A visit to Moreton Island is on most family’s bucket list, particularly those who love the great outdoors. However, not everyone owns a 4WD and renting one can be terribly expensive, not to mention super daunting for those without any 4WD experience, which is why I’ve put together this guide on the best Moreton Island tours, so no one has to miss out!
A day trip to Moreton Island can be pricey, particularly for families with a couple of kids. However, as I mentioned above, so is hiring a 4WD, not to mention the vehicle driving permit and the barge price! However, the best Moreton Island tour makes things super easy, taking you to all the island highlights, so you don’t have to worry about individual costs.
If you do have your own 4WD or don’t mind hiring one, I recommend you go yourself and spend a few days exploring the island. You can find our guide on things to do on Moreton Island here and our guide to Moreton Island family accommodation here. However, for everyone else – this guide on the top Moreton Island day trip options is for you.
This guide will cover a range of Moreton Island day tour options and a few multi day tours too. It covers tours that depart from various places, including Brisbane, Redcliffe and the Gold Coast.
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Best Moreton Island Tours
Below is a simple table where you can easily see all the different Moreton Island tours in this guide. The table below makes it easy to compare tours and decide which day tour to Moreton Island is right for you.
| Tour Operator | Tour Name | Departs | Overview | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See Moreton | Tangalooma Wrecks & Snorkel Tour | Brisbane or Gold Coast | Cruise to Moreton Island, snorkel the wrecks, spend time on the beach - includes lunch, transfers options extra | Book Now |
| JPT Tours | Tangalooma with Dolphin Feeding | Brisbane | Day at Tangalooma Resort includes dolphin feeding, lunch and transfers and choice of a trip desert safari, cruise or snorkelling tour | Book Now |
| Adventure Moreton Island | Tangalooma with Activities Tour | Brisbane | Day at Tangalooma with choice of 3 activities - segways, SUP, snorkelling, banana boat, beach bike, fish feeding, kayaking or fishing | Book Now |
| Australian Sunset Safaris | Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour | Brisbane or Gold Coast | Take the Micat Ferry to Moreton Island and go kayaking, snorkelling and sandboarding - includes lunch & transfers | Book Now |
| Minna Travel & Cruise | Moreton Island 4x4 Sightseeing Tour | Brisbane or Gold Coast | See all the main sites on the island including, Tangalooma wrecks and Cape Moreton Lighthouse - includes lunch and transfers | Book Now |
| Adventure Moreton Island | Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass | Brisbane | Spend the day at Tangalooma Island Resort, includes the use of kayaks, snorkel gear & SUP | Book Now |
| Bushwaker Ecotours | Moreton Island Snorkel, Sandboard 4Wd Tour | Brisbane | Snorkel the wrecks, sandboard in the Desert, swim & kayak - includes lunch | Book Now |
| Tangalooma Island Resort | Tangalooma Island Resort with Whale Watching | Brisbane | Spend the day at Tangalooma Island Resort and take a whale watching cruise | Book Now |
| Tangalooma Island Resort | Tangalooma Island Resort with Whale Watching & Dolphins | Brisbane | Spend the day at Tangalooma Island Resort and take a whale watching cruise & watch the dolphin feeding. | Book Now |
| Tangalooma Island Resort | Tangalooma Island Resort with Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding | Brisbane | Spend the day at Tangalooma Island Resort and take a whale watching cruise & feed the dolphins | Book Now |
| Adventure Moreton Island | Scuba Dive Tour | Brisbane | Spend the day at Tangalooma Island Resort - Includes scuba dive, snorkelling, SUP & kayaking | Book Now |
| Australian Sunset Safaris | 2 Days Explorer Tour | Brisbane or Gold Coast | See all the highlights on the island including the wrecks, Champagne Pools, Honeymoon Bay & North Point, go sandboarding, & kayaking - includes all meals & accommodation | Book Now |
| Bushwaker Ecotours | 2 Days Camping Tour | Brisbane | See all the highlights on the island including the wrecks, Champagne Pools, Honeymoon Bay & North Point, go sandboarding, & kayaking - includes all meals & camping | Book Now |
| Dolphin Wild Island Cruises | Cruise Moreton Bay | Redcliffe | Cruise to Moreton Island, go swimming & spend time on the beach- includes lunch | Book Now |
Brisbane to Moreton Island Day Trip
While Redcliffe is the closest point on the mainland to Moreton Island. the majority of tours depart from Brisbane. There are quite a lot of tours to choose from – however, given there is so much to do on Moreton Island, you’ll find that most tours cover one or two activities and often include some free time on the beach. So when choosing a day trip to Moreton Island from Brisbane, you’ll need to decide whats activity you want to do and then consider if you want the tour to includes things like lunch or transfers.
