Tangalooma Travel Guide

Brisbane

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo by Jules
Photo by Jules
Photo by Jules
Photo by Jules

Get away to the pristine white sand beaches on the western side of Moreton Island, known for sunset dolphin-feeding experiences and shipwreck snorkelling.

Tangalooma, on Moreton IslandOpens in a new window’s western side, is an incredible natural escape. Feed dolphins at sunset, snorkel around sunken ships, take a whale-watching cruise and enjoy long walks on white sand beaches.

On the 75-minute ferry journey to the island, watch for dolphins, whales and turtles in the Moreton Bay Marine Park. After arriving at Tangalooma Jetty, notice the Tangalooma Wrecks, 15 boats intentionally wrecked near the shoreline to create a protected place for smaller boat anchorage.

Explore the wrecks on a snorkelling trip to see corals, wobbegong sharks and colourful tropical fish. Hire a paddleboard, kayak or catamaran and glide across Moreton Bay’s clear waters. Laze on the white sand beach.

At sunset, dolphins gather and play near the Tangalooma Island Resort, waiting for their dinner. Have an unforgettable experience hand-feeding the curious and intelligent dolphins and their calves. Book ahead with the resort to ensure your place. Stay in a beachfront villa and dine with views of sunsets over the water at one of the restaurants within the resort.

Learn about the area’s history. The name Tangalooma means a meeting place of fishes in the language of the Aboriginal Ngugi people who once lived on the island. The Ngugi people were forcibly relocated to Stradbroke Island in the mid-1800s, but the area remains true to its name.

The site of Tangalooma Island Resort also has a fascinating and sad maritime history. During the 1950s, a whaling station was set up and thousands of humpback whales were harvested for their oil. After whaling ceased and Moreton Bay Marine Park was designated as a wildlife reserve, the humpback whale population has gradually been re-established. Take a whale-watching tour to see these incredible creatures and learn about modern conservation efforts.

Reach Tangalooma on Moreton Island by passenger ferry from the Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba or car ferry from the Port of Brisbane. Navigate the island by foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle on the beaches.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Tangalooma

Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma Island Resort

4 out of 5
Moreton Island, Off Brisbane, Tangalooma, Moreton Island, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Moreton Island. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants and a beach locale. Popular attractions The Desert and Tangalooma Wrecks ...
8/10 Very Good! (763 reviews)
"What an amazing location! The beach is stunning and the wildlife is incredible. Sunsets were something special! Very close to Brisbane and easy to get to. Very comfortable rooms with great views. Lots of activities to keep everyone entertained. Not a huge range of dining options on Mondays and Tuesdays ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Tangalooma Island Resort
Bribie Island Hotel

Bribie Island Hotel

3 out of 5
29 Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara, QLD
Stay at this 3-star motel in Bellara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (930 reviews)
"Was good"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Bribie Island Hotel
Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites

Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites

3.5 out of 5
99 Marine Parade, Redcliffe, QLD
The price is ₹12,813 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹12,813
₹14,094 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Redcliffe. Enjoy a fitness centre, Wi-Fi (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Overnighter
"V nice stay. Great amenities, pool not heated. Bit expensive."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites
Scarborough Beach Resort QLD

Scarborough Beach Resort QLD

3.5 out of 5
89 Landsborough Avenue, Scarborough, QLD
The price is ₹14,398 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹14,398
₹15,838 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Scarborough Beach and Queens Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (517 reviews)
"Great location & views. The ants were an issue & the clanging noise outside the 2nd bedroom (queen bed) when it rained."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Scarborough Beach Resort QLD
The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach

The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach

4.5 out of 5
1 Mcculloch AvenueMargate Beach, Margate, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,532 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹11,532
₹12,685 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (445 reviews)
"Gorgeous location across from the beach. Clean and beautiful, excellent service. The rooftop bar and pool are super cool. Would recommend to anyone."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach
On the Beach Resort Bribie Island

On the Beach Resort Bribie Island

4.5 out of 5
9 North Street, Woorim, QLD
The price is ₹28,276 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹28,276
₹31,161 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Woorim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room massages. Popular attractions Woorim Beach and Bribie Island Golf ...
9/10 Wonderful! (166 reviews)
"The view is absolutely stunning ."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

On the Beach Resort Bribie Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Tangalooma

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Brisbane Airport

Travellers come to Brisbane Airport for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like DFO Brisbane and Moreton Bay while you're in town.

Brisbane Airport
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Wynnum

Wynnum is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wynumm Golf Club and Moreton Bay.

Wynnum
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Chermside

Unique features of Chermside include the shopping and coffee shops. Make a stop by Westfield Chermside or Chermside Waterpark while you're exploring the area.

Chermside
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Hamilton

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Hamilton. A stop by Bretts Wharf Ferry Terminal or Portside Wharf might round out your trip.

Hamilton
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Newstead

Travellers like the historical sites in Newstead, and Newstead House is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Newstead
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Bowen Hills

Bowen Hills is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Brisbane Showgrounds and Twelfth Night Theatre.

Bowen Hills

Tangalooma Travel Guide