moreton

Moreton Island features crystal clear creeks and lagoons, long wide sandy beaches abreast to magnificent sand dunes; rocky headlands, abundant trees, wildflowers and nature; an historic lighthouse. ruins of coastal forts with remnants of Aboriginal and colonial settlements. There is a man made reef of sunken ships that have now become a attraction for divers and snorkeler's who visit the island. The sand dunes can not be over stated in their majesty, and are so big that you can toboggan down them reaching breath taking speeds (only to have to climb them again!). Hand feed the dophins, spot the Whales off the cost during mating season and venture into the inner sand desert
Walking around is one of the best ways to appreciate the island's features and discover some of the various wildlife habitats. Take care when walking over sandblows or up steep sections of tracks, particularly on hot days.
The Blue Lagoon is a christal clear lake, created where the watertable is exposed at the land surface. Access to Blue Lagoon is from the ocean beach, north of the Bulwer-Blue Lagoon track. Toilets and picinic facilities are provided. Enjoy a short stroll to a viewing platform looking over this Honeyeater Lake - created when water collects in a depression with a solid bottom which prevents rainwater filtering down to the watertable. it is a great place to see a variety of waterbirds, is surrounded by the sounds of the honeyeaters feeding on banksia flowers. Musk ducks are occasional visitors and are sometimes seen on the lake. You can view the lake from a platform located near the carpark.
See Queensland's First Lighthouse, built in 1857 entirely of island sandstone. Access into the lighthouse, the grounds and the lighthouse keeper's wife's grave is not permitted, however Cape Moreton is a good viewing point for watching marine life. See whales (June - November), dolphins, sharks and turtles as well as magnificent island scenery. Stroll along a track from the western beach south of the resort, over a large sand dune, and watch for wildlife that lives in this harsh environment. This walk has many steps and a moderate level of fitness is required. From North Point Road the track heads up through low heathland to the top of a large sand dune known as the Five Hills lookout . You'll be rewarded with views of Heath Island, the Five Hills area and some of the island's coastal swamps. Mount Tempest is the highest sand dune on the island at 280m. Seats are provided along the way and at the lookout. After your steep climb, be rewarded with 360-degree views of the island, taking Moreton Bay Marine Park and, on a clear day, the Glass House Mountains. Read about Moreton Island's indigenous people.
Discover interesting habitats and relics of the old telegraph line. A track goes through several vegetation types including heathland and eucalypt woodland. Look out for the perched swamp found on top of the dune ridge. In spring, the track is lined with heathland flowers. See the remnants of a World War II fort scattered around the dunes fond at the southern end of the island. You'll wander through scribbly gum forest and patches of the green, feathery ground plant called foxtails.
Moreton Island is surrounded by Moreton Bay Marine Park, a multiple use marine protected area, which protects the high natural, cultural, recreational and amenity values of the bay. Two conservation zones adjacent to Moreton Island add greater protection to sensitive areas.
North Moreton Island conservation zone includes Heath Island Lagoon which provides a critical high tide roost site for shorebirds and supports a high density of soldier crabs. Peel Island-South Passage conservation zone includes extensive seagrass beds which provide significant habitat for turtles, dugong and benthic invertebrates. The zone also contains shallow sandbanks, which are exposed at low tide and provide significant low tide feeding sites and high tide roost sites for shorebirds. Tailor, flathead, dart, bream and whiting are often caught on the beaches and headlands. Reef and surface-feeding fish are caught offshore. Crabs are seasonal. Bag limits and size limits apply to some species. Spearfishing is prohibited within the waters of the artificial reef area off Moreton Island. Approximate reef boundaries extend from Tangalooma Point to Comboyuro Point, with a 700m offshore boundary out from the beach. For more information see the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Moreton Island provides great opportunities to view wildlife. Over 180 species of birds, including seabirds, waders, forest birds and birds of prey, can be seen. Avoid disturbing shorebirds on the beach by giving them a wide berth. Forty species of reptiles have been recorded on the island including blue-tongued lizards, goannas, major skinks, various snakes and marine turtles. Take care not to disturb nesting turtles in summer. Keep clear of any sea snakes washed up onto the beaches, and report them to rangers.
The island has a rich array of plant communities from stunted heathlands to open eucalypt forests. Freshwater lakes, creeks and swamps provide havens for frogs and native fish. For panoramic views of the island's plant life and Moreton Bay take a walk up Mount Tempest. Cape Moreton is a good viewpoint for watching marine life such as whales (from June to November), dolphins, sharks and turtles.
Snorkelling and diving
The waters around Moreton Island provide a chance to explore some marine life, with a number of well-known snorkelling and scuba diving sites. Tangalooma Wrecks and Flinders Reef provide good snorkelling and diving. Curtin artificial reef is also popular with divers. Strong rips and currents are often present; check local site information when planning your trip. Always take care in the water and never swim, snorkel or dive alone. There are no patrolled beaches and no measures to protect swimmers from sharks around Moreton Island.