Brisbane & Around - Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef - page 204

coastal sand hill in the world, towering high at a lofty 280m. Off the west coast are the
rusty, hulking Tangalooma Wrecks, which provide excellent snorkelling and diving.
The island has a rich history, from early Aboriginal settlements to the site of Queens-
land's first and only whaling station at Tangalooma , which operated between 1952 and 1962.
These days, swimming, snorkelling and 4WD trails keep visitors occupied (in fact, the is-
land is a 4WD-only domain).
Tangalooma now hosts the island's sole resort, and there are three other small settle-
ments on the west coast: Bulwer near the northwestern tip, Cowan Cowan between Bulwer and
Tangalooma, and Kooringal near the southern tip.
SUNSET SCENES
For a flaming sunset view over Moreton Bay, head up to the top of the Tangalooma Island Resort complex on
Moreton Island. This is one of the few places around Brisbane that faces west over the bay, which means you can
watch the sun sink down over the water, with the Tangalooma Wrecks looking surreal in the foreground.
Sights & Activities
Check out the dolphin feeding which happens each evening around sunset at Tangalooma,
halfway down the western side of the island. Around half a dozen dolphins swim in from
the ocean and take fish from the hands of volunteer feeders. You have to be a guest of the
Tangalooma Island Resort to participate, but onlookers are welcome. The resort also or-
ganises whale-watching cruises (from June to October). Also at the resort is the Tangalooma
Marine Education & Conservation Centre ( www.tangalooma.com/info/dolphin_feeding/tmecc ; Tangalooma Island
Resort; 10am-noon & 1-5pm) , which has a display on the diverse marine and bird life of
Moreton Bay. You can pick up a map of the island showing walking trails here.
Just north of the resort, off the coast, are the famous Tangalooma Wrecks - 15 sunken ships
forming a sheltered boat mooring and a brilliant snorkelling spot. You can hire snorkelling
gear from the resort, or Tangatours ( 07-3410 6927; www.tangatours.com.au ) runs two-hour
kayaking and snorkelling trips around the wrecks ($79) as well as guided paddleboarding
($49) and dusk kayaking tours ($69).
Island bushwalks include a desert trail (two hours) leaving from the resort, as well as the
strenuous trek up Mt Tempest, 3km inland from Eagers Creek - worthwhile, but you'll
need transport to reach the start.