So after many debates on where not to go, we decided on Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island. It's only a 75 minute MICAT Ferry ride (this ferry takes your car and also foot passengers); or take the catamaran (walk on passengers only) from Brisbane.
Eight adults, two children and many water sport toys were packed into the 4WDs. Some of us took the MICAT ferry with the cars, whilst others who were coming later, chose the catamaran.
We had decided to stay in the Villas at the resort, only for convenience, rather than camp. Moreton Island is a fantastic getaway for families, couples, individuals or groups of friends, with plenty to do and see; or you could just relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Being a very keen photographer, you just need to check the camera settings before exploring the Ferry.
A high five - found the perfect shot that his sister didn't get.
Dad working out the itinerary for the next 7 days.
With it being such a short journey to Moreton Island, it wasn't hard to keep everyone amused. After a quick breakfast, bought on the Ferry, the kids enthusiasm to wander the boat and take photos took over.
Moreton Island is just off the coast of southeastern Queensland, Australia. The MICAT ferry runs several times during the day leaving from the Port of Brisbane, and you can also catch the Tangalooma flyer from Holt Street. Having cars we chose the early morning MICAT ferry. The waters are normally smooth and the early morning ride meant catching the rising sun.
Staying at the Villas for us was great. The views are stunning, sunsets magical and the kids can wander down to the water or play on the grassed area in front of the villa; not to mention beat Nanna Sue at drafts.
Moreton is a sand island with stunning white beaches and steep dunes. It's a haven for 4wd, camping and the Tangalooma Island Resort. On the west coast, a dive site features coral and tropical fish around the group of sunken boats called the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Many hours were spend frolicking in the crystal clear blue waters.
One of the highlights of a visit to Tangalooma Island Resort is the opportunity to hand feed the wild dolphins. If you are staying at the resort or have a day cruise, I believe you can incorporate the feeding of the dolphins into your package. If not staying at the resort, there is a standby list and you can pay to feed these lovely creatures who visit the shores of Tangalooma every night around sunset. We wandered up most nights to the jetty to watch the dolphins swirl through the waters and put on a display of their unique and distinctive personalities. We were lucky enough to see one of the baby dolphins who had just been born.
This is what the kids and adults had been hanging out for - sand tobogganing down the giant sand dunes at the desert. You can take a short walk from Tangalooma Resort or drive via one of the tracks. We chose to drive as we were also heading further afield after hurtling down the dunes. My one piece of advice, use a boogie board for sliding - you can gain so much more speed and slide much further. Needless to say, there were many races and competitions down the sand dunes. Check out the photos of us sand tobogganing.
Although Moreton Island is completely surrounded by salt water, Blue Lagoon located an easy drive from the resort, consists of 42 sq km of fresh water. The Blue Lagoon is filled from rain water which simply soaks into the sandy soil, unlike most freshwater lakes, which are fed by local freshwater streams or rivers.
Who doesn't play a game of footy on the beach - just not sure which one of us wanted to tackle the "big man"; and what better place than Honeymoon Bay to play and have lunch. You just need to keep an eye out for the departing troops when the tide starts to come in.
Humback whales can be viewed from Cape Moreton, the site of a 19th-century lighthouse. Cape Moreton is located at the northern end of Moreton Island and is accessed via 4WD. Soak up some history by visiting the iconic red and white banded Cape Moreton Lighthouse, which was the first lighthouse to be built in Queensland; first lit in 1857, making it well over 150 years old.
This was a must visit and a chance to show the kids where Mum and Dad had taken the exact same photo on their honeymoon.
Quality time spent chatting, snorkelling, relaxing and fishing around the Tangalooma wrecks.
The photo bomb.
And it's a rap till next time!!!
