Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Tour

Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Trip Overview

Start your island escape from the Gold Coast with an easy journey via Brisbane to the pristine shores of Moreton Island. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, a smooth ferry ride across Moreton Bay, and the anticipation of adventure on the island. Whether you’re planning a full-day trip or a relaxing getaway, this route makes reaching Moreton Island simple, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Quick overview

Distance from Gold Coast: ~90 km to Brisbane, then ~40 km to Moreton Island
Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours drive from Gold Coast to Brisbane + 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane (closest ferry starting point)
Duration on-site: 6–8 hours
Highlights: Snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding, kayaking, dolphin feeding, and 4WD tours
Best season: September–May for warm water & clear visibility
Pickup point: Gold Coast

What to expect on your Gold Coast to Moreton Island tour

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Journey to the island

Start with a scenic drive from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, followed by a 75-minute ferry ride across Moreton Bay, enjoying panoramic water views and the anticipation of island adventure.

Tangalooma Wrecks

Explore the sunken shipwrecks teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkelling, or admire from the shore for a more relaxed experience.

Sand dunes & 4WD adventure

Race across golden sand dunes, try sandboarding, or hop on a guided 4WD tour for a thrilling adventure.

Pristine beaches & lagoons

Relax on untouched beaches, swim, or paddle through crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by natural beauty.

Wild dolphins at sunset

Witness wild dolphins up close during the magical sunset hand-feeding experience at Tangalooma (optional upgrade depending on tour).

Optional upgrades

Enhance your day with kayaking, Segway tours, lighthouse visits, dolphin cruises, or scuba diving for a more action-packed experience.

Return journey

After a full day of activities, enjoy the ferry ride back to Brisbane, then transfer back to the Gold Coast, completing a stress-free, unforgettable day trip.

Getting from the Gold Coast to Moreton Island

Couple smiling in backseat during private airport transfer.

Duration: ~1 hour by coach or private transfer
Parking: Available at central pickup locations
Tips: Arrive 15 min early, confirm meeting point

Tourists on a boat enjoying Moreton Island Marine Discovery Cruise.

Duration: Ferry ~75 minutes
Tickets & fees: Included in tour price
Notes: Comfortable seating and onboard refreshments available

Getting to Moreton Island

Know before you go from Gold Coast to Moreton Island

Tour guide explaining boat controls to a visitor at Moreton Island.

Ferries depart from Brisbane via Holt Street Wharf or Rivergate Marina multiple times daily, taking approximately 75 minutes to reach the island. Both direct and walk-on options are available, with same-day or next-day return choices depending on the ferry.
A round-trip ferry is included in the package, ensuring a seamless transfer from Brisbane to Moreton Island and back.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early for check-in to secure your seats and enjoy a smooth boarding process.

Moreton Island Ferry

Woman enjoying ocean view from ferry deck.

Morning departures are ideal to make the most of your full-day trip, enjoy calmer seas for ferry crossings, and have prime conditions for snorkeling.
Seasonal considerations: Summer months (December-February) bring warmer waters, while winter (June-August) offers clearer visibility for underwater activities.
Sunrise & sunset: Dolphins are most active around early morning and late afternoon, so plan your tour timing accordingly.

Moreton Island Timings

Child on beach applying sunscreen, highlighting travel tip to carry sunscreen.

Clothing & gear: Bring swimwear, quick-dry clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel for water activities.
Footwear: Comfortable sandals or water shoes are recommended for walking on sandy beaches and trails.
Essentials: Pack sunscreen, water, and snacks; hydration is important during sunny outdoor activities.
Extras: A waterproof camera or GoPro is perfect for capturing snorkeling moments and wildlife encounters.

Dolphins and other marine animals are wild; feed or touch only when guided by staff.
All activities, including snorkeling and 4WD tours, are supervised—listen carefully for your safety.
Take all trash with you; avoid disturbing flora and fauna.
Life jackets are mandatory on the ferry and during water activities; ensure proper use at all times.

Frequently asked questions about your Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Tour

How long is the Gold Coast to Moreton Island trip?

The total day trip is approximately 10 hours, including transfers and island activities.

What is included in the tour?

Activities typically include snorkeling at the wrecks, kayaking, sandboarding, 4WD or off-road exploration, and beach relaxation. Equipment for activities is usually provided.

Are transport and transfers provided?

Yes, hotel pickup from the Gold Coast and round-trip ferry or boat transfers to the island are included.

Are meals provided?

Snacks are available; you can upgrade for a local lunch option.

What should I bring?

Essentials include swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, comfortable shoes, and a change of clothes.

Are children allowed?

Yes, most tours welcome children. Some activities have age restrictions, so check before booking.

What happens in bad weather?

If weather prevents certain activities, a modified itinerary is offered, such as more beach time instead of water sports.

At what time do tours depart and return?

Tours generally depart early morning from the Gold Coast and return in the evening. Exact times depend on the operator.