Below is a range of Brisbane day trips Moreton Island offers and a brief description of what each tour covers. Also included is information on where you can book your Brisbane to Moreton Island day trip – it generally doesn’t matter where you book from as the price will be the same – nevertheless, we give you options when available.
Tangalooma Wrecks and Snorkel Tour
One of the most popular activities on Moreton Island is a guided snorkelling tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks. So for a good value day tour Moreton Island offers, which includes snorkelling, consider this Tangalooma Wrecks and snorkel tour.
This tour includes a cruise to Moreton Island, including time for spotting marine life on the way. With any luck, you’ll see dolphins, turtles and even dugongs! During your Brisbane to Moreton Island cruise, your guide will also provide a bit of commentary about the marine life you see.
On arrival at the island, you’ll join a guided snorkel tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks, where you’ll see loads of colourful subtropical fish. It will then be time to enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on the boat, after which you’ll have some free time for relaxing on the beach.
In addition, this day trip from Brisbane to Moreton Island includes morning tea, all your snorkelling gear, and transfers can also be arranged from Brisbane or the Gold Coast for an additional fee.
This Moreton Island day cruise operates from mid November to early May and departs from the Rivergate Marina in Brisbane from 9.30 am, returning at 5 pm. Pick up from the Gold Coast is at 7.30 am and 8.40 am from the Brisbane CBD.
The tour is $159 per adult and $129 per child (3-13 yrs). Transfers from either the Gold Coast or Brisbane are an additional $20 per person.
Click the following links for information or to book: Experience Oz (departs Brisbane or Gold Coast | Viator (departs Brisbane) | Viator (departs Gold Coast)
Tangalooma Island Resort with Dolphin Feeding
In addition to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a 4WD tour to the Desert and feeding the resident dolphins are super popular activities on Moreton Island. So if you’d rather go sandboarding than snorkelling and feeding dolphins than coming face to face with fish, then this day tour Moreton Island has might be what you’re looking for.
This tour starts at 8.45 am, where you’ll cruise from Brisbane to Moreton Island. You’ll then have access to a range of activities at the Tangalooma Island Resort, including the resort’s two swimming pools, restaurants and bars.
You’ll then have a choice of one of three activities. You could join a 4WD tour to the island’s Desert, where you’ll have the option of sand tobogganing down one of the islands’ giant sand dunes. If you prefer, you can do the 1.5 hour snorkelling tour of the wrecks or take the Marine Discovery Cruise, where you’ll go in search of marine animals.
In the evening, you’ll join the nightly dolphin feeding program, where you’ll get the opportunity to feed one of these magical creatures before heading home. The boat will arrive back in Brisbane at 8.40 pm.
This Moreton Island 1 day tour, includes transfers from Brisbane hotels and a lunch voucher ($20 per adult and $15 per child) which you can use at one of the Tangalooma restaurants or cafes.
Click the following links for information or to book: Experience Oz
Tangalooma Day Trip with 3 Activities
If you’re heading over to Moreton Island with younger kids and the dolphin feeding makes for too long of a day, then this three activity Tangalooma day trip may be a better fit. This tour gives you a choice of a range of different activities, so you can pick and choose what best suits your family.
This tour departs Brisbane at 8 am from Pinkena. You’ll then cruise over to the island, where you’ll get to make use of all of Tangalooma’s facilities. You can go swimming, start a beach volleyball game, or relax around the restaurants and bars.
You’ll also choose 3 paid activities from a great list of 8 different things. There’s a segway tour, SUP hire, guided snorkelling tour, banana boat rides, beach bike hire, fish feeding tour, kayak hire or even fishing gear available.
When you’re not off on an adventure, you’ll be able to relax along the beach or make the most of the free activities on offer at the resort.
