Moreton Island

QLD 4025 • Rest of QLD

180
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
172.84 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralBeachside

About Moreton Island

Moreton Island is a large sand island located in Moreton Bay, approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Brisbane in Queensland. At around 173 square kilometres, it is one of the largest sand islands in the world, with over 98% of the island protected as Moreton Island National Park. The 2021 Census recorded a small permanent population of 180 residents, primarily based around the Tangalooma Island Resort and the settlement of Kooringal on the island's south.

Life on Moreton Island is unlike anywhere else in Queensland — there are no paved roads, no road bridges, and no schools on the island. Residents and visitors access the island exclusively by ferry or barge: the Tangalooma Express passenger ferry operates from Brisbane's North Quay, while vehicle barges depart from Port of Brisbane at Lytton. The island is a mecca for eco-tourism, offering sandboarding on massive dunes, wreck snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks, dolphin feeding, whale watching, and camping in the national park. It suits adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and resort workers.

Moreton Island falls under postcode 4025 and is governed by Moreton Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Redcliffe electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4025
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.15°, 153.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
172.84 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
No train access; ferry only
By Car (Peak)
N/A – no road access
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A – no road access

🛣️ Island accessible only by ferry. Tangalooma Express from North Quay Brisbane (~75 min passenger); vehicle barge from Port of Brisbane Lytton (~2.5 hrs)

Walkability Car-Dependent

No paved roads on island; 4WD vehicles on sand tracks only. Ferry is essential to reach the mainland.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
180
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Moreton Island? +

Moreton Island is accessible only by ferry or barge. The Tangalooma Express passenger ferry departs from Brisbane's North Quay and takes about 75 minutes. Vehicle barges depart from Port of Brisbane at Lytton and take around 2.5 hours.

Are there schools on Moreton Island? +

There are no schools on Moreton Island. Children either enrol in distance education programs or attend boarding schools on the mainland.

What is the population of Moreton Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Moreton Island has a permanent population of 180 residents, though many more visit as tourists.

Is Moreton Island a national park? +

Yes, over 98% of Moreton Island is protected as Moreton Island National Park. It is one of the world's largest sand islands and a significant conservation area.

What activities are there on Moreton Island? +

Moreton Island is famous for sandboarding, snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, dolphin feeding at Tangalooma Resort, whale watching (June–November), camping, and 4WD touring on sand tracks.