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Home , Brisbane, Cape Moreton, Cowan Cowan, Moreton Island

Camping is permitted along the beach History outside of the established areas, Moorgumpin meaning ‘place of is fortunate in having on its provided a campsite with an access sandhills’ is the Aboriginal name for doorstep one of ’s largest sand already exists. Please observe the ‘No Moreton Island. It was first the home islands — Moreton Island. Camping' areas which are defined by to the Ngugi tribe of Aboriginals. They This 38 kilometre long island offers a signs. were a rather isolated culture with a landscape varying from sand Water is a valuable resource on the language of their own. They traded deserts and peaceful freshwater lakes to island and should be used sensibly. Head Office: Department of Environment and Resource Management freely with neighbouring tribes Cnr Main & Vulture Sts, , Brisbane towering rugged sea cliffs and wide Apart from the five National Park GPO Box 2454, Brisbane, Qld 4001 however, and joined other tribes in ocean beaches. The attraction of such camping areas, fresh water is also Ph (07) 3896 3216, Fax (07) 3896 3510 south-east in the regular an outstanding wilderness area so close available from Lagoon, Eagers migration to the Bunya Feast, at a site to Queensland’s capital has made the Creek and Spitfire Creek. These natural For all your regional and recreational map needs, Sunmap products are north-west of . available from Departmental business centres, distributors and selected Lighthouse island an increasingly popular water bodies serve the entire island and retailers throughout Queensland or the Europeans first had knowledge of destination for holiday-makers, anglers must not be polluted with soaps, Bookshop at: www.bookshop.qld.gov.auœ. Moreton Island when Lieutenant James After the lighthouse settlements, and boat owners. human wastes or rubbish. The use of Moreton’s next influx came during To view the complete range of products and services, visit our home Cook sailed the Endeavour up the east In its lifetime, Moreton has known soaps, detergents and shampoos in or page at: www.derm.qld.gov.auœ. coast of Australia in May, 1770. He World War II when near any creek or lake will cause Army established two large defence many roles and many peoples. Once named ‘Morton Bay’ and ‘Cape Morton’ home to Aboriginals, Moreton has serious ecological damage. after the then president of the Royal battery complexes at and Fort Rous. All that remains of acted as a refuge to shipwrecked Water is less plentiful in the southern Society in Britain. sailors, warning light to shipping and areas and it is a good idea to always discovered that the Cape was actually these war years are some concrete bunkers, the old navy signal station been a strategic defence post. It was carry some with you. Water points are part of an island in 1799. He named Queensland’s only whaling station but located at the Big Sandhills on the west this island Moreton Island, using the and some army buildings which now house the Boat Club and more recently has become recognised coast and the Rous Battery on the east. misspelling which appeared in one of as an unspoilt paradise for people Cook’s journals. holiday makers. The island’s vegetation is very wanting to relax and enjoy nature. susceptible to fire damage. Whenever Distance from Brisbane In 1823, Thomas Pamphlet and two A world-wide demand for whale oil Tangalooma Resort – 35km Sand islands like Moreton are among possible use fuel or gas stoves in other men were wrecked on Moreton saw the development of the Tangalooma Whaling Station in 1951. the most fragile environments in the preference to an open fire. When an when their open boat was blown off world. Their vegetation and sands are open fire is necessary, wood must be course while sailing from to Quotas of 600, and later 660 whales per , kept a control of the number of forever at the mercy of the elements brought from the mainland or Illawarra to trade for cedar. They were and mankind. By respecting the purchased from the Bulwer garage – Mareeba whales taken. As technology Atherton helped by the Aboriginals and later Innisfail environment and showing firewood must not be collected on South Johnstone improved, these quotas were filled in rescued on the mainland by John consideration towards other people, Moreton Island. Build only small camp Georgetown Oxley. This was white-man’s first just two months of the season which you will ensure that the natural world fires and keep combustible materials, Ayr direct encounter with Moreton Island. lasted from June to October. of Moreton Island will remain unspoilt particularly tents, well clear of the fire. Mount Cloncurry Hughenden Isa The first organised settlement of the Towards the late 1950s, whaling for generations to come. Please remember to extinguish your Mackay became less