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Australia’s first year-round beachfront cabana club opens soon

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
One of Queensland’s most nostalgic island holiday destinations will soon welcome its first guests to the brand-new Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club.

A scenic 75-minute ferry-hop from Brisbane, Moreton Island has been a quintessential beach getaway among Queenslanders for generations. This wedge-shaped isle (that claims the title of world’s third-largest sand island, after Queensland’s K’gari and North Stradbroke Island) has whales to watch, shipwrecks to snorkel and towering desert dunes to sandboard down. But for those who prefer to kick back and take it easy, a brand-new cabana club is poised to bring a fresh dose of laid-back comfort to the shoreline. 

A resort that’s been in the Aussie holiday game for more than 60 years, Tangalooma Island Resort has unveiled Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club, a new beachfront venue created in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Available to cruise guests as well as those staying at or day-tripping with Tangalooma Island Resort, the 160-seater space provides front-row seats to the island’s biscuit-hued sand and pristine, mouthwash-blue shallows. 

For Carnival cruise guests, there’s not long left to wait, with the club available to book from 1 August 2026. For other guests, the precinct will open from early September.

What to expect at the Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club

tangalooma cabana club
Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club is arriving this spring for all guests.

Sandwiched between the resort’s pools and the beach, Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club is made for slow, sun-soaked days. The precinct promises a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere where guests can while away the hours socialising, sipping perfectly chilled beverages and flitting between shady comfort and the crystal-clear ocean waters. Expect ambient beats that carry along the breeze and very little reason to check the time. 

Twenty cabanas, each hosting up to eight people, provide private bases with direct beach access. Inside, you’ll find all the bells and whistles needed to settle in for the day.

Comfy lounge seating is arranged around a central table, and each cabana features its own fridge to keep food and beverages cool throughout the day. Along with adjustable shutters for privacy and fans to beat Queensland’s no-joke heat, guests are also provided with lockable storage, towels and charging ports (keeping your phone alive for those envy-inducing beach snaps is naturally a priority). 

tangalooma cabana club
Enjoy laid-back sipping, lazing and socialising in your private beachfront base.

The space has also been designed with accessibility in mind. Select cabanas feature wheelchair-accessible design, while beach wheelchairs are available to hire, making it easier for more guests to enjoy Tangalooma’s spectacular stretch of sand. Guests with disabilities can also join in water-based activities such as dolphin feeding.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

When does Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club open?

The cabana club is scheduled to open exclusively to Carnival Cruise Line guests from 1 August 2026, with the wider public launch scheduled for September. 

How much does Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club cost?

tangalooma cabana club
The 20 cabanas are south-facing.

For cruise guests, booking one of the cabanas at Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club costs $399.99 for groups of up eight, for whole-day use. Food and beverage packages are available at an extra cost. Tangalooma Island Resort has not yet confirmed pricing for non-cruise day access.

Visitors can secure their spot through the Tangalooma booking portal, while cruise guests can book the experience directly through their cruise ship as an official shore excursion.  

The precinct will also be made available for exclusive hire or partial use, making it an ideal setting for private events and celebrations.

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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From reef to rainforest: Discover the best Port Douglas experiences

(Credit: TTNQ)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Continue
    Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

    Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

    Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

    Local gourmet goodies

    Nautilus restaurant port douglas
    Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

    The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

    Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

    Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

    Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

    Travelling with young humans

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas
    Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

    For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

    This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

    Exploring local waterways

    Coya Beach port douglas
    Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

    Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

    To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

    Adrenaline adventures

    Sailaway Port Douglas
    Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

    One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

    Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

    If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

    For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

    Experiences that give back

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences
    See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

    With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

    Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

    Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.