13 of the best Moreton Island tours from Brisbane

Jump aboard the best Moreton Island tours to unwrap every inch of paradise just off the coast of Brisbane.

A natural playground, Moreton Island is filled with unspoiled beaches, secret lagoons, dramatic sand dunes and ancient marine wreckages. The best way to explore such staggering beauty? By joining one of the expertly led Moreton Bay tours leaving from Brisbane. From offshore expeditions to up-in-the-air escapades, the potential for adventure in this spectacular corner of the world knows no bounds.

Snorkelling tours of Moreton Island

1. Dolphin Wild Island Cruises’ Moreton Island Eco-Marine Safari and Snorkel

Soak up vividly hued marine life and the jaw-dropping Tangalooma Wrecks with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises’ Moreton Island Eco-Marine Safari and Snorkel tour. The full-day experience, departing from Redcliffe’s Newport Marina which is less than one hour’s drive from Brisbane’s CBD, will lead you to the best spots to spy dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles and unique birds. There’s also Tangalooma Wrecks, a group of ancient ships scuttled between 1963 and 1984 to provide sturdy anchorage for boaties, to explore. Snorkelling gear, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, tea, coffee and water are all included. Prices start from $159 per adult.

2. Tangalooma Island Resort’s Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise

One of the best-loved Moreton Island tours to consider is Tangalooma Island Resort’s Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise departing from Brisbane. You’ll be taken on a guided tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks where more than 200 fish species and 130 coral species will leave you speechless.

The experience also includes a lunch voucher to use at Tangalooma Island Resort and all your gear is included. Prices start from $155 per adult.

3. River to Bay’s Get Wrecked Trawl

Sit back and let the power of a high-speed boat transfer you from Brisbane’s CBD to the Tangalooma Wrecks in no time.

On board River to Bay’s Get Wrecked Trawl, available on weekends, you’ll bob along the crystal-blue water to discover the wreckage on your own before spending further time getting stuck into the island’s famed sand dunes (more on those soon) and grabbing lunch at Amity Tavern on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

If you’re feeling peckish otherwise, drinks and snacks can be bought on the vessel. Prices start from $175 per adult.

4. Tangatours’ Snorkelling Tour

If you’re travelling in from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort via one of their passenger ferries, you’ve got Tangatours as a Moreton Island tour option. The team operate exclusive expeditions for resort day-trippers and guests, and their Snorkelling Tour is highly rated.

You’ll only spend 1.5 hours on the Tangalooma Wrecks, but experienced guides will show you where to look for the best marine life. Plus, your entire kit is included in addition to pool noodles if you need extra support. Prices start from $69.

Scenic flights and Aerial Tours of Moreton Island

5. Bekaa Air’s Moreton and Stradbroke Islands Helicopter Ride

Prefer a bird’s eye view of those heavenly waters? Bekaa Air’s Moreton and Stradbroke Islands Helicopter Ride is just the ticket, offering aerial vistas across two spectacular coastal gems just off the coast of Brisbane.

The private flights, which last 70 minutes in total, depart from Archerfield Airport (about 30 minutes from the CBD), and soar to roughly 600 metres above the water. An extraordinary vantage point of the Tangalooma Wrecks is a stand-out and you’ll also hear expert commentary from your experienced pilot. Prices start from $499 per person.

6. The Redcliffe Aero Club’s Blue Lagoon Scenic Flight – Moreton Island

Set off from Redcliffe Aerodrome, located just under an hour’s drive from Brisbane’s CBD, to explore the shimmering turquoise and rugged bushland below.

The Redcliffe Aero Club’s Blue Lagoon Scenic Flight – Moreton Island will let you linger a little longer atop the Tangalooma Wrecks before sweeping the island for knock-out views of the Moreton National Forest and Cape Moreton. It’ll last about an hour all up and prices start from $445 per adult.

