Looking for a tropical getaway with all the serenity of Fiji or Bali but without the passport dramas and airport chaos? Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island offers just that, only two hours from the Gold Coast and a short 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. Locale’s publisher, Karen, recently enjoyed a three-night mini-escape here with her daughter, discovering a paradise that felt worlds away from everyday life.
WRITTEN BY KAREN KINNERSLY
The adventure begins at Brisbane's ferry terminal. If you’re not in a 4WD, the resort offers secure parking, making the ferry ride feel like the true start of your holiday. The weather was spectacular, and we were assured by the friendly resort manager that, "It never rains at Tangalooma.” We were ready for a good dose of vitamin D.
As Moreton Island comes into view, the sight of the towering sand dunes, stretching as far as the eye could see, is awe-inspiring. This third-largest sand island is wild, pristine, and spectacular.
Our accommodation—a hotel suite facing the bay—offered uninterrupted views of the deep blue water. Every morning, we enjoyed coffee on our balcony, the peaceful surroundings setting the perfect holiday tone. Tangalooma caters to all types of travellers, from families to couples, with various room styles from resort units to bungalow villas.
Booking island activities early was a top tip, so we signed up for an ATV quad bike adventure, snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, and parasailing. The options for activities are endless – from sand tobogganing on the dunes to wildlife tours, sunset cruises, and glass-bottom kayaks to marvel at the reef’s marine life. Whether you’re into thrill-seeking or laid-back beach lounging, Tangalooma has something for everyone.
Our first adventure—ATV quad biking—was an adrenaline rush. We zoomed along sandy trails, taking in the island’s sweeping views and elevated vantage points. After a quick safety briefing, we spent 45 adrenaline-packed minutes zipping through dunes and zooming along the beach. For an extra shot of relaxation, lounging by one of the resort's two pools was the perfect counterbalance to our high-octane fun. With the sun warming our skin and the ocean in the distance, we were living the island dream.
Evenings at Tangalooma are just as magical. Sunset cocktails on the Wheelhouse Deck were a must, followed by a meal at the resort’s Beach BBQ restaurant. Grilled Moreton Bay bugs—a local delicacy—were a highlight. For more variety, Tangalooma offers several dining options, all serving fresh and flavourful dishes.
The next morning brought our snorkelling adventure at the famous Tangalooma Wrecks. A guided tour took us by boat to the wrecks, where we plunged into crystal-clear water teeming with marine life. We spotted schools of vibrant fish darting through the wrecks, and the occasional turtle lazily swimming by. The guides ensured everyone felt comfortable, providing equipment suited to all skill levels. The marine diversity around the wrecks is astounding, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a wobbegong shark hiding among the wrecks.
When you’re not booked in with activities the golden sands of Tangalooma’s beach are perfect for relaxing. The calm waters of the bay make for perfect paddleboarding conditions, and we rented a board for a peaceful few hours on the water, occasionally spotting marine life beneath us. But the island’s most special experience has to be feeding the dolphins at dusk. Tangalooma’s dolphin-feeding program, in place for over 30 years, lets you hand-feed wild dolphins, offering an unforgettable close encounter with these intelligent creatures. We had the chance to feed “Rani,” one of the regular dolphins, and even saw “Eclipse,” a young dolphin born earlier this year..
Another must-visit dining spot is Fire and Stone, an Asian-inspired restaurant that delivered a fantastic culinary experience. And no evening is complete without a stop at the resort’s bar for a fun round of bingo, adding a playful touch to the night.
The last morning of holidays always brings a little melancholy. We were able to fit in one last stroll along the beach, walking the 1.5 km stretch to the Tangalooma Wrecks, where we soaked up the island’s natural beauty one last time. And, as if the holiday gods were smiling down on us, our ferry ride home featured an unexpected whale-watching bonus—seeing a mother and calf surface near the boat was the perfect farewell.
Tangalooma Island Resort has quickly become our favourite island escape, offering the allure of a tropical paradise without the hassle of long flights or logistical headaches. Whether you’re after a quick three-night break or a more extended getaway, this stunning local gem is the ideal destination. We’ll be back soon for sure.
For more on discovering Tangalooma and exploring all the accommodation options, visit tangalooma.com
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