Step outside your room at Caboolture Motel, and you’re already halfway to somewhere great. A 5-minute drive could take you to lakeside picnic spots. A 30-minute one could bring you to the blue glow of a freshwater lagoon. Follow the road a little further, and you’ll hit white sand, rainforest trails, and lookouts you’ll want to linger at.
The beauty of this region is scenic, and it is very easy to explore. Lace up, load up, and let the landscape lead you toward some of the best Moreton Island attractions this summer.
Top Moreton Island Attractions This Summer
If you’re planning a Moreton Island day trip, there’s a lot to look forward to. Here are some of the most memorable Moreton Island attractions and things to do this season:
Tangalooma Wrecks
The wrecks are one of the most sought-after Moreton Island activities, a snorkeler’s paradise and a photographer’s dream. These fifteen vessels were intentionally sunk just offshore to form a breakwall, and they’ve since become a marine haven.
You’ll spot schools of fish, coral growth, and possibly a sea turtle or stingray gliding through the clear waters.
Top Choice: Best all-in-one adventure spot with minimal effort.
Cape Moreton Lookout
Set atop dramatic red cliffs, Cape Moreton is home to Queensland’s oldest lighthouse and some of the most stunning coastal views on the island.
This is the perfect answer to what to do in Moreton Island when looking for a slower-paced, scenic moment. It’s also one of the best land-based dolphin-spotting and whale-watching locations, especially during migration season.
Packing Tip: Bring binoculars for a better view of the sea life and an extra layer—winds can pick up here even on a hot day.
Blue Lagoon
A refreshing escape from the salt and sand, Blue Lagoon offers calm, freshwater swimming surrounded by bushland and birdlife.
Ideal for families or couples planning a more laid-back Moreton Island day trip, it’s a tranquil stop to cool off mid-adventure. There are no major facilities here, so come prepared.
Local Tip: Arrive mid-morning when the water is warm and the area is still quiet.
Desert Dunes
The centre of the island delivers an unexpected thrill—sandboarding. The dunes offer fast descents and wide open spaces for first-timers and enthusiasts alike.
This is your go-to if you’re after a Moreton Island adventure with some speed and sand. Hire a boat on the mainland or from an island tour provider.
Estimated Budget: Sandboard hire typically ranges from $20 to $30. No experience is needed.
Sunset Dolphin Spotting
As the day winds down, a gentle crowd gathers by the shoreline near the Tangalooma jetty. It’s here that wild dolphins often come in to feed and play.
It’s a peaceful, rewarding way to close out your itinerary—and a core memory from any Moreton Island day trip.
Local Tip: Keep your camera close, but avoid flash photography. It can disturb the dolphins.
Additional Travel Info
- Ferries depart from the Port of Brisbane. Pre-booking is essential during summer weekends.
- Estimated costs:
- Return ferry ticket: $80–$100 per adult
- Snorkel gear hire: $25–$35
- Meals at resort (if staying): $20–$35 per person
- BYO food and water if you’re only visiting for the day—dining options are limited.
- Footwear recommendation: Enclosed sandals or trail shoes are best for moving between dunes, lagoons, and rocky lookouts.
Island to Hinterland: Natural Escapes Within Reach
With minimal travel time and well-maintained routes, exploring a full loop of hinterland highlights is easy, all from your base at the Caboolture Motel.
D’Aguilar National Park
Towering gums, quiet creeks, and endless walking tracks make D’Aguilar QLD a top pick for nature lovers. Located about 35 minutes west of Caboolture, the park’s northern tip is easily accessed via Mount Mee Road. Short strolls like the Piccabeen Walk or longer bush circuits like the
Somerset Trail offers options for all fitness levels. Picnic areas are shaded and equipped with tables, making this a good half-day escape.
Packing Tip: Bring insect repellent, sturdy shoes, and plenty of drinking water—shade is generous, but summer heat can build quickly inland.
Mount Mee Lookout
For sweeping views of the D’Aguilar Range and the valleys below, the Mt Mee Lookout is a standout. This is one of those places where you can drive right up to the view. No hiking is required.
A great option for travellers on tighter schedules or mobility limitations. There are also barbecues and benches nearby if you want to extend your stay with a casual lunch.
Local Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon for golden light across the ranges—perfect for photography.
