10 Moreton Island Camping areas – which one is right for you?
A 4×4 paradise in Brisbane’s backyard, an untouched environment to explore, and a dream for the adventurous traveller. We’ve listed all 10 Moreton Island camping areas in one place! Find out which campground suits your adventure.
Where is Moreton Island located?
Moreton Island is located 40 km offshore from Brisbane in Moreton Bay and is only accessible by boat. Moreton Island is an untouched environment to discover and is much the same today as it was when discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770.
Know Before You Go…
What to bring to go Camping at Moreton Island?
When travelling to Moreton Island, you’ll experience true island life, with limited access to supplies. Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water and food for the time of your stay. We’d also recommend bringing vehicle recovery gear as you’ll only tackle 4WD tracks with soft sand. Here are a few other essentials for you to bring to Moreton Island:
- Garbage Bags
- Gas Stove
- Firewood
- Insect Repellent
Mobile coverage
There’s hardly any reception on the island, so make sure you downloaded the tide times and map before arriving on the island.
4WD vehicles only
You’ll need a high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to explore Moreton Island. Read our complete 4WD Moreton Island Guide and learn more about the tide times, permits and everything you need to know to bring your 4WD to Moreton Island. No 4WD? A foot passenger ferry is also available to enjoy a Moreton Island Day Trip.
Moreton Island Map
For an overview of all tracks and campgrounds on the island, you can access the official Moreton Island map here.
10 Moreton Island Camping Areas
Can you camp anywhere on Moreton Island?
You’ll find five campgrounds and five camping zones on Moreton Island and they cover almost the entire island. We’ve listed all campgrounds and camping zones below with detailed information to help you find the best campground for you to set up camp before exploring the island.
1. North Point Campground
Let’s kick off with North Point Campground. This campground offers large, grassy spots and shady sites. All sites are marked with totems, there are 21 sites and only four suitable for camper trailers. This campground is close to the beach and within walking distance of the iconic Honeymoon Bay.
North Point campground has cold showers and a toilet block. It is accessible for tents and camper trailers, and is the perfect spot to escape from the wind, or the sand. Unfortunately, campfires are not allowed here.
2. Ben Ewa Campground
Ben-Ewa campground is close to the ferry arrival and Tangalooma Wrecks, making it the closest campground to the shipwrecks for camper trailers.
Here you’ll find 12 shady sites, most of them protected from strong winds. This campground offers toilets and cold showers, and is popular for young families and school groups. This campground is accessible for tents, walk-ins and camper trailers. Campfires are permitted in existing fire sites.
3. Blue Lagoon Campground
Here you’ll find 25 beach-style campsites and a variety of medium to large sites, many of which have shade, and accessible for camper trailers.
This campground offers cold showers and septic toilets, has access to the ocean and is within walking distance to the must-visit freshwater lake Blue Lagoon. This is an excellent spot for families, travelling with kids.
Campfires are permitted in existing fire sites only.
4. Comboyuro Point Campground
On the North West side you’ll find Comboyuro Point Campground. It has 49 sites, located next to the beautiful bay waters from the West Coast.
This campground has septic toilets, rubbish bins, portable toilet waste disposal and cold showers.
You’ll find sites that vary in size and have lots of shade. This campground is accessible for tents and camper trailers, and campfires in existing fire sites are permitted.
5. The wrecks camping area
You’ll find The Wrecks Camping area near the main barge landing point for Moreton Island Ferries.
IMPORTANT to know: This campground is only suitable for walkers, boaties and campers without a vehicle. This camping area is not suitable for any vehicle, so no rooftop tents, caravans or camper trailers.
You’ll find 21 sites located next to a sheltered bay, surrounded by native trees. This campground offers toilets, cold showers and rubbish bins.
Note that campfires are not permitted at The Wrecks Camping Area.
6. Yellow Patch camping zone
Yellow Patch camping zone covers 14 beach sites with sea views and shade. It is accessible for camper trailers.
There are no amenities in the camping zones, make sure you’re self-contained.
Campfires are permitted in existing fire sites only.
We were supposed to camp here for one night, but due to heavy winds blowing directly into these campgrounds, we swapped to the North West Camping zone that was more protected from the wind. So keep an eye out on the wind while camping.
7. North East camping zone
On the east side of the island you’ll find the North East and South East Camping Zones.
The North East camping zone offers 89 sites with ocean views and some incredible sunrises. When you go in winter, you’ll probably spot a few whales passing by. This camping zone is accessible for camper trailers and campfires are also permitted in existing fire sites only.
When towing a camper trailer, we recommend using Bulwer–Blue Lagoon Road instead of Middle Road. Middle Road is a one-way, narrow track and this track will get tough during summer. The soft sand of Middle Road makes it real easy for heavy vehicles to get bogged, which can block the track for several hours.
8. South East Camping Zone
The south-east camping zone covers all eastern beach camp sites between Middle Road to Rous Battery.
There are 35 beach camp sites and they all vary in size and range from secluded sites to close social camping areas. Many of these sites have ocean views and shade.
This camping zone is accessible for camper trailers and you can enjoy a campfire.
Also here we’d recommend avoiding Middle Road, especially in summer or during busy periods such as school holidays.
