Brisbane Day Trip – Snorkel Tangalooma wrecks
Moreton Island – Queensland – Australia
Discover the underwater world
of
Tangalooma’s marine life and wrecks
About Tangalooma Wrecks
Across the bay from Brisbane lies Moreton Island, home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a popular snorkel spot for visitors and locals of Southeast Queensland. Both the wrecks and Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) should be added to your bucket list and is an excellent day trip destination.
A unique cluster of fifteen ships were intentionally scuttled by the Queensland Government on the eastern side of Moreton Bay and on the western coast of Moreton Island to provide safe anchorage in the area for recreational boat owners. The ships were sunk over a period of two decades and the rusty skeletons of ships have become a popular tourist attraction.
Tangalooma wrecks providing safe anchorage
The wrecks have created an artificial reef with approximately 130 species of coral. There are also about 200 species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, Wobbegong sharks and stingrays, providing a great opportunity to see a variety of marine life while snorkelling.
About Moreton Island
Moreton Island, one of Australia’s largest sand islands, is across the bay from Brisbane, just off the coast of southeastern Queensland. The island is also the third largest sand island in the world with its 37 kilometres length and 10 kilometre width. Situated on the island is the highest coastal sand dune in the world, but not the highest overall. Reaching 285 metres high, Mount Tempest provides amazing breathtaking views.
Some of the dunes of Moreton Island
A protected island, it is known for its steep dunes and sandy beaches, therefore restricted to 4WD access only. It is quite common to be bogged down on its soft inland tracks.
The traditional Aboriginal name for Moreton Island is Mulgumpin and was recently reclaimed by the Quandamooka People who speak the Jandai language.
Quandamooka are the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea surrounding Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Moreton Island is managed by them as well as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Moreton Island looking south
A popular section of beach near the Tangalooma Wrecks
Endless beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and tall white sand dunes are enough to be a huge attraction for visitors. Throw in crystal clear creeks, lagoons, amazing wildflowers and heath, then you have a jewel of an island in Moreton Bay. Sprinkled with a bit of history, by discovering cultural heritage shell middens, ruins of coastal defence bases from World War II and a historic lighthouse, you’ll certainly find things of interest.
Fortification ruins from World War 2
If you love wildlife, there are over 180 various species of birds. There are also forty species of reptiles that have been recorded on the island. Amongst those are goannas, various snakes, marine turtles, blue-tongued lizards and major skinks.
Moreton Island
Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks
Naturally one of the main attractions to Moreton Island are the wrecks. It is a highly popular snorkel spot and whilst you can snorkel on your own, one of the ways to snorkel the wrecks is to go on a guided snorkel tour.
Snorkelers near the Tangalooma Wrecks
We were very fortunate to be given a wonderful gift by family – because of course they know what we like! A day trip to Tangalooma Wrecks with an all-inclusive guided snorkel around the wrecks, then lunch on board the boat and ending with an eco-marine safari looking for dugong, dolphins and other marine life. Our trip was done through Dolphin Wild Island Cruises.
Docked at Newport Marina
About Dolphin Wild Island Cruises
A family run business established over 30 years ago, Dolphin Wild Island Cruises operate a 22m catamaran which has three outside viewing areas and an indoor saloon. The saloon is airconditioned with seats and some tables. The upper deck has seating and a couple of tables.
There are two toilets on board located a couple of steps below the main saloon.
One of the best ways to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks is through Dolphin Wild Island Cruises.
Jetski towing snorkelers to the wrecks
The catamaran departs from Newport Marina, Redcliffe in the morning and returns in the afternoon. The trip across the bay to Moreton Island takes approximately 50 minutes. There is tea, coffee and water freely available on board or you can purchase drinks and snacks at the bar.
Upon arrival the snorkelers are divided into 3 groups with different time slots. Whilst the first group snorkels (for approximately 50 minutes), the others can enjoy some beach time on Moreton Island while they wait.
At midday, lunch will be served on the boat and after the last group has snorkelled, the boat departs for a short eco-cruise around the area to spot any marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins and gentle, peaceful dugongs. Thereafter it will return to Redcliffe.
Hot tips for your snorkel cruise:
1. Have your swimsuit on before you board the boat. The first thing we had to do as we went on board was to pick a wetsuit and try it on to see if it fitted. The bathrooms are quite cramped and not suitable as a changing room for trying on your wetsuit.
2. Although the waters are mainly calm, if you are prone to motion sickness, it is advisable to take something for it. Marine conditions can vary from calm to rough at any time and on any given day as they are contingent on current as well as offshore weather conditions.
3. The trip to shore will be on an inflatable boat/rubber duck/tender that will take you across to the shallows, so be prepared to get wet. It is also advisable to have a bag for any valuables. Keeping items in your pockets such as cell phones is not recommended as they can easily fall overboard.
4. You will need to be able to swim to participate in the snorkelling tour as the depth of the water near the wrecks vary from 2 - 12 metres and you will not be able to stand.
5. All participants are required to wear a wetsuit for their own safety to protect them from any sharp objects when snorkelling the wrecks. It will also assist with buoyancy in the water.
