Tangalooma Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo by Jules
Photo by Jules
Photo by Jules
Photo by Jules
Get away to the pristine white sand beaches on the western side of Moreton Island, known for sunset dolphin-feeding experiences and shipwreck snorkelling.

Tangalooma, on Moreton IslandOpens in a new window’s western side, is an incredible natural escape. Feed dolphins at sunset, snorkel around sunken ships, take a whale-watching cruise and enjoy long walks on white sand beaches.

On the 75-minute ferry journey to the island, watch for dolphins, whales and turtles in the Moreton Bay Marine Park. After arriving at Tangalooma Jetty, notice the Tangalooma Wrecks, 15 boats intentionally wrecked near the shoreline to create a protected place for smaller boat anchorage.

Explore the wrecks on a snorkelling trip to see corals, wobbegong sharks and colourful tropical fish. Hire a paddleboard, kayak or catamaran and glide across Moreton Bay’s clear waters. Laze on the white sand beach.

At sunset, dolphins gather and play near the Tangalooma Island Resort, waiting for their dinner. Have an unforgettable experience hand-feeding the curious and intelligent dolphins and their calves. Book ahead with the resort to ensure your place. Stay in a beachfront villa and dine with views of sunsets over the water at one of the restaurants within the resort.

Learn about the area’s history. The name Tangalooma means a meeting place of fishes in the language of the Aboriginal Ngugi people who once lived on the island. The Ngugi people were forcibly relocated to Stradbroke Island in the mid-1800s, but the area remains true to its name.

The site of Tangalooma Island Resort also has a fascinating and sad maritime history. During the 1950s, a whaling station was set up and thousands of humpback whales were harvested for their oil. After whaling ceased and Moreton Bay Marine Park was designated as a wildlife reserve, the humpback whale population has gradually been re-established. Take a whale-watching tour to see these incredible creatures and learn about modern conservation efforts.

Reach Tangalooma on Moreton Island by passenger ferry from the Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba or car ferry from the Port of Brisbane. Navigate the island by foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle on the beaches.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Tangalooma Hotel Deals

Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort
4 out of 5
Moreton Island, Off Brisbane, Tangalooma, Moreton Island, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Moreton Island. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions The Desert and Tangalooma Wrecks ...
8/10 Very Good! (750 reviews)
Towels
"We stayed 2 nights at Tangalooma but could just get towels for one day. New once for the second day would have cost extra ☹️ Would be nice to get clean once for the nights depending on the days you stay."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2025

Tangalooma Island Resort
Villa at Tangalooma - Villa 30
Villa at Tangalooma - Villa 30
3 out of 5
Villa 30 North Pass, Tangalooma, Moreton Island, QLD
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Moreton Island. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Tangalooma Wrecks and The ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
"Pros: Good position on the island and within neighborhood (family friendly), spacious property, awesome views, renovated bathroom, new TV, clean linen (paid extra for linen). Cons: Outdated furniture and utensils, dirty cushions, dirty curtains, dirty and useless windows and doors fly screens (flies, ..."

Reviewed on 31 Dec. 2019

Villa at Tangalooma - Villa 30
Tangalooma Panoramic View
Tangalooma Panoramic View
Tangalooma
Stay at this vacation home in Moreton Island. Enjoy balconies or patios. Popular attractions The Desert and Tangalooma Wrecks are located nearby.
Tangalooma Panoramic View
Villa at Tangalooma - Villa 14
Villa at Tangalooma - Villa 14
3 out of 5
Villa 14 North Pass, Tangalooma, Moreton Island, QLD
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Moreton Island. Enjoy free parking and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Tangalooma Wrecks and The Desert are located ...
Villa at Tangalooma - Villa 14
Villa 15 Tangalooma Resort Moreton Island
Villa 15 Tangalooma Resort Moreton Island
Moreton Island
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moreton Island. Enjoy a beach locale, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Tangalooma Wrecks and Tangalooma Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
Excellent
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Villa 15 Tangalooma Resort Moreton Island
Tangalooma Resort Hilltop Studio Room
Tangalooma Resort Hilltop Studio Room
Moreton Island
Stay at this apartment in Moreton Island. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions The Desert and Tangalooma Wrecks are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Away from the crowds
"My parents thoroughly enjoyed their stay at this studio. The location was perfect for them, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.Communication with Anthony was exceptional. He was incredibly responsive and even checked in to ensure my parents arrived safely.While the view is slightly ..."

Reviewed on 23 Dec. 2024

Tangalooma Resort Hilltop Studio Room
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Tangalooma

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Brisbane Airport

Travellers come to Brisbane Airport for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like DFO Brisbane and Moreton Bay while you're in town.

Brisbane Airport
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Boondall

Unique features of Boondall include the restaurants and live music. Make a stop by Brisbane Entertainment Centre or Boondall Ice Rink while you're exploring the area.

Boondall
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Wynnum

Wynnum is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Moreton Bay and Wynumm Golf Club.

Wynnum
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Manly

Manly is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Manly Boat Harbour and Moreton Bay.

Manly
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Chermside

Unique features of Chermside include the shopping and coffee shops. Make a stop by Westfield Chermside or Chermside Waterpark while you're exploring the area.

Chermside
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Hamilton

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Hamilton. A stop by Bretts Wharf Ferry Terminal or Portside Wharf might round out your trip.

Hamilton


Tangalooma Travel Guide

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