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Moreton Island tour timings

Shipwrecks and a boat near the shore of Moreton Island, Australia.

Year-round

  • Tour window: 8am → 4pm (daily)
  • Ferry window: earliest ferries depart around 7:30 am; last crossings back to Brisbane are usually late afternoon to early evening.
  • Daylight window: sunrise between 5:20am - 5:40am and sunset between 5:40pm - 6pm, depending on the month.

Notes: Tours operate in most weather. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on beaches and sand dunes.

Tourists on a boat enjoying Moreton Island Marine Discovery Cruise.

Peak season (Dec-Feb)

  • Tour window: 7:30am → 5pm
  • Ferry window: more sailings added to meet holiday demand; evening ferries allow late returns.
  • Daylight window: long summer days with earlier sunrises and later sunsets, offering extended daylight for activities.

Notes: Expect larger groups and warmer temperatures. Book ferries and tours in advance to avoid missing out.

Moreton Island beach with shipwrecks, kayaks, and 4WD vehicles along the shore.

Shoulder seasons (Mar-May & Sep-Nov)

  • Tour window: 8am → 4:30pm
  • Ferry window: regular ferry services operate steadily with fewer passengers compared to summer.
  • Daylight window: generous daylight hours; soft morning and evening light ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.

Notes: Lower crowd levels and mild weather make this the best time for relaxed exploring.

4WD vehicle driving along the beach on Moreton Island, Queensland.

Winter (Jun-Aug)

  • Tour window: 8:30 am → 3:30 pm
  • Ferry window: crossings continue daily, but schedules align with shorter daylight hours for safety.
  • Daylight window: later sunrises and earlier sunsets reduce available daylight; trips are shorter and more compact.

Notes: Cooler temperatures; bring warm layers. Some water activities may be reduced due to conditions.

Timing notes & visitor warnings

  • Tours operate in most weather, but heavy rain or strong winds may delay ferry departures or some activities.
  • Sand dunes and walking tracks can be slippery or soft; wear suitable footwear.
  • Last boarding for ferries is typically 15 minutes before departure.
  • Guided transfers and island shuttles may experience minor delays during peak season.
  • Check for activity-specific schedules, e.g., dolphin feeding, snorkeling, or sandboarding.

​Read more about Moreton Island Ferries.

Best time to visit Moreton Island

Snorkeler exploring coral reefs near shipwrecks in clear waters of Moreton Island, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm weather, long daylight, ideal for snorkeling and beach activities. Crowds are higher; book early.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Perfect for photography, wildlife, and sandboarding.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler weather; low crowd levels. Good for relaxed walks, birdwatching, and off-peak experiences.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Pleasant temperatures and blooming coastal flora. Moderate crowds; great for beach walks and wildlife spotting.
Couple sitting on Moreton Island beach with a boat in the background.
  • Weekdays (Mon-Thu): Quieter; easier access to tours and activities.
  • Friday: Moderate crowds; some full-day tours may start filling up.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Peak visitor days; tours fill quickly.
Shipwrecks near Moreton Island in clear blue water, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.
  • Morning tours: Best for soft light, cooler temperatures, and calmer beaches. Great for photography.
  • Midday tours: Full island visibility, ideal for water activities. It can be warmer.
  • Late afternoon: Golden hour for photos; wildlife may be more active. Tours return before sunset.

Weather at Moreton Island

Aerial view of Tangalooma wrecks in turquoise waters, Moreton Island, Australia.

Summer (Dec-Feb)

  • Average temp: 25-30 °C
  • Crowd levels: High
  • What to expect: Warm, sunny days perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and sandboarding. Beaches are lively, and ferries run at a higher frequency to meet demand.
Hiker on a forest trail surrounded by lush greenery in New Zealand.

Autumn (Mar–May)

  • Average temp: 20-25 °C
  • Crowd levels: Moderate
  • What to expect: Mild, pleasant weather with quieter beaches. Great season for relaxed exploring, nature walks, and soft light for photography.
Visitors observing dolphins swimming in clear turquoise water.

Winter (Jun-Aug)

  • Average temp: 15-20 °C
  • Crowd levels: Low
  • What to expect: Cooler conditions with crisp air, fewer visitors, and excellent opportunities for bush walks and wildlife spotting. Water activities are limited.
Aerial view of shipwrecks in turquoise waters off Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia.

Spring (Sep-Nov)

  • Average temp: 20-25 °C
  • Crowd levels: Moderate
  • What to expect: Blooming flora and comfortable conditions make this an all-rounder season. Ideal for beach relaxation, adventure sports, and scenic photography.

​Take a look at the map to uncover Moreton Island’s must-visit gems.

How long to spend on Moreton Island

4WD vehicle on Moreton Island beach with Sunrover Tours logo.

8 hours (Full-day adventure)

  • What’s included: Return ferry transfers, guided snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent kayaking, and a 4WD desert safari with sand tobogganing.
  • Best for: Visitors who want a classic day out with plenty of variety and time for lunch on the island.
Kayakers exploring shipwrecks in turquoise waters at Moreton Island.

10 hours (Extended tour)

  • What’s included: Snorkelling, kayaking, and 4WD activities, plus extra experiences such as the Marine Discovery Cruise or a visit to Blue Lagoon and Cape Moreton Lighthouse.
  • Best for: Travellers who want to go beyond the highlights and enjoy a slower pace with more stops.
Dugong swimming underwater near Moreton Island.

13 hours (Ultimate adventure)

  • What’s included: Early ferry transfers, full-day adventure with snorkelling, kayaking, and off-road touring, then evening experiences like dolphin feeding or sunset viewing before the return trip.
  • Best for: Adventure seekers who want to experience everything Moreton Island has to offer in a single trip.

Frequently asked questions about Moreton Island day trip timings

What time do day trips to Moreton Island usually start?

Most tours depart Brisbane in the morning, with ferries leaving around 7am-8:30am, depending on the season and operator.

When do the last ferries leave Moreton Island?

Return ferries typically depart between 3:30pm and 5:30pm, though some extended tours include later evening sailings after activities like dolphin feeding.

How long is the ferry ride from Brisbane to Moreton Island?

The crossing takes about 75-90 minutes each way, depending on the operator and sea conditions.

Can I do a half-day trip to Moreton Island?

It’s possible, but most visitors choose a full day (8-10 hours) to make the ferry transfer worthwhile. Half-day trips are usually limited to beach visits and a single activity.

Do timings change with the seasons?

Yes. In summer, earlier departures and later returns are common to make the most of daylight. In winter, departures may be later in the morning with earlier returns.

Is there enough time for snorkeling and sandboarding on a day trip?

Yes—standard day trips are designed to fit in multiple activities like snorkeling, sandboarding, and kayaking alongside time for lunch and beach breaks.

Do I need to stay overnight to see the dolphins?

Not necessarily. Some tours include dolphin feeding and arrange evening ferry departures back to Brisbane, but this extends the trip to 12-13 hours.

More reads

Tangalooma Wrecks

Plan Your Visit to Moreton Island

Getting to Moreton Island

Activities Pass