viable. The emergence of island wasn’t until the wreck of the fire when finished, and never leave it Winton Sovereign in 1847. The loss of 44 lives vegetable oils and the declining Boulia unattended when burning. number of whales in the South Pacific Longreach Emerald highlighted the danger of the South Camping showed that Tangalooma’s whaling Should a bush fire emergency arise, Blackall Passage Bar, and the northern end of contact the National Park office. Tambo days were numbered. The station One of the main attractions of Moreton Moreton became the main gateway to (phone 3408 2710 or the emergency Moreton Moreton Bay. The pilot station closed in August, 1962. The buildings Island is as a place to retreat and relax. Miles only number 3835 9903). There are Charleville Roma Island on North was then were bought by a Brisbane syndicate Many visitors seek nothing more than BRISBANE three volunteer brigades located at shifted to Bulwer, bringing the first the following year and Tangalooma to camp by the beach and enjoy a quiet Toowoomba Gold holiday. There are five established Bulwer, Cowan Cowan and Kooringal. Coast European residents in 1848. The Resort opened in December, 1963. station closed in 1909. camping areas controlled by the The importance of Moreton Island as a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Cape Moreton lighthouse, which is recreation and conservation area has Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, was been well recognised by the Blue Lagoon and North Point camping built in 1857 by 35 civil prisoners. Queensland Government which has areas are almost on the ocean beach Sandstone blocks, quarried less than a adopted the findings of a major public with Comboyuro Point, Ben-ewa, and Produced and published by kilometre away were used. It still inquiry, the Cook Report, as the basis The Wrecks catering for those who Spatial Information beams its warning out to sea, although for the future planning, development prefer the quieter waters. All have Department of Environment and Resource Management ISBN 978-1742300580 water, toilets and showers. The Queensland Government the original 21 kerosene lamps have and management of the island. An been replaced by a fully automatic administrative centre for the island has camping areas can only accommodate Edition 8, July 2010 electric beam. Seven lighthouses been established north of The Wrecks limited numbers. Permits are required to provide day to day management of to camp anywhere on the island. These Photography by Tourism Queensland operated on Moreton in the 1920s. Today there are only two, forming an the growing National Park area which, can be obtained from the barge Cover photograph: Driving up from eastern beach 9 7 8 1 7 4 2 3 0 0 5 8 0 at present, stands at 98% of the Island. operators or from the rangers on integral part of the network of Relaxing at North Point navigation aids serving Moreton Bay. Moreton Island. Fees are charged.

island. Goats and pigs were brought to Flora and Fauna the island in 1865 to provide food for The Environmental Code Moreton Island contains a landscape of shipwrecked sailors. These animals wind-swept sand dune country, rocky have caused much of the erosion of - for yo ur safety and enjoyment headlands, lakes, streams, paperbark the dune areas by trampling and The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service welcomes you to Moreton Island and swamps, banksia heathland and feeding on the delicate vegetation hopes your stay will be enjoyable. By following these common-sense rules, you and salt marshes. which protects the beach sands from can play your part in protecting this beautiful and unique island. Vegetation along the vast ocean beach the elements. All the goats have now is typical of coastal south-east been removed from the island. Water • Freshwater points are provided at various locations around the island Queensland. The sandy foredunes Few trees survive in the wind-battered (refer to map on reverse side). Boil water before drinking or cooking. support spinifex grass closest to the coastal strip from Reeders Point to Camping • Permits are a mandatory and can be obtained from either the barge waters edge and creepers hold the sand Cape Moreton, but beyond its beaches operators before arrival, or the Rangers on the island. together higher up the . and swamp areas, Moreton Island is • Don’t camp within 50 metres of freshwater lakes, lagoons and creeks. The beaches are also rich in fauna. covered in dense vegetation. Inland • areas are heavily shrouded in closed Don’t drive over foredunes to reach your campsite and use only Eugaries (pipis) and beach shellfish are established tracks. particularly abundant, attracting heath, sedgelands, strips of open forest and areas of mixed scrub. These • Camp at least 6 metres from fireplaces. birdlife and anglers alike. Birds such • Aerial view of the Little