Glass House Mountains
Iconic, jagged, and steeped in Indigenous legend, the Glass House Mountains, QLD, are a defining feature of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Rising around 40 minutes north of Caboolture, this collection of volcanic plugs is a magnet for bushwalkers, photographers, and anyone looking to stretch their legs in a truly unique setting.
The Mount Ngungun and Tibrogargan tracks are the most accessible and challenging in parts, but rewarding with panoramic summit views.
Top Choice: Mount Ngungun is moderate, scenic, and achievable in under two hours of return.
Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout
Closer than you’d expect and far quieter than most popular viewpoints, Wild Horse Mountain is just 25 minutes from Caboolture. A short, paved access road leads to a 700m uphill trail.
At the top, a covered observation tower offers a 360-degree outlook—from Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island across to the Glass House Mountains. It’s a great introduction to the region’s geography, especially on clear summer days.
Estimated Budget: Free entry, no permits required. Just bring water and a hat.
Bribie Island & Moreton Bay Marine Park: Coastal Playgrounds
Ideal for nature-loving guests seeking saltwater and serenity, these locations are an easy drive from our accommodation options.
Bribie Island National Park
Bribie Island National Park blends sandy 4wd tracks, peaceful bushwalks, and excellent birdwatching. The island’s northern end is where you’ll find true wilderness. Calm swimming spots and quiet picnic areas along the shore make it easy to linger for hours.
Travel Tip: 4wd permits are required for beach access; check local conditions before setting off.
Kayakers and boaters are often rewarded with sightings of turtles, rays, and the elusive dugong. The park stretches across many zones, from Nudgee to Moreton Island, and supports a wide range of activities. It’s a great way to experience the region from a water level.
Packing Tip: Binoculars help spot wildlife, especially in calmer sections of the bay.
Cape Moreton
While technically on Moreton Island, Cape Moreton links beautifully with the marine park and is worth highlighting again as a standout coastal viewpoint.
Windswept headlands and crashing surf surround the lighthouse here. It’s one of the best land-based spots for wildlife viewing and sea spray-filled photography.
Estimated Budget: Free access to the lighthouse area; ferry fees apply if visiting as part of a Moreton Island day trip.
Wildlife Encounters on the Water
The calm waters around Bribie Island and the marine park offer excellent chances to spot:
- Sea turtles drifting through seagrass beds
- Dugongs feeding in shallow estuaries
- Dolphins cruising along tidal inlets
Editor’s Choice: Kayaking at dawn near Bongaree for your best chance at dugong sightings.
Hidden Gems: Wetlands and Wildlife for a Quiet Escape
These hidden gems offer a different pace and a deeper appreciation of the local ecosystem.
Nudgee Wetlands Bird Hide
Located just 35 minutes from Caboolture, the Nudgee Wetlands bird hide is a haven for migratory birds, particularly during summer.
A timber boardwalk winds through mangroves and salt marshes, leading to a lookout designed for patient observation. From here, birders may spot herons, kingfishers, and seasonal shorebirds resting along the shallow banks. Interpretive signs along the trail explain this protected area’s importance and biodiversity.
Centenary Lakes, Caboolture
Just five minutes from the town centre, Centenary Lakes offers open lawns, shaded trails, and a gentle creek surrounded by mature trees and native birdlife. It’s the kind of place that’s ideal for a slow start to the day or a peaceful hour in the late afternoon.
Birdwatchers will appreciate the diversity, while families will find the open spaces great for a picnic or quick run-around. There are walking paths, BBQS, and plenty of quiet corners to sit with a book or a coffee.
Centenary Lakes is just minutes from the motel and a top local suggestion from our staff. You’ll find more nearby highlights like this on our dedicated page for things to do in Caboolture.
Start Your Summer Journey from Caboolture Motel
From the moment you check in, everything feels easier. You’re within walking distance of the city centre, supermarkets, cafés, and the train station—and just a short drive from the natural attractions highlighted throughout this guide.
On-site amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi, undercover parking, and guest laundry facilities make it a practical choice for solo travellers, couples, and families on the move.
Planning to explore inland trails one day and set off on a Moreton Island day trip the next? Explore our Caboolture Motel options to find a room that suits your needs.
Image Credit: Moreton Island, Australia