Brisbane is fortunate in having on its doorstep one of Australia's largest sand islands - Moreton Island.
 This 38 kilometre long island offers a landscape varying from sand dune deserts and peaceful freshwater lakes to towering rugged sea cliffs and wide ocean beaches. The attraction of such an outstanding wilderness area so close to Queensland's capital has made the Island an increasingly popular destination for holiday-makers, fishermen and boat owners.
In its lifetime, Moreton has known many roles and many peoples. Once home to Aboriginals, Moreton has acted as a refuge to shipwrecked sailors, warning light to shipping and been a strategic defense post. It was Queensland's only whaling station but more recently has become recognised as an unspoilt paradise for people wanting to relax and enjoy nature. Sand islands like Moreton are among the most fragile environments in the world. Their vegetation and sands are forever at the mercy of the elements and mankind. By respecting the environment and showing consideration towards other people, you will ensure that the natural world of Moreton Island will remain unspoilt for generations to come. Remember the basic conservation codes take only photographs and leave only your footprints behind. This will help keep Moreton a natural place.
Flora and Fauna
Moreton Island contains a landscape of wind-swept sand dune country, rocky headlands, lakes, streams, paperbark swamps, banksia heathland and mangrove and salt marshes. Vegetation along the vast ocean beach is typical of coastal south-east Queensland. The sandy foredunes support spinifex grass closest to the waters edge and creepers hold the sand together higher up the dunes.
The beaches are also rich in fauna. Eugaries (pipis) and beach shellfish are particularly abundant, attracting birdlife and fishermen alike. Birds such as the pied oyster-catcher patrol the beach areas, often in pairs, looking for small sea creatures. It is often called the pipi bird as its favourite food is pipi flesh.
Other birds often seen on the beaches are the masked lapwing, eastern curlew, white ibis, pied cormorant, silver gull, crested tern and of course, the pelican. The cormorant does not have waterproof feathers like many other birds, and often spreads its wings when r6sting to dry them in the sun and sea breeze. In all, there are over 125 bird species on the island. Wildlife is limited by the island's isolation. The short-nosed bandicoot, water rat, pale field rat, a few species of bat, and gliders make up most of Moreton's native mammal life. Reptiles are more strongly represented. A large range of snakes and lizards, including the carpet python, freshwater snake and redbellied black snake, bearded dragon, bluetongued lizard and the familiar sand goanna are found on the island. Frog communities are common but the Island is one of the few places in Queensland which is free of TIAV, cane toad.
There are some larger animals on Moreton, but they are not native to the Island. Goats and pigs were brought to the Island in 1865 to provide food for shipwrecked sailors. These animals have been accused of causing much of the erosion of the dune areas by trampling and feeding on the delicate vegetation which protects the beach sands from the elements. Few trees survive in the wind-battered coastal strip from Reeders Point to Cape Moreton, but beyond its beaches and swamp areas, Moreton Island is covered in dense vegetation. Inland areas are heavily shrouded in closed heath, sedgelands, strips of open forest and areas of mixed scrub. These forests support a wide variety of beautiful native trees including banksias, cypress, box, bloodwoods, paperbarks and scribbly gums.
The freshwater lake system in the north teems with small life forms as do the sea grasses and tidal flats on the bay side below the Sand Hills. The sea grasses are the favourite haunt of the dugong or seacow. Although almost exterminated in the 1940's, numbers have slowly been building up and dugong are now often sighted in the Bay. Walking over the immense area of shallow sandy flats at low tide reveals a host of tiny marine life. The ground literally swarms with life translucent green worms, sea anemones, molluscs and thousands of blue soldier crabs and the lightning fast ghost crab.
Access and Accommodation
Just 35km from Brisbane, Moreton Island is within easy reach for the day tripper, camper and boat owner, however an offroad vehicle is essential for Island travel. There are three vehicular ferries serving the Island. From Scarborough, the 'Combie Trader II' runs to Bulwer, at the northern end. The 'Moreton Venture' runs from Whyte Island (mouth of the Brisbane River) to Reeders Point near Kooringal and also to The Wrecks near Tangalooma. The Redlands Barge Service, runs between Cleveland and Reeders Point. All offer "Walk-on, walk-off" fares. Each crossing of Moreton Bay takes approximately two hours , and can set the mood for your Island holiday as city life fades quickly out of sight and out of mind. Consult the Brisbane telephone directory Yellow Pages for contact numbers. Another option is the high speed catamaran the 'Tangalooma Flyer', which provides a comfortable passenger service to the Tangalooma Moreton Island Resort, departing from Holt Street, Pinkenba, (Brisbane).
By air, Moreton is just 15 minutes from Brisbane Airport and 30 minutes from both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. There are two privately owned airstrips on the Island, one at Kooringal and the other just south of Cowan Cowan. Another popular way to reach Moreton is in private boats. Days Gutter near Kooringal, and The Wrecks near Tangalooma, offer the only sheltered anchorages on the western shores. The exposed northern waters of Moreton Bay can be treacherous in rough conditions, which can occur with little warning. Only experienced boat owners should make the crossing. Reliable marine charts, full safety equipment and sufficient fuel for the return crossing should be carried. Self-contained unit accommodation is available at Tangalooma, Bulwer, Cowan Cowan, and Kooringal. Tangalooma Moreton Island Resort offers a range of accommodation for up to seven people per unit. These units are set among attractive tropical gardens, and the resort offers extensive entertainment including a range of water sports, dining and nightlife. Island accommodation can be booked through the Queensland Government Tourist Centres.
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