Sandhills looking towards the west as the pied oyster-catcher patrol the forests support a wide variety of Don’t use soaps, shampoos or detergents in the lakes, lagoons or beach areas, often in pairs, looking for beautiful native trees including creeks. Access and accommodation small sea creatures. It is often called banksias, cypress, box, bloodwoods, • When camping outside designated camping areas, bury all human paperbarks and scribbly gums. waste at least 50 metres from creeks and watercourses. Just 35 kilometres from Brisbane, By air, Moreton is just 15 minutes from the pipi bird as its favourite food is pipi Moreton Island is within easy reach for and 30 minutes from flesh. Fire & Refuse • All trees both dead and alive are protected. Don’t cut down trees for the day tripper, camper and boat both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Other birds often firewood. Firewood can be purchased from the Bulwer garage or from owner, however a four wheel drive There are two privately owned airstrips seen on the the miCat vehicle and passenger . vehicle is essential for island travel. on the Island, one at Kooringal and the beaches are the • Use fuel or gas stoves in preference to open fires. The miCat vehicle and passenger ferry other just north of Cowan Cowan. masked lapwing, • Prevent bushfires by building only small fires in well cleared areas travels to the island twice daily. It Another popular way to reach Moreton eastern curlew, (open fires at North Point are prohibited). departs from Lytton (near the mouth is in private boats. Days Gutter near white ibis, pied • Never leave fires unattended. cormorant, silver of the ) to The Wrecks Kooringal, and The Wrecks near • Don’t bury your rubbish as this is often exposed by animals and near Tangalooma. It offers ‘Walk-on, Tangalooma, offer the only sheltered gull, crested tern erosion. Disposal bins are provided at the refuse tips behind anchorages on the western shores. The and of course, the Kooringal, Cowan Cowan and Bulwer townships. exposed northern waters of Moreton pelican. The Bay can be treacherous in rough cormorant does Beauty Spots • Help protect Moreton’s environment – don’t interfere with the plants conditions, which can occur with little not have and animals. warning. Only experienced boat waterproof • Leave your pets at home. Domestic animals are prohibited in the owners should make the crossing. feathers like many National Park and Recreation area. The pets of Moreton Island Reliable marine charts, full safety other birds, and residents are allowed in townships only. often spreads its equipment and sufficient fuel for the • Don’t drive vehicles over open dune areas (eg The Desert). return crossing should be carried. wings when Driving resting to dry them The tranquil waters of Blue Lagoon • Drive carefully on beaches – hidden washouts and rocks are Self-contained unit accommodation is in the sun and sea dangerous. Avoid travelling at night. available at Tangalooma, Bulwer, breeze. In all, there are over 125 bird The freshwater lake system in the north • Slow down when passing people or parked vehicles on the beach. Cowan Cowan, and Kooringal. The species on the island. teems with small life forms as do the • Arriving on the island by the miCat vehicular ferry Tangalooma Island Resort offers a sea grasses and tidal flats on the bay Always be on the lookout for young children. range of accommodation for up to Wildlife is limited by the island’s side below the Sand Hills. The sea • Use indicators when approaching on-coming vehicles to show the walk-off' fares. The crossing of seven people per unit. These units are isolation. The short-nosed bandicoot, grasses are the favourite haunt of the direction of passing. Moreton Bay takes approximately two set among attractive tropical gardens, water rat, pale field rat, a few species or sea-cow. Although almost • Never carry passengers outside the vehicle’s cabin. hours, and can set the mood for your and the resort offers extensive of bat, and gliders make up most of exterminated in the 1940s, numbers • Don’t drive on sand blows or dunes. Minimise erosion by keeping to island holiday as city life fades quickly entertainment including a range of Moreton’s native mammal life. Reptiles have slowly been building up and established tracks. out of sight and out of mind. water sports, dining and nightlife. are more strongly represented. A large dugong are now often sighted in the • range of snakes and lizards, including When driving on inland tracks, always use four-wheel-drive. Another option is the high speed Island accommodation and tours can bay. • catamarans Tangalooma Flyer, be booked through the ‘Queensland the carpet python, freshwater snake Reduced tyre pressure (according to your tyre manufacturer's and red-bellied black snake, bearded Walking over the immense area of recommendations) can make driving over soft sand easier