Moreton Island wins families
March 2009
Every city likes to brag about its unique attractions.
For centuries, city forefathers across the world have boasted about anything from leaning towers, to towering clocks, to big bananas and even ancient colosseums.
And many would say that, Brisbane (Queensland’s capital city), has every reason to skite about being home to the world’s third largest sand island which sits just 22 nautical miles east of the capital.
Moreton Island was once a whaling station, processing thousands of humpback whales in the days when the law of the land condoned such slaughter. But today, it’s the island’s only resort which is putting Moreton Island in the spotlight - continuing to blossom as an ‘A-list’ attraction for day trippers and holiday makers visiting the State’s capital.
Access is via a 75-minute fast ferry departing below the Gateway Bridge on the Brisbane River. Ferries leave up to four times a day and visitors need to allow at least at three-night stay to fully appreciate the island’s attractions.
The number one attraction is that 98 percent of the island is national park. The other two percent is made up of a couple of small residential settlements (one with just 30 occupants) and the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort.
The resort’s star attractions are the dolphins which glide up to the jetty’s edge each night for dinner. Tangalooma house guests can register to feed the dolphins for free, alongside experienced handlers in the water as the dolphins put on a spontaneous show under lights.
“A key aspect is that we ensure the dolphins remain wild. They do not rely on these daily feeding sessions as it only makes up a small percentage of their complete diet,’’ resort assistant manager Henk Loosschilder said.
“Importantly, we use these sessions to educate visitors as much as allowing them the amazing experience of being able to hand feed a wild dolphin.
“The handlers provide commentary on every aspect of the dolphin before, and during the show.
“In every regard, we treat the feeding sessions as an opportunity to educate and entertain guests.’’
The resort can accommodate up to 1800 guests with a range of villas, hotel rooms, private houses and suites available, but it is the activities list that positions the property as an ideal three-day family venue.
Tennis, desert safaris, quad bike tours, snorkelling, eco tours, face painting, kids’ club, karaoke, archery, massages, sand tobogganing, jet skis, catamarans, diving and four wheel drive hire are all available seven days a week.
“It’s definitely a family-oriented resort,’’ Mr Loosschilder said.
“Tangalooma is a year round venue with all-season activities such as four wheel driving, sand tobogganing, eco tours, the quad bikes and all the indoor kids’ recreational games.’’
Resort management work with Queensland Parks and Wildlife to ensure the preservation of the island’s natural state.
“Our goal is always to ensure everyone is having fun, without compromising the natural beauty of the island which is after all, its greatest attraction.
“Four wheel driving is restricted to certain tracks, we have a private desert area only for Tangalooma guests, and work diligently to ensure the island’s flora and fauna is well managed and preserved.’’
The ideal three-day family stay would include a 45-minute quad bike tour, an eco tour in search of the elusive dugongs and green turtles, an afternoon snorkelling the 16 shipwrecks which jut from the ocean floor only 200 metres north of the resort and 60 metres offshore, a night of karaoke in the family cafe-bar, and a hobie cat sail in the sheltered waters immediately adjacent the resort.
Getting there
Fast ferries from the Brisbane River up to four times daily. Adults $70 and $36 for children (3 -14 years inclusive).
Room rates start from $350 for 2 adults and 2 children, per night.