A comprehensive guide to camping on Moreton Island

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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Camping on Moreton Island provides a front-row seat to the majesty of Mother Nature.

When you’re camping on Moreton Island, also known by its Indigenous name of Mulgumpin, the unspoilt coastline invites instant serenity. Part of the spectacular Moreton Island National Park, just a hop, skip and ferry ride from Brisbane, the world’s third-largest sand island is surrounded by turquoise blue waters and offers amazing activities for every holiday speed. From four-wheel driving and surfing sand dunes to chilled-out snorkelling and uninterrupted stargazing, kicking back your way is easy. Here are the basics to get you moving.

How to get to Moreton Island

an aerial view of Micat ferry on Moreton Island
The ferry ride to Moreton Island takes approximately 90 minutes. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Let’s get familiar with paradise. Located 40 kilometres offshore from Brisbane, Moreton Island is mostly accessed via the Micat ferry, which takes about 90 minutes and departs from the Port of Brisbane, the city’s main shipping port. If you’re making the trek from Brisbane’s CBD to go camping on Moreton Island, it’s a 30-minute drive north-east of the city.

It’s worth noting that Micat is a passenger and vehicle ferry, and the only option for visitors who plan on taking their 4WD with them (which is highly advised). Ferry scheduling fluctuates depending on the season, but during peak periods, it can run up to five times each day. Check the website for up-to-date information.

Make sure you book well in advance, too. School holiday periods attract serious crowds, which cram those regular runs right up. We advise securing tickets at least four weeks in advance, no matter when you’re visiting, and if you’re planning an Easter or Christmas trip, get organised six months in advance. Ticket pricing differs depending on when you’re travelling, but expect a minimum of around $79 each way if you’re taking your car. Passenger-only tickets are cheaper.

Permits and regulations

bush camping in Mulgumpin
Lush surrounds on Moreton Island invite instant serenity. (Image: Queensland Government)

If you’re bringing your wheels, a vehicle access permit is a must. Furthermore, all campsites require camping permits, so you’ll need to sort them before you go, too.

The vehicle access permit must be clearly displayed within your vehicle so your booking number can be viewed at any time you’re camping on Moreton Island. It can be purchased as either an annual or monthly pass — there are no single trips. If you’re going for anywhere up to one month, you’ll need to fork out $61.80 per vehicle. If you’re adventuring for more than one month and up to one year, it’s $311 per vehicle.

a tent and hammock setup in Mulgumpin
You can set up a tent for a minimal fee. (Image: Queensland Government)

Camping fees are less steep. No matter where you’re setting up your tent (literally and figuratively) on Moreton Island, you’ll pay $7.75 per person, per night. Additionally, all sites, even the facility-free camping areas, require bookings in advance, so don’t assume you can just rock up and pay when you jump off the ferry.

You can also live out those dreams of roasting marshmallows as the sun sets, given many of Moreton Island’s camping grounds allow for fires, but you’ll need to BYO firewood.

Activities and attractions

quadbiking in Tangalooma Island Resort
Pump up your adrenaline on a thrilling ATV Quad Bike ride at Tangalooma Island Resort. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Adventure seekers will bask in four-wheel driving along nature’s highway, in addition to climbing the extraordinary sandstone formations of Cape Cliff and kayaking and snorkelling through crystal-clear waters.

Hiking is another popular pastime when you’re camping on Moreton Island, and Mt Tempest is the highest point to help you gaze adoringly at Mother Nature’s handiwork.

Tobogganing or sandboarding down Moreton Island’s dunes, some of the tallest examples in the world, is always a fun choice. The best spot is The Desert, located right behind Tangalooma Island Resort.

swimming at Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island
Be transported to a bygone era at Tangalooma Wrecks. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Those looking for restoration will enjoy observing the wide variety of wildlife on display, including birds, dolphins, whales and turtles. Relaxing at Honeymoon Bay, soaking in the natural Champagne Pools and dipping into the Blue Lagoon will also feed the soul effortlessly.