Lunch is not included in this Tangalooma Resort Moreton Island day cruise, so bring a picnic or choose to eat at any of the resort’s restaurants and cafes.
There is also an option on this tour to pay an additional $45 per person and stay for the dolphin viewing. Otherwise, the boat arrives back in Brisbane at 5.15 pm.
Click the following links for information or to book: Viator
Moreton Island Get Wrecked Tour
This Moreton Island Tour is great for those wanting to do all the island’s most popular activities. On this tour, you’ll snorkel or kayak the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboard down the island’s largest sand dunes, enjoy lunch on the beach and more.
This tour departs bright and early with transfers from Brisbane or the Gold Coast – or you can self drive to the ferry. Once you get to Moreton Island, you’ll head on over to the Tangalooma Wrecks, where you’ll take a guided snorkelling tour. You’ll then enjoy a picnic lunch followed by some kayaking.
Now to see some of the island’s inland highlights. You’ll jump on board a 4WD where you’ll take the inland track to the Desert. Here you’ll get the opportunity to climb one of these giant sand dunes and sandboard down.
If there is still time to spare, you’ll get some free time to chill on the beach or maybe have a swim before heading back to the mainland.
This tour includes transfers to and from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, lunch, wetsuits, kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Click the following links for information or to book: Viator
Full Day 4WD Tour
If you’ve been to Moreton Island before and seen most of the more popular attractions, then this day trip might be what you’re after. This full day 4WD tour takes you to some of the island’s attractions on the eastern side and northern tip of the island, which day trippers don’t always get to see.
On arrival at the island, you’ll board a 4WD and head off along the beach to the Blue Lagoon. Here you’ll get to swim in this beautiful lagoon and afterwards enjoy a picnic lunch.
After lunch, you’ll head on over to Cape Moreton, where you’ll see the old lighthouse – the first one to be built in Queensland. You can then swim in the gorgeous Champagne Pools or take a walk down to Honeymoon Bay.
You’ll then continue driving along the beach, where you’ll see the famous Tangalooma Wrecks before boarding the ferry to head back to Brisbane.
This tour includes transfers to and from either the Gold Coast or Brisbane and lunch.
Click the following links for information or to book: Viator
Day Trip at Tangalooma
If you’re looking for the cheapest tour that will get you over to Moreton Island, then this day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort is it! It’s the cheapest tour in this guide and will allow you to make use of all the free facilities at the resort (including the pool) as well as a few other activities.
This tour departs Brisbane at 7 am and once you arrive on the island, you’re pretty much free to do as you please. Your tour gives you complete access to all that the Tangalooma Island Resort offers. You can swim in the pools, play tennis, play in the playground and relax on the gorgeous stretch of beach right outside the resort. In addition, you’ll get all the snorkel gear you need to go and explore the wrecks, as well as kayak and SUP hire.
Lunch isn’t included, so to save costs, bring over a picnic. Or you’re welcome to eat lunch at any of the resort’s restaurants and cafes.
Your ferry back to Brisbane departs the island at 4 pm, giving you a full day to enjoy Moreton Island.
Click the following links for information or to book: Get Your Guide | Viator
Moreton Island Snorkel and Sandboard
If you’ve never been to Moreton Island and want to do the two most popular activities – snorkel and sandboard – then you’ll want to sign up for this day trip. Given this tour includes snorkelling, sandboarding and lunch, it offers great value for money.
On this tour, you’ll depart Brisbane at 7 am. As soon as you arrive on Moreton Island, you’ll jump on board a 4WD and head to the Desert – where you’ll find some of the island’s largest sand dunes. If you’re game, you’ll then sandboard down one of the dunes, reaching speeds of up to 50km.
After your sandboarding experience, you’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the sandy beach.
Next up, you’ll head to the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, where you’ll join a guided snorkel tour. Another option is to kayak around the wrecks if you prefer.
Overall this tour offers first time visitors to Moreton Island great value for money. It covers the most popular activities and includes lunch.
Click the following links for information or to book: Viator
Moreton Island Day Trip with Scuba Dive
Like to dive? If so, this Moreton Island day trip with scuba diving is the perfect tour for you. As well as getting to spend the day hanging at the Tangalooma Island Resort, this tour also includes a dive around the famous Tangalooma Wrecks.
This tour will have you spending the day enjoying all the facilities around the Tangalooma Resort. As well as having access to all the free activities and swimming pools, you’ll also get 1 hour of SUP hire, 1 hour of snorkel equipment, 1 hour of kayak hire and of course, your dive.
Lunch isn’t included, so to save costs, bring over a picnic. Or you’re welcome to eat lunch at any of the resort’s restaurants and cafes.
Click the following links for information or to book: Get Your Guide | Viator
Whale Watching and Tangalooma Resort Day Pass
If you’re heading to Tangalooma Resort during whale watching season, why not join a tour which includes some whale watching. As well as getting to spend the day enjoying all that the resort has to offer, you’ll also take a 3 hour cruise watching the whales around the island.
As well as your whale watching cruise, you’ll get to relax around the resort. You can make use of all the free activities such as swimming in the pools, dining at the restaurants and cafes and relaxing along the beach.
You’ll also be served lunch on board the whale watching cruise.
If you want to upgrade your day trip, you can stay to watch the dolphin feeding or actually take part in the dolphin feeding.
Click the following links for information or to book: Whale Watching only | +Watch Dolphin Feeding | +Dolphin Feeding
2 Days Explorer Tour
If you want to see all the islands highlights, you’ll definitely need more than one day, which is where this 2 Day Explorer Tour comes into play. On this Moreton Island 2 day tour, you’ll snorkel, sandboard, see marine life and more!
You’ll spend the morning of your first day on the island, relaxing on the beach and either kayaking or snorkelling the famous Tangalooma Wrecks. Next up, you’ll visit the Desert, where you’ll find some of the islands’ largest sand dunes and if you’re game, you can sandboard down one.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to Castaways, where you’ll be staying for the night after enjoying dinner.
On the following day, you’ll visit more of the island’s highlights, including Champagne Pools, Honeymoon Bay, North Point and the lighthouse at Cape Moreton.
These Moreton Island 4WD tours are great for those that want to see all of the island’s best attractions over two days. It includes all your activities, meals, transport and accommodation, making it quite good value for money. It even includes transfers from Brisbane and the Gold Coast should you need it.
Click the following links for information or to book: Get Your Guide |Viator
2 Day Camping Tour
If you like the idea of camping on beautiful Moreton Island but don’t have your own gear, then this 2 Day Camping Tour is one to consider. It’s a great way to experience all the best activities the island offers as well as visiting all the popular places.
Over your two days on the island, you’ll join a guided snorkel tour of the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboard down some of the island’s largest sand dunes, climb up Five Hills Lookout and swim in the tranquil Blue Lagoon. You’ll also visit Cape Moreton and Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, Honeymoon Bay and more.
This is a great way to see all of the island’s best attractions over two days, particularly those who don’t have their own 4WD or camping gear. The tour includes all your activities, meals, transport and camping gear.
Click the following links for information or to book: Viator
Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Trip
If you’re staying on the Gold Coast and keen on heading over to Moreton Island for the day, then you’ll need to head to Brisbane and join one of the tours above.
If you have your own vehicle, you can join any of the above tours. However, even if you don’t have your own transport, some of the tours above offer transfers from the Gold Coast. In the tour descriptions above, I’ve noted if the tour provides transfers from the Gold Coast.
Redcliffe to Moreton Island Day Trip
While Redcliffe is geographically closer to Tangalooma, only one tour goes from Redcliffe to Moreton Island – the Dolphin Wild Island Cruise.
This tour departs from Redcliffe at 8.30 am and the journey to Moreton Island takes around 50 minutes. On route, you can even experience boom netting!
On arrival at Moreton Island, change into your swimming gear and join a guided snorkelling tour around the famous Tangalooma Wrecks (although this is an optional extra – $20 per person). You’ll also have plenty of free time for relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean.
This tour includes morning tea, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea.
Click the following links for information or to book: Experience Oz | Get Your Guide |Viator
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Hopefully you found this guide on the best Moreton Island tours helpful. If you have more time, I highly recommend you do your own trip over to Moreton Island and stay a few days. See our guide for things to do at Moreton Island with kids here and our guide on where to stay on Moreton Island here.