6. Although you can snorkel the wrecks by yourself if you plan a trip to stay on the island, it can be quite difficult. While the wrecks at Tangalooma are close to the beach, the distance from shore is deceptive. If you swim across to the wrecks be advised as a strong current can sweep between the wrecks and the beach when the tide is running. I would only recommend strong swimmers attempt this with fins. It can also be a busy area with a large number of inexperienced boaters and jet skiers passing through between the wrecks and the beachfront, and caution is necessary when swimming across.
The wrecks look deceptively close to the beach
7. When snorkelling (or scuba diving) it is imperative not to touch anything. Coral grows at an incredibly slow rate and the underwater ecosystem is very fragile. It is essential for the survival of the marine life that live around it. Furthermore, coral can be sharp and the rusty wrecks even sharper, causing nasty injuries.
8. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
Big Question: Are there sharks at Tangalooma Wrecks?
Moreton Bay where the wrecks are situated is a vast area which extends for approximately 125 km from north to south and 40 km at its widest point. It has a rich biodiversity, with numerous fish and mammal species that frequent the bay regularly including bull sharks.
Did you know that bull sharks are sensitive indicators of environmental change, so having them around is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. There are often shark sightings in various parts of the Moreton Bay region.
Having said that, you don’t necessarily want to see a bull shark on your snorkelling trip. I know I wouldn’t. It is always a risk to enter the sea not only because of sharks but also because there are many other dangerous marine species. Exercise caution and listen to the experts. They will advise if it is safe to enter the water. On that note, you have a better chance of seeing the resident Wobbegong sharks or a stingray that love swimming around the wrecks.
Would you like to test out your snorkelling skills at Tangalooma Wrecks?
“Our experience at Tangalooma Wrecks
We were gifted this excursion and day trip by family.
We had an awesome little adventure on our guided snorkeling experience at Tangalooma Wrecks with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises.
Upon arrival at the marina we were welcomed on board and those that were snorkeling had to choose their wetsuit, mask and fins before we left the marina.
As we started our journey across the bay we were briefed about the day’s itinerary and thereafter we could relax and have tea and biscuits or buy snacks and drinks at the bar.
We were impressed with the helpful and friendly crew. If we weren’t sure about anything we only had to ask one of the crew members and they would assist where they could.
The simple buffet lunch was more than adequate and there was plenty of water and other drinks to stay hydrated throughout the day.
We were allocated our snorkeling slots and could then have beach time and lunch at appropriate times.
Who said snorkeling isn’t an adventure? We were divided into 3 groups then each group was towed (with wetsuit, mask, fins and snorkels on and holding on for dear life) behind a jet ski to the wrecks for our snorkel.
Wish I had an underwater camera. We saw plenty of fish and beautiful corals. The snorkel was over before we knew it.
All my photos on the blog were taken on the same day. When we were about to snorkel in our allocated time at Tangalooma wrecks, the weather changed. The wind came up and the clouds rolled in with a quick shower. It was still fine to snorkel but it would have been even nicer in better conditions.
After our snorkel the sun appeared again in time for our eco-cruise. We saw a dugong, turtles and dolphins.
Any regrets?
We’ve been spoilt with snorkeling in many places around the world in our own time and with no crowds. If I had a choice I would love to snorkel when there were less people to be able to appreciate the underwater world better at Tangalooma Wrecks. However, I would recommend Dolphin Wild Island Cruises to guide you on your first snorkeling trip. You can always return to Moreton Island later to enjoy all it has to offer.
Bucketlist ticked!
”
Where to find Dolphin Wild Island Cruises
Dolphin Wild Island Cruises is moored at Newport Marina.
Where is Newport Marina? 158 Griffith Road, Newport.
NB: Boarding and check-in commences at 0730 am for an 8 am departure.
Tangalooma Island Resort
Accommodation on Moreton Island.
If you would like to stay on Moreton Island, there is accommodation on the island, at Tangalooma Island Resort, as well as other holiday huts, cottages and glamping spots on the island.
So what are you waiting for?
Need that island escape?
Camping at Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).
Did you know you can also camp on the island? Before you pack up your tent and Esky though, there are some things you should know.
Campsites on Moreton Island
1. The only way to the island is by boat or ferry. Passenger ferry services from Brisbane take approximately 75 minutes each way and vehicle barges take approximately 90 minutes.
2. Whilst there are various camping sites, facilities are limited, so you need to plan ahead. It is also popular amongst the camping fraternity.
3. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are essential for driving on the island. There are no sealed roads.
4. Some campsites are accessible by 4WD, others only accessible by boat or close to barge landing points.
5. Vehicle access permits to drive on Moreton Island and camping permits must be obtained before arrival on the island. Fees apply.
6. In most instances you have to be self-sufficient as well.
7. Whilst camping on the island is not too costly, getting there adds to the expense.
Moreton Island camping
Where is Moreton Island?
Moreton Island is situated across the bay from Brisbane.
Glassbottom boat at the wrecks
Wrecks, boats and Moreton Island
Check out the reviews about Tangalooma and Moreton Island from
Across the bay from Brisbane lies Moreton Island, home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a popular snorkel spot for visitors and locals of Southeast Queensland.