Moreton Island (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Moreton Island?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: For solo travelers, group snorkel and 4WD tours, hiking to Mount Tempest and cheap beach camping foster easy socialising and adventure; isolation and limited late ferries require careful planning.
Positives:
- Meeting Other Travelers: Group tours let you connect with fellow solo explorers.
- Varied Activities: Options from snorkeling to hiking keep your days interesting.
Challenges:
- Limited Services: There are few shops and no ATMs, so bring cash for small purchases.
- Transport Permits: A 4WD permit is required if you plan to drive or camp off-road.
- Variable Mobile Signal: Mobile coverage is patchy; download maps and itineraries in advance.
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 solo trip?
- Snorkel among 15 shipwrecks on a guided tour
- Hike to Cape Moreton Lighthouse for panoramic views
- Sandboard Big and Little Sandhills at sunset
- Join small-group cruises to spot dolphins and turtles
- Experience remote beaches with minimal crowds
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for solo trip: One to two days lets you join a tour, explore walking tracks, and relax on beaches at your own pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Moreton Island
Shipwreck Snorkeling & 4WD Tour:
Snorkel around 15 artificial shipwrecks in clear water and then 4WD along sandy beaches.
Tip: Book the small-group tour to meet fellow travelers and bring a waterproof camera.
Marine Discovery Cruise:
Join a glass-bottom boat tour to spot dolphins, turtles and tropical fish.
Tip: Sit at the front for the best underwater views and arrive 15 minutes early.
Island Walking Tracks:
Hike free trails like the easy Blue Lagoon walk or the moderate Cape Moreton lighthouse trek.
Tip: Start early to avoid midday sun and carry at least 1 L of water.
Sand Tobogganing:
Slide down Big and Little Sandhills on a board across the island’s dunes.
Tip: Bring or rent a plastic sled at the resort and go at sunset when sand is cooler.
When is the best time to visit Moreton Island (Brisbane, Australia)?
Wear a stinger suit from October to May when jellyfish appear. From June to September, watch for migrating whales off Cape Moreton.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Moreton Island (Brisbane)
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.
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Return ferry ticket | AUD 120 |
| Shipwreck snorkel & 4WD tour | AUD 180 |
| Meals and snacks | AUD 40 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 340 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Moreton Island
- Prebook Tours: Reserve your snorkel and 4WD tour online at least 48 hours ahead.
- Pack Essentials: Carry a waterproof dry bag, sunscreen and at least 1.5 L of water.
- Use Shared Transport: Join the day-pass option to save on individual tour costs.
Map of Moreton Island
Address: Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Moreton Island (Brisbane)?
About Moreton Island
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities