Tangalooma, on Moreton Island’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.
