Moreton Island Scuba Diving: Exploring the Tangalooma Wrecks Underwater (2024)

Embark on an exhilarating underwater adventure with Moreton Island Scuba Diving as you explore the mesmerizing Tangalooma Wrecks. Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding this stunning Australian island, where a world of marine wonders awaits.

Discover the captivating marine life and submerged history beneath the surface, creating an unforgettable scuba diving experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tangalooma Wrecks with expert guides, ensuring a safe and thrilling exploration of this unique underwater landscape. Uncover the secrets of the ocean depths with Moreton Island Scuba Diving – where every dive is a journey into a submerged realm of wonder.

Scuba diving at the Tangalooma Wreck was an incredible experience for me. It stands out as one of those rare moments when I enjoyed exceptional visibility and witnessed the unique beauty of the wreck. This dive occurred before I obtained my PADI certifications, adding excitement to the adventure. I eagerly look forward to returning one day and exploring the Tangalooma Wreck with the newfound skills and perspective that come with my certification. The prospect of a return dive promises an entirely different and enriched underwater experience.

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Where is Moreton Island?

Situated 58 kilometers from the capital city of Brisbane in the state of Queensland, Australia, Moreton Island is undoubtedly a paradise. With its crystal-clear beaches and pristine sand dunes, the island presents a picture-perfect getaway.

Visitors can partake in many activities, including 4-wheel driving, snorkeling, scuba diving in the vibrant underwater world, hand-feeding dolphins, and even exhilarating helicopter rides. Moreton Island emerges as a multifaceted destination, inviting adventure and relaxation amidst its natural wonders.

How to Get to Moreton Island?

Moreton Island stands out as one of Australia’s premier islands, situated 40 kilometers off the coast of Queensland. It holds the distinction of being Australia’s largest sand island, requiring a 4WD for comprehensive exploration.

Ferries, barges, or boats facilitate access to the island. Daily ferry and barge services connect Brisbane to Moreton Island, with the Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry providing transfers. The ferry journey spans approximately 75 minutes, departing from Holt Street Wharf and offering multiple departure times throughout the day.

Individuals can contact the Tangalooma Island Resort reservations team at 1300 652 250. This ensures a seamless booking process for a memorable journey to the captivating Moreton Island.

Best time to visit Moreton Island

The best time to visit Moreton Island is summer and autumn. It is ideal to see from October to May months.

Exercise caution for jellyfish while swimming in the ocean.

Where to Stay on Moreton Island?

Resort

Our accommodation was at the Tangalooma Island Resort, a renowned establishment offering various lodging options, from cozy hotel rooms to luxurious beachfront villas. With its convenient access to the Tangalooma Wrecks and many activities, the resort, nestled along the beach, stands out as one of the best places I have ever stayed. The resort provides various options for those seeking affordability, including budgeted rooms. A standard room at this captivating resort costs AUD 209 per night, ensuring a delightful and comfortable stay.

Camping

The National Parks Authority manages five camping grounds on the island, providing camping enthusiasts with diverse options for an outdoor stay.

• Moreton Island Camping Grounds: For a closer-to-nature experience, camping grounds like Ben-Ewa and Comboyuro Point provide basic facilities for camping enthusiasts.
• Blue Lagoon Camping Ground: Another camping option with facilities for tents, camper trailers, and caravans, providing a serene environment near Blue Lagoon.

Other Options

In addition to the aforementioned choices, alternative accommodation options are available on Moreton Island, ranging from private houses for a more personalized experience to glamping options that blend luxury with the serenity of the island.

• Bulwer Moreton Island Accommodation: Located in Bulwer, this area offers a mix of holiday homes, cabins, and camping sites for a more secluded experience.
• Castaways Moreton Island: A beachfront resort in Bulwer offering self-contained beach houses and apartments, perfect for a relaxing stay.
• The Gutter Bar: Located in Kooringal, this spot offers a unique experience with beachfront camping and cabin options.
• Kooringal Holiday Flats: Situated in Kooringal, these holiday flats offer self-contained units with easy access to the island’s attractions.

Moreton Island Scuba Diving

Moreton Island Scuba Diving offers a mesmerizing underwater adventure around the Tangalooma Wrecks, just 58 kilometers from Brisbane. This renowned diving destination uniquely explores sunken ships, creating an artificial reef with vibrant marine life. Divers are enchanted by crystal-clear waters and exceptional visibility, making it a haven for beginners and experienced divers.

Where is Tangalooma Wreck?

The Tangalooma Wreck, situated at Moreton Island in Queensland, stands out as an exceptional dive spot in the region, welcoming both novice and seasoned divers alike. Home to several intriguing shipwrecks and a diverse array of marine life, this underwater haven promises a captivating exploration. The crystal-clear waters enhance the allure of diving, providing an immersive experience amidst the submerged wonders. Whether you are a beginner eager to embark on your first dive or an experienced diver seeking a new adventure, the Tangalooma Wreck at Moreton Island offers an unforgettable underwater escapade. Dive into the depths of this aquatic landscape, where history meets marine biodiversity, and discover the thrill of exploring one of Queensland’s premier dive sites.