Things to do in Gold Coast

Dreamworld Gold Coast

Wet'n'Wild

IceBar Gold Coast

SkyPoint Observation Deck

Board Heathrow Express & make it to Frameless London’s galleries in under 30-mins

Everything you get at Frameless London: Entry to Frameless London includes 90-mins inside four themed galleries where artworks by Gogh, Monet, and more, swirl across walls, floors, and ceilings.
Everything you get at Heathrow Express: Zip between Heathrow and Paddington with level boarding, big luggage areas, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and digital magazines and podcasts onboard for your entertainment.
Why choose this: Reach Central London in 15 minutes, then walk to Frameless easily; it’s less than 1.5 km from Paddington Station.
Upgrades: Want a return trip too? You can easily upgrade to include travel back from Paddington to Heathrow.

Inclusions Frameless London

Entry to Frameless London
90-min duration
Access to the 4 galleries: Beyond Reality, Colour in Motion, The World Around Us and The Art of Abstraction

Heathrow Express

One-way transfer from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington or London Paddington to Heathrow Airport (as per option selected)
Level platform access to all trains on all platforms
Ample luggage space
Air-conditioning onboard
Onboard entertainment (newspapers, magazines & podcasts)
Free Wi-Fi
USB plugs

Frameless London + Heathrow Express

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Frameless London

Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drones, large luggage bags, smoke bombs, fireworks, glass bottles, illegal substances, rollerblades, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards, tripods, smoking, vaping, outside food and drinks are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For your convenience, ramps and elevators are available throughout the venue.
Guests with accessible needs are entitled to a free carer ticket with valid documentation.
Available facilities: restroom and baby-changing rooms.

Heathrow Express

Your pets are permitted on this experience.
Available facilities: cloakroom, free Wi-Fi, USB plugs, podcasts, newspapers and magazines onboard.
Children aged 15 and under can travel on the train for free.
The service is subject to disruptions or late departures in certain circumstances.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Board Heathrow Express & make it to Frameless London’s galleries in under 30-mins

Everything you get at Frameless London: Entry to Frameless London includes 90-mins inside four themed galleries where artworks by Gogh, Monet, and more, swirl across walls, floors, and ceilings.
Everything you get at Heathrow Express: Zip between Heathrow and Paddington with level boarding, big luggage areas, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and digital magazines and podcasts onboard for your entertainment.
Why choose this: Reach Central London in 15 minutes, then walk to Frameless easily; it’s less than 1.5 km from Paddington Station.
Upgrades: Want a return trip too? You can easily upgrade to include travel back from Paddington to Heathrow.

Inclusions Frameless London

Entry to Frameless London
90-min duration
Access to the 4 galleries: Beyond Reality, Colour in Motion, The World Around Us and The Art of Abstraction

Heathrow Express

One-way transfer from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington or London Paddington to Heathrow Airport (as per option selected)
Level platform access to all trains on all platforms
Ample luggage space
Air-conditioning onboard
Onboard entertainment (newspapers, magazines & podcasts)
Free Wi-Fi
USB plugs

Frameless London + Heathrow Express

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Frameless London

Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drones, large luggage bags, smoke bombs, fireworks, glass bottles, illegal substances, rollerblades, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards, tripods, smoking, vaping, outside food and drinks are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For your convenience, ramps and elevators are available throughout the venue.
Guests with accessible needs are entitled to a free carer ticket with valid documentation.
Available facilities: restroom and baby-changing rooms.

Heathrow Express

Your pets are permitted on this experience.
Available facilities: cloakroom, free Wi-Fi, USB plugs, podcasts, newspapers and magazines onboard.
Children aged 15 and under can travel on the train for free.
The service is subject to disruptions or late departures in certain circumstances.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Combos

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Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London + Heathrow Express Tickets

Board Heathrow Express & make it to Frameless London’s galleries in under 30-mins

Everything you get at Frameless London: Entry to Frameless London includes 90-mins inside four themed galleries where artworks by Gogh, Monet, and more, swirl across walls, floors, and ceilings.
Everything you get at Heathrow Express: Zip between Heathrow and Paddington with level boarding, big luggage areas, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and digital magazines and podcasts onboard for your entertainment.
Why choose this: Reach Central London in 15 minutes, then walk to Frameless easily; it’s less than 1.5 km from Paddington Station.
Upgrades: Want a return trip too? You can easily upgrade to include travel back from Paddington to Heathrow.

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Transfers included

Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Tour

Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Trip Overview

Quick overview

What to expect on your Gold Coast to Moreton Island tour

Journey to the island

Tangalooma Wrecks

Sand dunes & 4WD adventure

Pristine beaches & lagoons

Wild dolphins at sunset

Optional upgrades

Return journey

Getting from the Gold Coast to Moreton Island

Know before you go from Gold Coast to Moreton Island

More reads

Activities Pass

Tangalooma Wrecks

Moreton Island Map

Plan Your Visit to Moreton Island

Frequently asked questions about your Gold Coast to Moreton Island Day Tour

Things to do in Gold Coast

Dreamworld Gold Coast

Wet'n'Wild

IceBar Gold Coast

SkyPoint Observation Deck

Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London + Heathrow Express Tickets