But Moreton Island’s most-visited attraction has got to be the Tangalooma Wrecks, a stack of ancient ships scuttled by the government to help recreational boaties anchor in safely during the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Your inner explorer will delight in stickybeaking through the rusting bones of old ship hulls, transporting you to a thrilling bygone era without sacrificing those Instagram-perfect surroundings.

Best camping spots on Moreton Island

Yellow Patch Camping Zone

Surfers flock to the Yellow Patch Camping Zone as the exposed beaches offer sensational waves. 14 sites are dotted throughout the stretch, with some offering more exposed conditions than others. Choose your own adventure with various-sized sites and surf proximity. The North Point Camping Area is just a short drive from this area.

Address: It’s all that space on the western side of the island between North Point and Heath Island.

Facilities: None.

Accessibility: It’s reachable via 4WD, and you can park it beside your campsite. Camper trailers are welcome.

Dog-friendly? No.

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The Wrecks Campground

an aerial view of The Wrecks Campground, Moreton Island
Camp on a sheltered bay next to a shipwreck. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Set right off a sheltered bay and wrapped in a blanket of native trees and shrubs, The Wrecks Campground offers 21 sites. It’s near the main barge point, so anybody without a car can access it, but be prepared to walk a little to get to the actual sites.

Nearby attractions include the Tangalooma Wrecks, and there’s also great snorkelling with coral growing on the ships themselves. Top-notch fishing is also on tap.

Address: Near the main barge landing point, where the ferries arrive.

Facilities: Cold showers, non-flush toilets, water (but treat before drinking), rubbish bins and wi-fi (but it’s extremely patchy).

Accessibility: Camper trailers aren’t supported as the Wrecks can only be reached via 4WD and boats. Even then, you’ve got to walk to the site itself because vehicles need to be parked on the beach.

Dog-friendly? No.

Ben-Ewa Camping Area

Hands down, the best option for first-time campers. A hit amongst families and school groups, the Ben-Ewa Camping Area provides sheltered waters right off shaded sites. Located north of The Wrecks on the western beach side of the island, just 12 sites are on offer. If you can nab one, you’ll spend your days dipping in dreamy waters, enjoying calm kayaking and SUP paddleboarding with fellow nature lovers. The conditions are perfect for it all. 

Address: Just a short stroll north of the main barge landing point, where the ferries arrive.

Facilities: Water (but treat before drinking), hybrid toilets, a portable toilet waste disposal system and cold showers.

Accessibility: You can get to the campground in your 4WD with parking available either right next to or close to the sites themselves. Camper trailers are welcome.

Dog-friendly? No.

Comboyuro Point Campground

This beautiful spot is close to 4WD tracks that lead to some of the island’s main attractions. Boasting 49 camping plots of various sizes, the Comboyuro Point Campground offers plenty of shade and calm swimming conditions for the whole family to enjoy. Even better, the sunsets across the bay from this site are majestic.

Address: It’s located on the western side of Moreton Island, within walking distance of the Bulwer township.

Facilities: Water (but treat before drinking), septic toilets, rubbish bins, a portable toilet water disposal system and cold showers.

Accessibility: You can park your car right next to your site, and campervans are also welcome.

Dog-friendly? No.

North Point Camping Area

an aerial view of the beach at North Point Camping Area
North Point Camping Area offers direct access to the beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Want to be within walking distance of Honeymoon Bay and the Champagne Pools? North Point Camping Area is your go-to. The area offers a large grassy patch close to the beach, and there are 21 sites available.

Kids love it as the nearby swimming is shallow and calm. Note that open fires are not permitted.

Address: It’s found at the northern tip of Moreton Island, between Yellow Patch and Cape Moreton.

Facilities: Water (but treat before drinking), hybrid toilets, cold showers and pedestrian access to the beach.

Accessibility: It can only be reached by 4WD, and just four of the sites are suitable for camper trailers. It’s impossible to park next to your campsite.

Dog-friendly? No.

North-West Camping Zone

Ready to really rough it? The North-West Camping Zone is one of Moreton Island’s facility-free campgrounds, offering unadulterated connectivity to your natural surroundings. Fires are permitted, and generator use is green-lit between 8 am and 7 pm. This campground has a capacity of 76 beach campsites, all with fabulous access to calm bay waters. Some sites are even located a walk away from the Bulwer township.

Address: It’s anywhere between the Ben-Ewa Camping Area and the Comboyuro Point Campground.

Facilities: None.

Accessibility: You can park your 4WD beside your campsite, and camper trailers are welcome.

Dog-friendly? No.

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Blue Lagoon Camping Area

swimming at Blue Lagoon Camping Area, Moreton Island
Go for a refreshing dip. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The beautiful, beach-centred Blue Lagoon Camping Area offers easy access to an ocean surf beach and scenic walking trails. Even sweeter, it’s just a stroll away from the Blue Lagoon, a natural freshwater lake renowned for heavenly swimming and birdwatching. There are 25 sites in total to choose from.

Address: You’ll find it on the eastern length of Moreton Island, between Middle Road and Cape Moreton.

Facilities: Water (but treat before drinking), septic toilets and cold showers.

Accessibility: It can be reached via 4WD, and parking is provided right next to the sites.

Dog-friendly? No.

North-East Camping Zone

Another completely stripped-back camping pick, the North-East Camping Zone offers 89 sites scattered beyond Middle Road and up towards Spitfire Creek on the Eastern beach. Secluded conditions equal exceptional surf beach views, but be mindful of the narrow, soft-sanded Middle Road if you’re bringing a camper trailer.

Address: The space between Middle Road and Spitfire Creek, so basically everything on the eastern side of the island.

Facilities: None.

Accessibility: It can be reached via 4WD, and parking is provided right next to the sites. Camper trailers are welcome, but plan cautiously as Middle Road’s soft sand makes life tough.

Dog-friendly? No.

South-West Camping Zone

Get your hands (and everything else) dirty at the South-West Camping Zone, the island’s most challenging region to access. But the rewards are priceless. This pick offers 24 (mostly tent) sites situated right by picture-perfect waters. The campground is even more exclusive, given that some of its sites are completely impacted by the tide, so be warned that some are only accessible during low tide.

Address: You’ll find it on the western side of Moreton Island from Tangalooma Bypass to Toulkerrie.

Price: Your camping permit, detailed in the section above, will cover you.

Facilities: None.

Accessibility: You can reach the sites via 4WD, on foot or via a boat or kayak. Some by-your-site parking is available.

Dog-friendly? No.

South-East Camping Zone

With 35 sites to choose from, the South-East Camping Zone presents killer digs to explore the exposed surf beaches between Middle Road and Rous Battery. You’ll need to be mindful in this neck of the woods, though, particularly if you’re towing a trailer, as high tide times can obstruct beaches.

Address: You’ll find it on the eastern side of Morton Island between Middle Road and heading south to Rous Battery.

Price: Your camping permit, detailed in the section above, will cover you.

Facilities: None.

Accessibility: It’s reachable via 4WD, and you can park it beside your campsite. Camper trailers are welcome.

Dog-friendly? No.

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 reasons to book a stay at the reimagined Reefworld now

    Imogen Eveson Imogen Eveson
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    Cruise Whitsundays’ famous Reefworld has undergone a complete transformation – here’s why it has become one of Australia’s most extraordinary places to spend the night.

    Imagine sleeping under the stars or beneath the sea, snorkelling vibrant coral gardens, and enjoying a dining experience that wouldn’t feel out of place at a top restaurant – all from a pontoon moored on the Great Barrier Reef. In a country that excels at extraordinary, immersive travel experiences, the reimagined Reefworld in Queensland’s Whitsundays has joined the upper echelons.

    Cruise Whitsundays has unveiled an extensive transformation of Reefworld, its pontoon permanently moored at Hardy Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

    First opened in 2019, Reefworld is home to the famous underwater Reefsuites – Australia’s first underwater hotel – and was originally designed as a dual-purpose pontoon for both day visitors and overnight guests.

    Now, it has been transformed into an overnight-only experience, giving guests exclusive access to the pontoon and the reef, with more space, greater comfort and a more immersive way to experience this unique environment.

    The transformation forms part of Journey Beyond’s $40 million investment in responsible reef tourism in the region.

    Read on for eight reasons to book a stay at the reimagined Reefworld now.

    1. A scenic cruise through the Whitsundays

    cruise whitsundays boat on Great Barrier Reef Adventure tour
    Start with a cruise of the gorgeous Whitsundays.

    Your journey to Reefworld begins with a scenic cruise through the Whitsundays: dark-green islands daubed on an endless expanse of blue. Welcome to Ngaro Sea Country.

    Departing Port of Airlie, Daydream Island or Hamilton Island, a high-speed catamaran with priority boarding for Reefworld guests will whisk you across the Coral Sea to the outer reef.

    From next year, a new 35-metre catamaran will join the Cruise Whitsundays fleet, featuring an exclusive-use lounge area reserved for Reefworld guests. Snacks and refreshments are available onboard.

    Depending on the time of year, migrating humpback whales may pass you on your journey.

    2. A sense of arrival

    aerial view of new cruise whitsunday reefworld pontoon
    Watch as your home on the reef rolls into view.

    Around two hours after leaving Hamilton Island, the Reefworld pontoon shimmers into view on the horizon.

    As you sail closer towards Hardy Reef – where the pontoon is permanently moored – your home for the next 27 hours comes into focus, including the plush new beds where Reefsleep guests will spend the night. Anticipation builds for the unique experience to come.

    The everyday world slips away as you alight the catamaran and step onto the pontoon. Now exclusively reserved for up to 36 overnight guests at a time, it has undergone an extensive transformation.

    The sense of space, peace and quiet is palpable as you’re welcomed with a cold non-alcoholic drink. Dab your brow with a refreshing cold towel and take in the stillness – interrupted only by the sound of flying fish slapping the water’s surface.

    From the moment you arrive in the late morning, the whole place is yours to enjoy. Reefworld has been redeveloped with considered spaces designed to help you make the most of your downtime.

    On the lower deck, you’ll find a bar serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, alongside comfy lounge areas where you can sit back and take in mesmerising reef views.

    Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxed in the knowledge that you don’t have to leave again until tomorrow afternoon.

    3. Elevated food and beverage (including quality coffee!)

    cruise whitsunday reefworld food offering
    Indulge in an elevated food and beverage offering onboard.

    Elevated food and drink is central to the new Reefworld experience. The all-inclusive offering focuses on high-quality regional dining.

    A seafood buffet lunch might include Hervey Bay scallops grilled in shell with garlic and herb butter or line-caught reef fish baked with lemon thyme oil.

    A signature three-course dinner paired with premium Australian wines might dish up an entrée of Whitsunday blue swimmer crab wontons with smoked salmon caviar in a butter sauce, a main of Queensland grass-fed beef-eye fillet, and a tropical coconut and pineapple confection for dessert. Dietary requirements are catered for (notify team at time of booking).

    A hot breakfast buffet offers a selection of cooked favourites, smoked salmon, cheeses, and yoghurts, fresh fruit, toast and cereals.

    All-inclusive beverages include bottled beer and cider, soft drinks and Australian wine including sparkling. Or choose from a range of premium spirits and cocktails such as the 74 Islands Limoncello Spritz, made with a liqueur crafted right here in the Whitsundays.

    Perhaps the biggest boon of all? Barista-made coffee, available from 6.30 am. Only in Australia could you order an oat flat white in the middle of a coral reef.