The Tangalooma Wrecks, comprising fifteen vessels deliberately sunk, offer an intriguing underwater landscape adorned with corals, sponges, and an array of marine species. Moreton Island Scuba Diving provides expert guidance to ensure a safe and immersive experience, catering to divers of all levels. With a backdrop of sandy beaches and a wealth of aquatic wonders, this underwater haven beckons adventure enthusiasts to discover the secrets of the ocean depths. Whether marveling at the submerged history or encountering the diverse marine ecosystem, Moreton Island Scuba Diving promises an unforgettable journey into the underwater wonders of the Tangalooma Wrecks.

Best Time to Dive in Moreton Island

The optimal times for visiting Moreton Island are summer (December to February) and autumn (March to May).

Moreton Island Scuba Diving (Tangalooma Wrecks) Logistics

• Dive Type: Boat Dive.
• Dive Site: Shipwreck.
• Maximum Depth: 12 metres. Accessible to divers of all skill levels, including beginners.

Marine Life at Moreton Island Scuba Diving (Tangalooma Wrecks)

The marine life around the wreck is abundant, featuring beautiful coral formations. Divers can encounter various species, including trevally, kingfish, yellowtail, and smaller fish.

Moreton Island Scuba Diving Provider Details

• Name: Tangalooma Dive and Watersports.
• Note: Only Tangalooma Island Resort visitors are allowed to access the tour provider.
• Website: https://www.tangalooma.com/shops-services/dive-watersports
• Cost: around AUD 160 per person.

Other Things To Do on Moreton Island

Moreton Island, a pristine destination near Brisbane, offers various activities for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. There are numerous activities to enjoy on Moreton Island and within the resort. In addition to scuba diving, some of the activities I engaged in include:

For a detailed list of things to do on Moreton Island, read 35 things to do on the island.

• 4W Drive – Indulge in the thrill of 4WD exploration and enjoy the unique driving experience on the sandy terrain. Note: Prioritize taking thorough driving lessons from the rental provider and remember to keep the gears down when navigating the sand.
• Snorkeling: Dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover the vibrant marine life and coral formations.
• Cape Moreton Lighthouse – Constructed in 1857, the Cape Moreton Lighthouse is a fascinating historical landmark on the island. It also offers a beautiful vantage point for spotting wild dolphins and whales.

If you love lighthouses, this road trip across South Coast NSW’s lighthouses is designed for you!

• Sand Tobogganing – Try sand tobogganing down the island’s massive sand dunes for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
• Dolphin Feeding – Witness the magical experience of hand-feeding wild dolphins at Tangalooma Resort.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding – Enjoy the calm waters around the island by kayaking or paddleboarding.
• Whale Watching: During the whale migration season (June to October), embark on a whale-watching tour to see these majestic creatures.
• Explore Blue Lagoon: Relax at the Blue Lagoon, a tranquil freshwater lake perfect for swimming and picnicking.

2 Days in Moreton Island Itinerary

Day 0

One Friday evening, my friends and I boarded a Jetstar flight from Sydney to Brisbane. Jetstar, known for its budget-friendly options, provided a convenient and cost-effective airline choice for our journey between these two Australian cities.

Day 1

We opted for a ferry ride from Brisbane to Moreton Island the following day. The weather blessed us with fantastic warmth, creating the perfect conditions for exploring the island.

The ferry ride treated us to delightful and refreshing views of the water.

On our journey to the island, we encountered numerous jellyfish.

Upon reaching the resort, we wasted no time and dove straight into the exhilarating world of scuba diving.

The sunset on the island was stunning and lived up to all our expectations.

During the night, we had the incredible experience of hand-feeding dolphins at the resort, undoubtedly a highlight of our stay at Tangalooma. An exciting aspect of this activity was the requirement for everyone to sanitize their hands before handling the fish, and strict rules were in place to ensure no one touched the dolphins. Regrettably, I don’t have any pictures to capture this unique experience.

Reflecting on the ethical considerations of feeding wild dolphins, I am unsure if I would engage in this activity again without a clearer understanding of its impact.

Day 2

The following day began with a leisurely morning, and to add excitement to our day, we rented a 4WD vehicle and navigated through the scenic sand dunes.

Our drive took us to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse.

The island is also home to a multitude of pelicans.

Is Moreton Island Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Moreton Island is exceptionally safe for solo female travelers, as I encountered no issues during my stay. However, it’s advisable to exercise caution, particularly regarding wildlife, especially at night. Watch your step and be mindful of your surroundings. Apart from these considerations, the island is a safe and enjoyable destination.

Closing Notes

Moreton Island stands out as one of the most spectacular islands in Australia, making it well worth a three or four-day visit. I look forward to returning to this stunning destination, mainly to experience Moreton Island scuba diving at the wreck with my PADI Rescue certification. The allure of Moreton Island and the captivating underwater world around the Tangalooma Wreck make the trip truly worthwhile. The crystal-clear waters and the beauty of diving amidst the wreck contribute to an unforgettable experience.

Also read

• Scuba diving in Australia