Standing proud as one of the world’s largest sand islands, Moreton Island is one of mother nature’s greatest achievements and remains today much the same as thousands of years ago.
Moreton Island was put on the map after James Cook visited in 1770, naming the island’s headland "Cape Morton". (Today’s spelling came about through a later clerical error which stuck.) Before this though, there is evidence that Aboriginal people occupied the island for over 2000 years. Settlement began in 1848 and after a series of shipwrecks in the area, Cape Moreton Light — Queensland’s oldest lighthouse — was built nine years later. Four more lighthouses followed and during World War II, defence buildings were constructed with up to 900 troops stationed on the island.
After this, besides a decade of whaling on the western side of the island between 1952 and 1962 and some years of small scale sand mining, the island has been devoted to a leisurely existence with its population comprised of mostly holiday makers, oyster farmers and an abundance of land and marine life. Where the whaling station once was, you can now find Tangalooma Island Resort — a family owned resort known around the world for its one-of-a-kind wild dolphin feeding program spanning over 30 years.
Things To Do*
- Wild dolphin feeding - One of Moreton Island’s biggest drawcards is its unique wild dolphin feeding program. Available only on the Wild Dolphin Discovery Shore Tour, this presents one of life’s rare opportunities to get in the water and witness wild dolphins up close.
- Adventure activities - From tobogganing down one of the world’s highest sand dunes and parasailing high above the water, to quad biking forest trails and snorkelling the island’s famous shipwrecks, if it’s adventure you want you will find it with ease.
- Cape Moreton Copper Flight - Fly along the eastern coastline to Cape Moreton Light, Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Island, resort and a range of marine species.
*Shore Activities are optional extras not included in your fare which can be booked onboard or via the cruise online check-in portal up to 3 months in advance.
Arrive 08:00, Depart 20:30