Tangalooma is a little island paradise, located off the east coast of Queensland, Australia - only a short 75 minute ferry ride from Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. It is hard to believe after a short ferry ride you can land in the heart of crystal turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes!  Here’s 10 reasons why you must visit!

Do you need a 4WD?

You don’t need a 4WD if just heading to Tangalooma island resort. You can experience it for the day or stay on at the resort or choose from the variety of accommodation options on the island. 

1.     Heavenly Sunsets

There is something magical about watching a sunset slowly slip away into the horizon. It is even more magical when you are floating about in the warm ocean, hearing the feint sound of the waves crash on the shore.

There is nothing that makes you feel more alive than this. Sunsets on Tangalooma are simply heavenly.

2.     Get goosebumps feeding Wild Dolphins

Many years ago, fishermen would head out onto the jetty at Tangalooma and fish long into the night. They would bring torchlights/lights with them to be able to see their catches. The dolphins would see the light and started to travel closer to the jetty. The fishermen seeing this phenomenon would throw food out to the dolphins.  Over the years this became the routine, and the dolphins swam in when they saw the lights go on and cast over the ocean. Now it’s a major tourist attraction. Feeding the dolphins was an absolute highlight, simply giving you goosebumps as they swam up to take the fish from your hands.  Quite a surreal experience (and is included with select Tangalooma Island Resort accommodation packages). 

3.     Reef meets Wrecks

A short 15 -20-minute stroll from the main resort, you will find 15 deliberately sunk vessels – now rusting ruins that create an incredible silhouette, particularly at dusk. The wrecks are abundant with marine life and vibrant coral. 

You can experience them in several ways. Join a snorkelling tour, hire transparent kayaks in the day/dusk, take a Heli tour over the wrecks or jump on an Illuminated Wrecks tour.  You can of course, choose to snorkel across to the wrecks yourself, however I noticed is very busy with many jet skis and boats in the area, plus even if you are strong swimmer, the current is very strong and is much further out than you think.  You can always hire a sea scooter to get you there faster and best to stay in a group.

We chose an Illuminated Wrecks tour which was fantastic. Another great option is the night transparent kayaking across the wrecks, though I would have been happy to do any of these activities! The Illuminated wrecks creates such beautiful scenes across the ocean. 

4.     Sand tobogganing the Desert

Rolling sand dunes, a need for speed and then add a sense of adventure. Of course – you also need high tech equipment such as a big plank of Masonite (lol!) and take care to not overthink it! Then you are ready to plunge down the dunes at speeds up to 40kmph! For the feint hearted, don some candy-coloured goggles and keep tight lipped, unless you want a mouth full of sand. Remember keep the front of the board UP!!

This is a must do activity on the island and cannot be missed! Fun for all ages. Be warned, it is a fair hike up that steep dune. Realistically you are likely only to get up there 4 or maybe 5 times during the Desert Safari Tour if you are lucky (and super fit!)

5.     Quad Bike adventuring

Quad Biking for all ages! How cool is that! Tangalooma Tours takes it seriously though, taking everyone through the safety talks and they size you up for an appropriately sized ATV.

Then it’s off to a gentle start, practicing on the beachfront and then it’s onto the bushy tracks and landscape over the island. Give this a go, is absolutely so much fun. Great for both kids and adults.

6.     Star Fish exploring

The beauty of Tangalooma is that you can decide on either a jam-packed adventure or simply take time out and chillax. The waters are warm, particularly starting from the spring time (Sept,Oct,Nov).  Wander the shoreline and you will find the fish literally swim along with you which is really quite wonderful. You will come across star fish in the shallow waters. Really makes you feel at one with nature.  

7.     Water Sports

Tangalooma is a water sports haven. You name it – whether you want to stand up paddle board, parasail, catamaran, scuba dive, fish or hire a boat…. it’s all there! I took over my own Stand-Up Paddle Board (swapping out an esky for the SUP so I could stay in my luggage limit). You can bring your own gear or simply hire it from Tangatours.

Maximise your experience on the island though and make the most of the amazing water sports. It is very special to SUP while the sun sets in the background. 

8.     Pelican Feeding and Sea-bird Talks

When I was younger, I never took advantage of the free things! Now I seek out all the experiences I can squeeze in. This was a delight and of course – FREE. The Eco-rangers share their knowledge about the island and the precious wildlife. Is quite captivating and you get to see the birds capture their feed mid-flight. Also check out the Kookaburra feeding. These activities are on daily at the resort. 

9.     Explore, Explore, Explore

Moreton Island is full of hidden gems and it’s not just at the Resort. You shall need a 4WD to explore beyond the resort. You can hire one or co-ordinate a 4WD tour to see more of the island from Honeymoon Bay, Champagne Pools, Mount Tempest, Harper’s Rock and Eastern Beach to name a few.  We only ventured for a few nights, though I would really love to go back and see these beautiful places. 

10.  Watching the gentle giants of the ocean

There are several places to watch the whales migrate north – typically between June to October.  If your kids are playing ping pong, basketball or handball at the shelter of the Flensing Deck – it is actually the old whaling station!  So whilst Tangalooma was a large whaling station in the past, it is now one of Queensland’s largest Whale Watching Tour operators.  Getting up close to these majestic creatures is simply a must do. This is one experience you don’t want to miss! 

There is so much to do and see on the island, plus is incredibly close to a capital city!

I was talking with a friend after this trip, and she agreed that this little island holiday could rival a holiday in the Pacific – and right here at the doorstep.   So if you are thinking of a holiday in the Maldives, in Fiji, or some other island destination, take a look close to home… Paradise need not be far away!

Cheers to your adventures .

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