and help Tangalooma Jet and Tangalooma Holiday Experts' via their website: shallow sandy flats at low reveals reduce damage to the tracks. Express, all providing a comfortable www.goqueensland.com.au or by dragon, blue-tongued lizard and the familiar sand goanna are found on the a host of tiny marine life. The ground • Engage low gear, low range when crossing rocky outcrops. passenger service to the Tangalooma phoning 13 88 33; or visit: literally swarms with life — translucent Resort, departing from Holt Street, www.queenslandholidays.com.au island. Frog communities are common. • Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound. Carry essential green worms, sea anemones, molluscs spares, water, extra fuel and a good first-aid kit. Pinkenba, Brisbane. For reservations There are some larger animals on and thousands of blue soldier crabs and phone 1300 652 250 or 3637 2000. Moreton, but they are not native to the • Vehicles must be registered and drivers/riders must be licensed. the lightning fast ghost crab. Mainland road rules apply. • A vehicle permit is mandatory for the island. They can be purchased from the barge operators or online at www.qld.gov.au/camping to defend the channels of Moreton Bay • Things to see and do but was never called to action. The Diving Beach Safety Beach protection zones impose restrictions on vehicle movements along some beaches to improve the safety of pedestrians and Moreton Island offers many beautiful gun has since been removed and is Below the surface is another world. Zones beachgoers (refer to map on reverse side). and interesting features. To the south now housed at the Maritime Museum The reefs and waters around the island • lie the wind swept Big and Little in Brisbane. The small community of are home to many species of fish and Beaches at Tangalooma Resort, Cowan Cowan, Comboyuro Point and North Point are closed to vehicles. Sandhills, roughly 15 minutes drive Cowan Cowan grew from the military marine life. north along the ocean beach from installations of World War I and II. • There are 30km/hr speed limit zones at Reeders Point, Bulwer and and Smith Rock off Cape between Ben-Ewa campground and the Wrecks barge landing area. Kooringal. These sandhills are Another defence post was established Moreton are two areas which attract spectacular, with some up to 80 metres at Toompani Beach, near the Big divers. The beautiful coral formations Special • Special Protection Zones limit disturbance to shorebirds at critical high. Walking is the best way to see Sandhills, on the ocean side of the are like many of those found along the high tide nesting areas (refer to map on reverse side). these sandhills. Driving on the dunes Procection island. Some of the original concrete Great Barrier Reef. Fish life here is • At Mirapool there is special protection zone of 30km/hr and no is an offence as well as dangerous and bunkers here and at Cowan Cowan can prolific. Zones vehicle access at half tide or higher. harmful to the environment. still be seen today. Beach access point Experienced divers will enjoy the extra Cape Moreton is easily the most For more information visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-island bonus of exploring many of the wrecks For camping inquiries visit www.qld.gov.au/camping identifiable and one of the most around Moreton. Dating back well into attractive features of Moreton Island. Driving the 1800s, vessels like the Venus, The Cape is also a great vantage point Moreton Island is a sand island and St Paul, Aarhus, Grace Darling, and gutter with clear openings either end – to view the yearly driving is only possible using a four more recently the Rufus King and the Fishing are usually found between the start of migration. The historic sandstone wheel drive vehicle. The main tracks Marietta Dal, have sunk off the Island. Moreton’s unspoilt beaches make it a the high beach dunes and Eagers Creek. lighthouse at the Cape is an important on the island are signposted. Tracks navigation aid to all ships entering the Old gravel barges, tug boats, concrete angler’s paradise. No matter what the with approximate distances are shown pipes, tyres, car bodies, two whale The rocks at North Point can produce Bay. season, there are always plenty of fish good hauls of tailor, and this is a on the map. The ocean beach from chasers and an old Brisbane tram are to catch. Most fishing spots can be Below Cape Moreton nestles a secluded popular spot in strong south-easterlies, Mirapool to Cape Moreton and the just some of the items which lie reached with a 4WD vehicle. little beach known as Honeymoon Bay. western beach from Bulwer to submerged in 20 metres of water off offering protection for both fish and In summer, whiting abound from Its beauty is enhanced by the rugged Tangalooma are trafficable at low tide. Cowan Cowan. The fascination of this angler. Care should be taken if