9. North West Camping Zone
The North West Camping Zone must have been our favourite camping zone on Moreton Island. It’s accessible for camper trailers and it has 74 sites to choose from.
From large, private camping sites to more social sites. Most of the sites have beautiful views over the calm waters of the bay, it’s a great spot to watch the suns go down while cosying up at a campfire.
10. South West Camping Zone
South-west camping zone covers all western camp sites from Tangalooma Bypass to Toulkerrie.
It has 24 sites that vary in size and range from secluded sites to more social camping areas.
This is beach camping at its finest. Most sites have sea views and shade. It’s a great camping area to watch the sunset, sheltered bay waters, access to the Big Sandhills.
This camping zone is accessible for camper trailers, but I would highly recommend checking the tide times before you go. When we were there, it was impossible to access or leave the camping zone on a high tide. Be prepared!
How to book?
If you’re planning on taking your 4WD for a weekend, we recommend booking at least four weeks in advance to get the best ferries. School holidays easily book out five to six months before departure, so make sure you plan ahead.
Campsites book out very quickly, make sure you book your campsites well upfront so you won’t miss out on the best spots. You will receive a tag 5 days prior to your arrival. Please ensure you print the tent tag, seal it in a snap-lock bag and affix it to your camping structure.
Are campfires allowed on Moreton Island?
YES! Campfires are allowed on Moreton Island in existing fire sites. You can enjoy a campfire at the beach in the East and West camping zones. Note that there can be total fire bans in place, campfires are not permitted on all campgrounds, so check the location before starting your fire.
Things to do on Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a true paradise for adventurous travellers. We’ve listed our favourite activities below, and you’ll find out soon that there’s lots of things to do for everyone at every age.
Snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks
Something we would highly recommend! We noticed a strong current when we got in the water, this is something to be mindful of. If you know you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t go. You can easily visit the Tangalooma Resort and join them on a snorkelling or scuba diving tour. You can also hire kayaks while exploring the wrecks, this is a fun activity too for those who feel safer out of the water.
Moreton Island’s Blue Lagoon
A beautiful freshwater lake that’s perfect for a dip, to SUP or to launch your kayak. The beach is quite small, and we were very lucky to have it for ourselves when we were there in winter. We can imagine that this place gets busy during summer and especially school holidays.
Visit the Big Sand Hills on Moreton Island
The sand hills are a great spot for sand boarding, or just a stroll to enjoy the views.
Fishing on Moreton Island
You’ll find just about every saltwater species throughout the year. Even though this fishery aquatic zone is so close to a major capital city, Moreton Island fishing locations remain in pristine condition.
Can you swim at Moreton Island?
There are no lifeguards patrolling anywhere on Moreton Island. Be aware that strong currents are often seen around the Tangalooma Wrecks and the east side of the island.
Surfing at Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a must-visit for surf enthusiasts. It has an endless right point break and stunning uncrowded beaches. The North side offers an incredible point break and on the east side of the island you’ll find exposed surf beaches. Due the remote location of these breaks, together with unpredictable swells, we’d highly recommend to only surf when it’s within your experience and note that these breaks are located in a very healthy marine wilderness zone, which are home to a variety of species of sharks. There are no shark nets near these surf beaches & breaks. Never surf alone and take all necessary safety precautions.
Hike Mt Tempest
Challenge yourself on an impressive trek up the world’s largest vegetated sand dune. The steep incline will be rewarded with endless 360 degree view over Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).
Visit Cape Moreton Lighthouse
Keen on visiting a piece of Queensland history? The iconic red and white Cape Moreton Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be built in Queensland. You’ll find the lighthouse on the Northern point of Moreton Island, and is a must-see when you’re on the island. When we were here in winter, we spent a few hours here, just enjoying the view and watch the wales passing by.
Watch the sunrise at Honeymoon Bay
When staying at North Point Campground, it’s worth waking up early and catch the sunrise at Honeymoon Bay. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the campground, and you’ll most likely have the place for yourself.
Moreton Island’s Champagne Pools
Who doesn’t like a natural ocean pool? Champagne Pools is located at North Point and this place gets its name from the sparkling ‘champagne’ effect created as the ocean wave’s crash over the volcanic rock and sandstone break wall. Find yourself in a natural sandy bottomed sea bubble bath with water foam and bubbles. Keep an eye on the incoming waves that break over the wall, and don’t be like me and get smashed.
Feast on local produce at the Gutter Bar
On the southern tip of Moreton Island at Kooringal, you’ll find a restaurant, bar and general store. They have some of the freshest seafood, coldest beers and the best vibes on the island. Highly recommend having some delicious fish & chips here.
Moreton Island Camping
One of our favourite things to do! You can set up camp at the beach, have a campfire and cook a deliciuous meal while the sun is setting in the background. You’ll also figure out soon that some camping zones are more like social camping areas, where you’ll make friends for life.
How much does a Camping trip to Moreton Island Cost?
We’ve spent about $825 for the two of us for a 5-day camping trip to Moreton Island. Here’s a breakdown of our costs:
- Camping: $7.25 per night per person – $72.50 in total
- Vehicle Access Permit: $58.20
- Ferry Service: $400
- Fuel: $150
- Food: $140
We hope this blog inspired you to explore Moreton Island yourself. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. Happy Camping!
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