close dolphin feeding experience at sunset under expert supervision.
- Thrilling sand tobogganing on expansive sandhills.
- Family-friendly snorkeling and glass-bottom cruises to explore shipwrecks.
- Safe swimming and picnics at the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: Spending one to two days lets you enjoy dolphin feeding, snorkeling, sandboarding, and lagoon swimming without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Moreton Island
Wild Dolphin Feeding:
Join the supervised sunset feed to hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins from a feeding platform.
Tip: Book your slot early; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sand Tobogganing:
Slide down the island’s sandhills using sandboards or borrowed boogie boards.
Tip: Rent boards at the resort or bring a durable board; wear sunglasses to keep sand out of eyes.
Glass-Bottom Boat & Fish Feeding Cruise:
See shipwrecks and feed tropical fish on a short, dry cruise that’s safe for all ages.
Tip: Choose a midday cruise for calmer waters; pack snacks for kids before boarding.
Blue Lagoon Picnic & Swim:
Walk 500 m through coastal heath to reach the clear, shallow lagoon ideal for kids.
Tip: Bring a small picnic and water shoes to protect feet on the rocky lakebed.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Moreton Island
- Book in Advance: Reserve dolphin feeding and boat cruises online to secure spots during peak travel periods.
- Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, hats, snacks, and water shoes to avoid buying or renting on site.
Reviews of Moreton Island
Marshall
SO hot, not a lot of shade. Excellent snorkelling around the shipwrecks, but be honest with yourself about how strong a swimmer you are.
Kauser Aakhai
Good vacation for family on a tight number of days. Would recommend 2 nights at max and l plan activities like snorkelling, swimming quad bike. Most busy days are wed and sat. But given it’s busy also all activities would run unlike them being on maintainance on other non busy days so the fun of being there to explore is lost!!
M/s Super Hardware
Moreton Island is the perfect setting for an activity-packed getaway. A Desert Safari tour will have you sailing down golden dunes on a toboggan, while the challenging Mount Tempest Lookout walk offers stunning views. Snorkel among the sunken ships of the Tangalooma Wrecks – a man-made dive site that’s now home to fish, dolphins and dugongs. Pair adventurous days with relaxing nights with a stay a...
Kate Rosalin
The beach was absolutely beautiful and surrounded by nature! But getting there without a tour seems tricky—no Uber or taxis around. Also, the food prices were insane… $15 for coconut water and $20 for a small Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
nisakorn masunthasuwan
Too bad we arrived the beach after heavy rains otherwise I believed this serene long-stretched beach must be very beautiful with colorful water colors. Pictures were taken at noon time but the sky was so dark. The beach also had a wrecked house at the end fallen into the sea.
When is the best time to visit Moreton Island (Brisbane, Australia)?
Visit June to October for whale watching along beaches. In summer (Dec to Feb) sun is intense; use reef-safe sunscreen and hats. Winters have cooler water; pack light wetsuits for lagoon swims.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Return ferry for family | AUD 400 |
| Wild dolphin feeding (day-visitor) | AUD 60 |
| Fish feeding cruise | AUD 60 |
| Sandboard hire | AUD 60 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 580 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Moreton Island
Address: Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
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