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.

Diving

Even once you have seen all the beauty of Moreton Island, its sandy beaches and its blue waters, you still haven't experienced it all. Below the surface is another world. The reefs and waters around the Island are home to many species of fish and marine life. Flinders Reef and Smith Rock off Cape Moreton are two areas which attract divers. The beautiful coral formations are like many of those found along the Great Barrier Reef. Fish life here is prolific. Experienced divers will enjoy the extra bonus of exploring many of the wrecks around Moreton. Dating back well into the 1800's, vessels like the 'Venus' ' 'St Paul' ' 'Aarhus-' 'Grace Darling' and more recently the 'Rufus King' and the 'Marietta Dal', have sunk off the Island.

Old gravel barges, tug boats, concrete pipes, tyres, car bodies, two whale chasers and an old Brisbane tram are just some of the items which lie submerged in 20M of water off Cowan Cowan. The fascination of this artificial reef, known as the Curtain Reef, brings divers back time and again. It has become a major breeding ground for all kinds of fish including some rare reef species. Please leave your spear guns at home as the Bay side of Moreton Island is a marine sanctuary.

Fishing

Moreton's unspoilt beaches make it a fisherman's paradise. No matter what the season, there are always plenty of fish to catch. Most fishing spots can be reached with 'a 4WD vehicle. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange with the barge operators for you to be dropped at, and later collected from, your choice of spot.

In summer, whiting abound from Tangalooma to Yellow Patch in the north and Reeders Point to Long Point in the south. The best months for whiting are October through to March. The Long Point area also experiences a tremendous run of good fish for a couple of weeks around the full moon in late July and early August.

Flathead can be found in several spots around the Island's shores. Favourite haunts are the submerged logs and tide eddies near Tangalooma Point and Reeders Point and in the many surf gutters along the ocean beach.

Dart can be taken from the surf all year round. These fish provide great sport for anglers and in winter large schools of dart up to 7OOg are quite common. Winter is the season for tailor, bream and tarwhine. They are often caught in large numbers from the surf beaches or at the northern end from Comboyuro Point to Yellow Patch. An area always worth trying is the protected gutter running north from Long Point towards the start of the high beach dunes. The area south of White Rock, on the ocean beach is one of the best spots for bream. Tailor are found along the ocean beach anywhere north of Long Point. The best formations - a deep gutter with clear openings either end - are usually found between the start of the high beach dunes and Eagers Creek.

The rocks at North Point can produce good hauls of tailor, and this is a popular spot in strong south-easterlies, offering protection for both fish and fisherman. Care should be taken if fishing the rocky areas. Tailor catches from Moreton Island compare favourably with those from Fraser Island while the bream catches are probably larger and more consistent. Please conserve fish stocks by not taking more than you need and return all undersized fish to the water alive.

Driving

Moreton Island is a sand island and driving is only possible using a four wheel drive vehicle. The main tracks on the Island are signposted. Tracks with approximate distances are shown on the map. The ocean beach from Mirapool to Cape Moreton and the western beach from Bulwer to Tangalooma are trafficable at low tide. The beach between Tangalooma and Kooringal should be avoided - it can be difficult to travel due to tides and debris. Caution is also required on the beach at the northern end of the Island between Comboyuro Point and Heath Island which is often impassable because of lagoon overflow.

The beach in front of Cowan Cowan is closed to traffic - use the bypass road around the town. The lighthouse reserve at Cape Moreton is closed to through traffic. Use the track south of Blue Lagoon for access between Bulwer and the eastern beach. Vehicles are not permitted in The Desert or the Big and Little Sandhills areas, as tracks left on the dune face cause erosion as well as detract from the natural beauty.

Camping

One of the main attractions of Moreton Island is as a place to retreat and relax. Many visitors seek nothing more than to camp by the beach and enjoy a quiet holiday. There are five established camping areas controlled by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service. Blue Lagoon and Eagers Creek camping areas are almost on the ocean beach with Comboyuro Point, Ben-ewa, and The Wrecks catering for those who prefer the quieter waters. All have water, toilets and showers. The camping areas can only accommodate limited numbers and bookings must be made with the park ranger or through National Parks in Brisbane. Permits are required to camp anywhere on the Island. These can be obtained from the barge operators or from the ranger on Moreton Island. A nominal fee is charged.

Camping is permitted along the beach outside of the established areas provided a campsite with an access already exists. Please observe the 'No Camping' areas which are defined by signs. Water is a valuable resource on the Island and should be used sensibly. Apart from the five National Park camping areas, fresh water is also available from Blue Lagoon, Eagers Creek and Spitfire Creek. These natural water bodies serve the entire Island and must not be polluted with soaps, human wastes or rubbish. The use of soaps, detergents and shampoos in or near any creek or lake will cause serious ecological damage.

Water is less plentiful in the southern areas and it is a good idea to always carry some with you. Water points are located at the Big Sandhills on the west coast and the Rous Battery on the east coast. The Island's vegetation is very susceptible to fire damage. Whenever possible use fuel or gas stoves in preference to an open fire. When an open fire is necessary, wood must be brought from the mainland - fire wood must not be collected on Moreton Island. Build only small camp fires and keep combustible materials, particularly tents, well clear of the fire. Please remember to extinguish your fire when finished, and never leave it unattended when burning.

Should a bush fire emergency arise, contact the National Park office. (Phone 3408 2710 or after hours on 015 731 183). There are three volunteer brigades located at Bulwer, Cowan Cowan or Kooringal.

Environmental Code - for your enjoyment

The Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service welcomes you to 'Moreton Island and hopes your stay will be enjoyable. By following these common-sense rules, you can play your part in protecting this beautiful and unique Island.

Litter

Please don't litter. Carry home your rubbish in plastic bags or take it to the Kooringal, Cowan Cowan or Bulwer tips. Don't bury your rubbish as this is often exposed by animals and erosion.

Camping

Permits are a must and can be obtained from either the barge operators before arrival, or the Park Ranger on the Island.

Don't camp within 50m of freshwater lakes, lagoons and creeks.
Don't drive over foredunes to reach your campsite, and use only established tracks.
Camp at least 6m from fireplaces.
Don't use soaps, shampoos or detergents in the lakes, lagoons or creeks.
When camping outside designated camping areas bury all human waste at least 50m from creeks and watercourses.

Beauty Spots

Help protect Moreton's environment - don't interfere with the plants and animals.
Leave your pets at home. Domestic animals are prohibited in the National Park.
Don't drive vehicles over open dune areas (e.g. The Desert).

Special Driving Info

Drive carefully on beaches - hidden washouts 'and rocks are dangerous. Avoid travel at night.

Slow down when passing people or parked vehicles on the beach. Always be on the lookout for young children. Use indicators when approaching on-coming vehicles to show the direction of passing.

Never carry passengers outside of the vehicle's cabin. Don't drive on sand blows or dunes. Minimise erosion by keeping to established tracks.

Reduce tyre pressure for soft-sand driving.
Engage low gear, low range when crossing rocky outcrops.
Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound. Carry essential spares, water, extra fuel and a good first-aid kit.
Vehicles must be registered and drivers/riders must be licensed. Mainland road rules apply.