5 Best Moreton Island Day Trips: How to Plan the Perfect Adventure with Top Tours and Tips

Looking for the best Moreton Island day trip?

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, a day trip to Moreton Island might just be the adventure you’re craving! I’ve been to Moreton Island a few times, and trust me—it never disappoints. 

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate Moreton Island day trip, complete with a selection of 5 best tours, insider tips, and answers to those burning questions.

5 Best Moreton Island Day Trips

With so many ways to explore Moreton Island, finding the perfect day trip can feel overwhelming. Here’s my curated list of the top 5 tours to help you pick the adventure that suits you best—whether you’re after thrills, relaxation, or a bit of both!

1. Moreton Island Day Trip: Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard from Brisbane or Gold Coast

✔️ Best for: Adventure lovers and thrill-seekers who want a variety of activities packed into one exciting day.

✔️ Highlights: Sandboarding down the island’s dunes, paddling transparent kayaks to view marine life, snorkeling or bodyboarding at the reef, and exploring Moreton Island in a rugged 4WD. If sea conditions aren’t ideal, enjoy an off-road island tour instead!

✔️ Inclusions: Sandwich lunch and all activity equipment (ferry tickets and national park fees not included. You need to add around 80 AUD ($52 USD) per person per tour).

✔️ Energy Level Required: High—prepare for a day of thrills and adventure!

2. Tangalooma Day Trip with Snorkeling Tour

✔️ Best for: First-time visitors, nature lovers, and those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

✔️ Highlights: Cruise to Moreton Island on a scenic boat ride and snorkel at the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks, one of Australia’s best snorkeling spots. Enjoy full access to Tangalooma Island Resort’s facilities, including pools, restaurants, and bars. Learn about wildlife conservation at the Eco Centre and join the “Discover the World of Dolphins” presentation.

✔️ Inclusions: Round-trip boat transfers, a guided 90-minute snorkeling tour with all equipment, full Tangalooma Island Resort access, a $25 lunch voucher, a complimentary drink on the ferry, and Eco Ranger experiences.

✔️ Energy Level Required: Medium—perfect for those who want to balance adventure with a bit of poolside lounging.

3. Tangalooma Snorkeling Tour & Dolphin Feeding

✔️ Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and those who want to combine adventure, relaxation, and an unforgettable dolphin encounter.

✔️ Highlights: Start your day with a scenic ferry ride to Moreton Island. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, home to vibrant coral and marine life. Relax at Tangalooma Island Resort with access to pools, bars, and restaurants. End your day by hand-feeding wild bottlenose dolphins in a once-in-a-lifetime experience guided by the Dolphin Care Team.

✔️ Inclusions: Round-trip ferry transfers, a guided snorkeling tour with equipment, full access to resort facilities, a $25 lunch voucher, a complimentary drink on the ferry, Eco Ranger experiences, and the dolphin feeding program.

✔️ Energy Level Required: Medium—perfect for a day of light exploration and exciting wildlife encounters.

4. Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass

✔️ Best for: Independent travelers and families who want flexibility to explore at their own pace.

✔️ Highlights: Catch a ferry to Moreton Island and dive into the adventure with a 3-hour kayaking session or a 1-hour stand-up paddleboarding experience. Snorkel around the famous shipwrecks to meet dugongs, sea turtles, and tropical fish, or enjoy on-land activities like beach volleyball and tennis. Relax with full access to Tangalooma Island Resort’s pools and facilities.

✔️ Inclusions: Round-trip ferry transfers, 3-hour kayak or snorkeling equipment hire, access to resort amenities, and land activities like tennis and volleyball (quad bikes excluded).

✔️ Energy Level Required: Medium—perfect for a mix of fun and relaxation with activities at your own pace.

5. Tangalooma Desert Safari Tour & Dolphin Viewing

✔️ Best for: Adventurers and nature lovers who want a mix of thrill, relaxation, and wildlife viewing.

