About Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park

Park features

Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) has been the traditional home of the Quandamooka People for thousands of years. Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is the third largest sand island in the world and features crystal clear creeks, lagoons, coastal heath, rocky headlands, abundant wildflowers, tall sand dunes, Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, World War II ruins of coastal forts and miles of sandy beaches.

Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park is jointly managed by the island’s traditional owners, the Quandamooka People, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Gheebulum Kunungai means ‘lightnings’ playground’ to the Quandamooka people, whose relationship with the island dates back thousands of years with a connection to land, sea and country still as strong today. ‘Gheebulum’ and ‘Kunungai’ are the two prominent sand hills situated in the national park which tell the creation of life story, the Legend of the Lightnings' Playground.

Most of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is both national park and recreation area, which covers the national park to high water mark and the beaches to low water mark. Tidal wetlands and waters around the island are protected as part of Moreton Bay Marine Park.

The sheltered bay waters are home to various marine animals. Dugong feed on its seagrass communities while migratory and resident shorebirds feed and roost on the island's beaches. Humpback whales can be seen from Cape Moreton during their migration from June to November.

First Nations cultural heritage includes shell middens that are evidence of thousands of years of Aboriginal occupation. Ruins of coastal defence bases from World War II are a reminder of Australia's involvement in world conflict.

• Read more about the nature, culture and history of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).

Looking after the park

Rubbish

There are no bins on the eastern side of the island. Rangers do not collect rubbish from camp sites and can issue on-the-spot fines for littering. When planning your trip, pack to minimise rubbish. Rubbish bins are located near The Wrecks and Comboyuro Point campgrounds.

Secure all rubbish bags inside your vehicle when driving. Do not carry rubbish bags on your bull bar as these tend to break and spread rubbish across the island’s tracks.

Camp sites

Use existing camp sites marked with a camp site totem and only drive on existing camp site entry tracks to reach the beach camping zones.

Portable toilets

Large groups staying away from facilities should bring a portable toilet. Waste from portable toilets can be emptied at designated waste facilities located at Ben-Ewa and Comboyuro Point camping areas. Do not pour your portable toilet waste into any toilets on the island, as it destroys the bacteria in the composting systems used by the QPWS.

Bush toileting

Use toilet facilities or a portable toilet whenever possible. If they are not available, bury waste and toilet paper 50 cm deep and at least 10 m from lakes, watercourses, camp sites and walking tracks. Always bag and bin sanitary products and disposable nappies.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in developed campgrounds, however they can be used in the five camping zones across the island. Only low decibel (dB) generators, up to 2.0 KVa, with a maximum noise level output of 60 dB at 7m are allowed. Be considerate and only use them between the hours of 8am and 7pm. Note: the use of generators may be totally prohibited on the island during periods of extreme fire risk. Also refer to camping information for details on where generators are permitted.

Keep it clean

Soaps, sunscreens, insect repellents, shampoos and bodily wastes pollute the water and harm wildlife. Please do not use these products when swimming in Blue Lagoon. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and shirt in the water.

Feral pests

Avoid introducing pest species by checking that your camping gear and supplies are not contaminated with soil, cane toads, ants, insects or plant seeds. Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is cane toad free, and we would like to keep it that way.

Take care around shorebirds

At certain times of the year shorebirds are resting on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) during their long migration. Please do not disturb resting birds and drive slowly and go around them.

See caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Following native title determination on 27 November 2019, QPWS entered into a joint management arrangement with the Quandamooka People to manage the Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park and Moreton Island Recreation Area to conserve its natural and cultural resources. The whole island is national park (other than freehold areas such as townships) and is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 to the low water mark.

The national park is managed in accordance with the Moreton Island National Park, Cape Moreton Conservation Park and Moreton Island Recreation Area Management Plan (PDF, 868.6KB) .

This plan is under review to ensure the continued long-term protection of the  park’s key natural and cultural values and effective management to protect those values.

• Read more about this management plan review including frequently asked questions and how you can keep informed during the community consultation phase.

Tourism information links

Tourism information centres

Brisbane Visitor Information Centre
www.visitbrisbane.com.au
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Qld 4002
ph (07) 3006 6290
email visit@brisbanemarketing.com.au

Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre
www.redland.qld.gov.au
50 Middle Street, Cleveland Qld 4163
ph 1300 667 386
email visitorcentre@redland.qld.gov.au

Wynnum Manly Tourism & Visitor Information Centre
William Gunn Jetty, 1 Wyvernleigh Close, Manly Qld 4179
ph (07) 3348 3524
email info@manlyharbourvillage.com

Redcliffe Jetty Visitor Information Centre
Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe
ph 1800 Moreton Bay (1800 667 386)
email redcliffe.tourism@moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Barges and ferries

MICAT
From Port of Brisbane (Brisbane River southside) to Tangalooma Wrecks.
Pedestrian and vehicle transport. Check website for timetable and booking details.
www.moretonislandadventures.com.au
ph (07) 3909 3333

Tangalooma Island Resort daily passenger launch
For Tangalooma visitors only. This service runs from Pinkenba (Brisbane River northside) to Tangalooma Island Resort.
Pedestrian only.
www.tangalooma.com
ph 1300 652 250 or (07) 3637 2000

Amity Trader
From Victoria Point (Mainland) to Kooringal. Contact operator for details.
http://www.amitytrader.com
ph 0487 227 437

Shops and services

• Castaways Store & Café (Bulwer) stay@castawaysmoretonisland.com.au
• 4WD taxi and tour services (07) 3408 2661
• The Gutter Bar (Kooringal General Store) (07) 3409 0170
• Moreton Bay Oysters (Toulkerrie) 0408 743 156
• Moreton Island Recovery Service:
  • Lindsay - 0414 949 876 or (07) 3408 3545
  • John - 0475 563 642 or (07) 3408 3930

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.