    4. Snorkel one of the GBR’s most diverse reefs

    guests snorkelling the great barrier reef at cruise whitsunday reefworld
    Dive into the Great Barrier Reef.

    Reefworld sits above Hardy Reef, one of the most biologically diverse outer reef systems in the Great Barrier Reef. Exploring it is a simple matter of popping on a mask, snorkel and flippers and slipping into the water straight from the pontoon.

    Being in the outer reef means the water is clear, and marine life is abundant: here you could spot giant trevally, Māori wrasse, clownfish, parrotfish, nudibranch and giant clams, as well as vibrant coral gardens.

    Snorkel at your leisure over two days. Prefer to stay above the water level? Head to the underwater observatory or join an optional semi-submersible guided tour, and you might still spot the resident two-metre-long Queensland grouper, George, doing the rounds. Or Crush, one of 12 resident green sea turtles.

    5. A luxurious sleep under the stars

    cruise whitsunday reefworld pontoon reefsleep beds
    Spend the night in one of 16 spacious, four-poster beds.

    At the heart of the reimagined Reefworld is its elevated Reefsleep experience. On the upper deck are 16 spacious, four-poster beds, replacing the earlier swag-inspired accommodation and giving up to 32 guests the chance to sleep under the stars with increased privacy and added comfort.

    With names like Parrot Fish and Spotted Ray, each Reefbed is of its place and has everything you need: not least a queen-size bed with premium linens, decked out in coastal shades befitting the location. USB charging ports, reading lights and fans provide extra convenience and comfort. The beds are set up as daybeds in the afternoon, then turned down in time for sleep.

    Double-layer canvas and mesh flaps allow you to customise your experience and exposure to the elements: zip up for maximum privacy and shelter or leave wide open to stargaze as you drift off to sleep.

    Come morning, enjoy the luxury of watching the sun rise over the reef from the comfort of the covers (if facing east).

    6. Refreshed underwater Reefsuites

    Reefsuites room at reefworld
    Let the locals form your bedroom view.

    Reefsuites is Australia’s first underwater hotel and remains among the most unique stays in the country – if not the world. Its two suites have had a glow-up as part of Reefworld’s transformation, but the floor-to-ceiling underwater views of the Great Barrier Reef remain unchanged.

    Choose between king double or twin single sleeping configurations, with premium bedding and a glass-walled en suite in each suite. This is your front-row seat to the marine life of the reef in all its nocturnal glory.

    7. A sensational sunset and canapés session

    cruise whitsunday reefworld guests enjooying sunset canapes
    Wait for sunset at Australia’s best bar.

    There’s even a designated new spot for sunset canapés. Could this be Australia’s best bar? That’s what you will be asking come evening, as you gather on the upper deck for a Sunset Canapés session.

    Reefworld’s refreshed design includes a designated space for this very ritual. Grab a drink at the bar – bubbles, perhaps, or a G&T with locally produced gin – and pull up a stool to settle in for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.

    Nibble on a chef’s selection of light bites as the sun puddles into the molten Coral Sea, bathing the entire pontoon in a glorious glow. It doesn’t get more golden hour than this.

    8. Extras: the adventure continues

    tour leader preparing scua diving gear at cruise whitsunday reefworld
    Choose from a range of extra activities to help you keep exploring.

    And that’s not where the adventure ends. Your Reefworld stay also includes access to the underwater observatory and a guided semi-submarine tour, plus a complimentary guided snorkel safari led by expert reef guides. For those looking to do even more, add-ons include scuba diving and scenic flights over Heart Reef, available at an additional cost.

    As part of Cruise Whitsundays’ investment in reef tourism, nearby permanent Heart Pontoon has also undergone a significant refurbishment, further enhancing the visitor experience.

    The details

    Reefworld is open now as an overnight‑only pontoon, exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuite guests. Stays start from $895 per person for Reefsleep and $1495 per person for a Reefsuite, based on double occupancy.

    Book an unforgettable sleep out on the Great Barrier Reef at cruisewhitsundays.com.