Why boaters love it
Tangalooma offers something unique in Moreton Bay – a combination of purposely-created shipwrecks that form one of Australia's best snorkelling sites, just metres from a protected anchorage. Located on the western side of Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), about 40 km northeast of Brisbane, it's accessible in good weather in 1–2 hours from mainland boat ramps (depending on boat speed).
The famous Tangalooma Wrecks comprise 15 vessels
deliberately sunk between 1963 and 1984 to create a safe harbour for recreational boats.
Today, they're home to over 200 species of fish, spectacular coral formations, and regular
visits from dolphins, dugongs, and turtles. The wrecks sit in 2–12 metres of water, making
them perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Tangalooma Island Resort nearby offers day passes
for boaters wanting to access facilities, restaurants, and the famous wild dolphin feeding
program that happens each evening at sunset.
Quick facts
- Ramp → beach
- ~40 km (1–2 hrs)
- Access
- Boat, ferry, or Micat vehicle ferry
- Best tide
- Rising tide for anchorage
- Anchorage
- Protected bay near wrecks
- Dogs
- Not permitted in National Park
- Camping
- Yes - The Wrecks campground
- Toilets
- At campground and resort (permit needed)
- Wildlife
- Dolphins, dugongs, whales (Jun-Oct)
- Vibe
- Adventure-focused, family-friendly
- Activities
- Snorkelling, wrecks, sand dunes
- Fishing
- Snapper, Bream, Trevally, Kingfish
- History
- Whaling station (1952-62), wrecks (1963-84)
Getting there
Launch from Manly Boat Harbour (4-lane ramp, Coast Guard adjacent), Wynnum Creek (2-lane, good for smaller boats), or Port of Brisbane (2-lane with pontoon). Head northeast across Moreton Bay toward Tangalooma Point on Moreton Island's western shore.
CRITICAL: You'll cross Brisbane shipping lanes – ships have right of way and cannot alter course easily. Give wide berth and never anchor in shipping channels. The wrecks are visible protruding from water between Cowan Cowan Point and Tangalooma Point.
| No. | Description | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| A | Manly Boat Harbour | -27.452000, 153.185000 |
| B | Wynnum Creek Ramp | -27.437500, 153.163000 |
| C | Port of Brisbane Ramp | -27.369000, 153.169000 |
| D | Brisbane Shipping Lanes | Exercise extreme caution |
| E | Tangalooma Wrecks | -27.163202, 153.368669 |
| F | Tangalooma Resort Jetty | Adjacent to wrecks |
| G | The Wrecks Campground | Walk north from resort |
| H | Bulwer (fuel in containers) | 5nm north of wrecks |
Anchorage: The wrecks provide excellent protection in most conditions. Anchor in the bay near the wrecks – first come, first served. Arrive mid-week for best selection as weekends get very busy. Strong currents run between wrecks and beach at tide changes.
Safety first
- Always monitor shipping movements in Brisbane shipping lanes
- Strong currents between wrecks and beach at tide changes
- Unpatrolled beach – no lifesavers on duty
- Watch for inexperienced boats and jet skis
- Go-slow zones throughout bay – turtles and dugongs present
Access to Tangalooma is through partially-smooth waters limits. Ensure all safety equipment meets requirements. Consider joining Marine Rescue Queensland .
Things to do
Snorkelling the Wrecks
The main attraction – 15 vessels in shallow water (2–12m) covered in coral and teeming with tropical fish. Best visibility at high tide. Equipment hire available at resort. Strong swimmers can reach from beach but beware currents.
Wild Dolphin Feeding
Each evening at sunset, wild bottlenose dolphins visit the resort beach. Day visitors can purchase passes to participate in hand-feeding under Eco Ranger supervision. Booking essential – an unforgettable experience.
Fishing
Excellent fishing around the wrecks. Target snapper, bream, whiting, trevally, kingfish, and yellowtail. Note: Fishing prohibited in dolphin feeding area and from resort jetty. Respect other boats anchored nearby.
Sand Adventures & 4WD
The Desert (inland sand blow) offers thrilling sand tobogganing with speeds up to 40km/h. 4WD tours available from resort. Moreton Island is 98% National Park with extensive 4WD tracks to Blue Lagoon, Champagne Pools, and Cape Moreton Lighthouse. Vehicle permits required.
Whale Watching (Jun–Oct)
During winter months, humpback whales migrate past the island. Daily cruises available from resort with sighting guarantee. The whales often come surprisingly close to boats – a spectacular sight.
Camping at The Wrecks
The Wrecks Campground is walking distance from
Tangalooma – perfect for boaters. 21 sites in sheltered bay, walk-in only (no vehicles).
Facilities: water (treat before drinking), toilets, cold showers, bins. No fires or
generators permitted.
Beach camping zones available along western beaches with 4WD or boat access. Fires
permitted in existing pits, generators 8am–7pm. Book permits through
Mulgumpin Camping
. Book early for peak periods.
The Shipwrecks
Nestled just a short walk north of Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, the Tangalooma Wrecks are a remarkable example
of human-made marine innovation turned natural wonder. Beginning in the 1960s, a total of fifteen vessels were deliberately
scuttled over the following two decades—spanning the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s—to establish a makeshift breakwall, offering
safe anchorage and protection for small boats in the bay. Over time, these once-forgotten hulks have been embraced by the
ocean—colonised by colourful coral, home to schools of tropical fish, and frequented by turtles, wobbegong sharks, and
even visiting dolphins and dugongs.
Today, the Tangalooma Wrecks are a premier snorkelling and diving destination, celebrated for their shallow depths
(ranging roughly from 2 up to 12 m) and exceptional visibility, making them accessible for both novices and seasoned underwater
explorers. Whether viewed from above via a glass-bottom kayak or explored firsthand in tropical waters, the contrast of
sun-bleached wreckage and blooming marine life creates a scene both haunting and vibrant—a true undersea playground forged by
fate and design.
Below is the roster of the scuttled ships that form the Tangalooma Wrecks. While exact scuttling dates per vessel aren't
readily available, we know collectively they were sunk in batches during the:
- 1960s – five vessels
- 1970s – five vessels
- 1980s – five vessels
The names of the wrecks are:
UKI
Bream
Seal
Dolphin
Morwong
Kookaburra
Bermagui
Maryborough
Iceberg
Echeneis
Remora
Platypus II
Pelican
Groper
Stingaree
Gallery