✔️ Highlights: Begin your day with a scenic ferry ride to Tangalooma Island Resort, where you’ll enjoy full access to pools, restaurants, and bars. Hop on a 4WD Desert Safari Tour for an adrenaline-filled ride through Moreton Island’s bushland and sand dunes, with the option to try sand tobogganing at speeds up to 40 km/h. Wrap up your day with a refreshing cocktail or mocktail at sunset, followed by an enchanting wild dolphin viewing experience from the jetty.

✔️ Inclusions: Round-trip ferry transfers, a lunch voucher, access to resort amenities, the Desert Safari Tour with optional sand tobogganing, a sunset cocktail/mocktail voucher, and access to watch the Wild Dolphin Experience.

✔️ Energy Level Required: Medium—perfect for a day blending adventure and laid-back resort vibes.

DIY Day Trip: Planning Your Own Adventure

Prefer a DIY tour? Here’s how to plan your own Moreton Island day trip:

👉 Ferry Booking: Secure your MICAT ferry tickets in advance (book here). Return trips usually cost around $80 AUD ($52 USD).

👉 Activity Planning: Bring or rent equipment for snorkeling or sandboarding. Renting cost starts at $35 AUD ($22 USD). If you have your own equipment or do not need to rent, it will cost you $0.

👉 Packing Essentials: Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, water, packed lunch, snacks, and a hat. MICAT Ferry allows three pieces of luggage (e.g. backpack, sky and beach chair).

Pro Tip: While DIY trips give you flexibility, tours often offer better value by bundling activities and equipment. This means you can make the most of your day without worrying about additional costs.

Practical Tips for an Awesome Day Trip

👉 Start Early: Take the first ferry to maximize your time and beat the crowds. Usually, this is around 7:00 AM.

👉 Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially for activities like sandboarding or kayaking.

👉 Protect Yourself: Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash guard to avoid sunburn while snorkeling.

👉 Pack Light: Bring essentials like a towel, waterproof bag, and snacks if meals aren’t included.

👉 Plan for Costs: To avoid surprises, check if your tour includes ferry tickets or national park fees.

👉 Respect Wildlife: Follow guidelines during dolphin or wildlife encounters to keep them safe.

👉 Leave No Trace: Take your trash with you, and if you spot litter or plastic, pick it up to help keep Moreton Island pristine.

These tips will help you make the most of your adventure while staying prepared, eco-conscious, and respectful of this beautiful destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Moreton Island day trips? Here are the answers to the most common questions to help you plan your perfect adventure.

Is a Moreton Island day trip worth it?

Absolutely! With its crystal clear waters and diverse activities, Moreton Island is certainly a fantastic day trip destination. Depending on your energy levels, you can pack plenty of activities in one day.

Can you visit Moreton Island without a tour?

Yes, you can! You can book a return MICAT ferry ticket for about $80 AUD ($52 USD). However, tours simplify logistics and often include equipment rentals, which can save time and effort.

PRO TIP: Be prepared by packing enough food and water for the day, as shops are not easily accessible on the island. Keep in mind that Tangalooma Island Resort generally restricts access to non-resort guests. 

How much is it to camp at Moreton Island?

Camping fees range from $7.25 per person per night ($3.85 if you’re a student). Be sure to book permits in advance to secure your spot. 

Is Tangalooma Island the same as Moreton Island?

Not quite. Tangalooma is a privately owned resort located on Moreton Island, but the island offers so much more beyond the resort.

The Wrap-Up: Best Moreton Island Day Trips

Moreton Island isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience!

I hope this guide has helped you choose the perfect day trip. If you’re still planning, check out these helpful resources:

• 21 Awesome Things to Do in Moreton Island for even more inspiration.
• How to Get to Moreton Island: Everything You Need to Know About the Ferry to sort out your logistics.
• Top Accommodation Options on Moreton Island to find the perfect spot to unwind after your adventure.

So pack your bags, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable day. Safe travels!