fishing Tangalooma to Yellow Patch in the the rocky areas. Tailor catches from volcanic rocks that stand defiant There is a Special Protection Zone artificial reef, known as the Curtin Tourists climbing one of the large sandunes north and Reeders Point to Long Point Moreton Island compare favourably against the pounding surf. around Mirapool to limit distubance to Reef, brings divers back time and in the south. The best months for with those from while the With its rolling surf, sheltered water nesting shorebirds. (refer to map on again. It has become a major breeding Just a short drive south of Tangalooma whiting are October through to March. bream catches are probably larger and and freshwater lakes, Moreton is a reverse side for details). ground for all kinds of fish including is another major sandhill area called The Long Point area also experiences a more consistent. swimmers paradise. Both Honeyeater some rare reef species. The Desert. A popular area for sand The beach between Tangalooma and tremendous run of good fish for a Lake and Blue Lagoon are perched tobogganists, care must be taken not to Kooringal should be avoided – it can be Please leave your spear guns at home couple of weeks around the full moon among the sand dunes near the ocean damage the surrounding environment. difficult to travel due to and as the bay side of Moreton Island is a in late July and early August. To the north-east rises Mt Tempest, a beach. Blue Lagoon certainly lives up marine sanctuary within the Moreton debris. Caution is also required on the Flathead can be found in several spots vegetated sand mass which has the to its name and is easily reached from beach at the northern end of the island Bay Marine Park. distinction of being the world’s highest the beach. around the island’s shores. Favourite between Comboyuro Point and Heath haunts are the submerged logs and tide coastal sand dune. The ocean beach is undoubtedly one of Island which is often impassable eddies near Tangalooma Point and the island’s main attractions. Tangalooma Island Resort is popular because of lagoon overflow. Reeders Point and in the many surf Stretching nearly 35 kilometres, it is with those who prefer the familiar Several beaches on the island are now gutters along the ocean beach. comforts of home. What was once a backed by grassy dunes and an closed to traffic to improve safety for busy whaling station has now taken on occasional cliff of coloured sands. Dart can be taken from the surf all year beachgoers. There are also several round. These fish provide great sport a new role, catering to the many Although it is heavily used at holiday 30km/hr speed zones (refer to map on times, the ocean beach is an ideal for anglers and in winter large schools tourists attracted by the resort’s reverse side for details). Fishing at North Point facilities. Now regularly visit retreat for anglers and campers. of dart up to 700grams are quite The lighthouse reserve at Cape Moreton common. the beach to be fed by hand. Please conserve fish stocks by not has been largely included into the Winter is the season for tailor, bream North of Tangalooma, the contrast National Park and access to the eastern taking more than you need and return between the white sands, blue waters and tarwhine. They are often caught in all undersized fish to the water alive. beaches is available through this area. large numbers from the surf beaches or and rusting hulks lying offshore creates Vehicles are not permitted in The Legal fish sizes and bag limits apply. a fascinating picture. The Wrecks at at the northern end from Comboyuro Desert or the Big and Little Sandhills Point to Yellow Patch. An area always To obtain precise information on Tangalooma offer sheltered anchorage areas, as tracks left on the dune face recreational fishing rules, consult the for small craft. The deep blue water worth trying is the protected gutter cause erosion as well as detract from running north from Long Point towards Queensland Fisheries home page at stretching along much of the bay side the natural beauty. www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb and click is home to countless schools of fish, the start of the high beach dunes. The All vehicles require a permit for the area south of White Rock, on the ocean on ‘Recreational Fishing', or phone the and the swimming is just as good as Department of Employment, Economic the fishing. island. They are available from barge beach is one of the best spots for operators, can be booked online at bream. Tailor are found along the Development and Innovation Business At Cowan Cowan, north of The Wrecks, www.qld.gov.au/camping or by ocean beach anywhere north of Long Information Centre on 13 25 23. an old naval gun was mounted in 1936 Feeding dolphins at Tangalooma Wild Dolpin Resort phoning 13 13 04. Diving on the Wrecks near Tangalooma Point. The best formations – a deep