7. V2 Helicopters’ Moreton Island Sea Life Scenic Flight

If racing through the air on a chopper is more your speed, sign up for V2 Helicopters’ Moreton Island Sea Life Scenic Flight. One of the best Moreton Island tours on the market, the 1.5-hour journey leaves from Archerfield Airport and takes you right along the coastline to catch every inch of its majesty.

You’ll catch the unmissable Tangalooma Wrecks, of course, and even Stradbroke Island before your ride loops you back to solid ground in Brisbane. Prices start from $666 per adult.

Whale watching tours of Moreton Island

8. Tangalooma Island Resort’s Whale Watching Day Cruise

Sniff out the ocean’s most magnificent creatures on board Tangalooma Island Resort’s Whale Watching Day Cruise departing from Brisbane during whale watching season (that’s mid-June to mid-October). You’ll jump on board a catamaran and score a light lunch over three hours of solid binocular squizzing.

Expert commentary will shine a light on the whales’ annual migration through Queensland’s waters and as a bonus, you’ll also be granted access to Tangalooma Island Resort’s two swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Prices start from $100 per adult.

9. Brisbane Whale Watching’s VIP Whale Watching Adventure

Catch a glimpse of ocean royalty in style with Brisbane Whale Watching’s VIP Whale Watching Adventure. Again, it’s a June to November window you’ll have to take advantage of (and get in quick, because it’s popular), but rest assured you’ll have a front-row seat to the action.

Running for approximately 330 minutes in total, guests will be transported via the MV Eye-Spy, a multi-million-dollar catamaran with reduced noise and vibration. There’s also a rooftop sun deck, air conditioning and a licenced bar to enjoy. Prices start from $190 per adult.

Sandboarding on Moreton Island

10. Moreton Bay Escapes’ Moreton Island 4WD Adventure Day Tour

One of the most popular small-group Moreton Island tours, Moreton Bay Escapes’ Moreton Island 4WD Adventure Day Tour departs from various locations within Brisbane (and even the Gold Coast) to get you flying down the infamous Moreton Island sand dunes. Home to 46 hectares of desert including the mighty, 280-metre-tall Mount Tempest—Australia’s largest sand dune—it’s one of the largest sand wonderlands in the world. These guys reckon you’ll reach up to speeds of 50 kilometres per hour so it’s a good thing experienced guides are on hand to walk you through it. The tour also includes snorkelling, beach visits and hiking. Prices start from $199 per adult.

11. Australian Sunset Safaris’ Moreton Island Get Wrecked 1-Day Tour

Whether you’re staying in Brisbane’s CBD or you’re closer to the Port of Brisbane, Australian Sunset Safaris’ Moreton Island Get Wrecked 1-Day Tour is going to get you racing down those dunes quick sticks.

This standout Moreton Island tour includes snorkelling over the Tangalooma Wrecks in addition to gliding down those giant hills, with this team promising to get you up to 70 kilometres per hour.

If you’re game, expect to be out and about all day with prices starting from $259 per person including lunch.

Scenic tours of Moreton Island

12. Australian Sunset Safaris’ Cape Moreton Scenic Day Tour

Let’s get ready to rumble. Australian Sunset Safaris’ Cape Moreton Scenic Day Tour will send a 4WD bus to pick you up from the Brisbane Coach Terminal in the CBD or the Port of Brisbane for a day of scenic activity.

One of the best-loved Moreton Island tours to choose from, this experience takes in quality time at beautiful headlands, lakes and secret beaches (like the beautiful Champagne Pools and Honeymoon Bay) while also putting on lunch—you’ll just need to BYO your cozzies and a towel. Prices start from $259 per adult.

13. Tangalooma Island Resort’s Beach Day Cruise

Take things nice and easy onboard Tangalooma Island Resort’s Beach Day Cruise, departing from Brisbane and including lunch at the resort itself. You’ll glide at a sea turtle’s pace through Moreton Bay Marine Park and beyond, allowing you to thoroughly soak up the natural splendour. Plus, it offers access to the resort’s pools, restaurants and bars. Prices start from $95 per adult.

Read our comprehensive guide to camping on Moreton Island.

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