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| Name | Moreton Island |
|---|---|
| Area | 78 sq. miles. |
| Nearest City | Brisbane |
| Country | Australia |
| Nearest Airport | Brisbane Airport |
| Distance from the nearest airport | 44.7 miles |
| Named On | -36676 |
| Island Named By | Matthew Flinder |
Location
Located in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, to the north-east of Brisbane, in Australia, Moreton Island is a prime tourist attraction. About 44.7 miles from the Brisbane airport, this island is accessible by 4WD vehicles. Launch and coach transfers also ferry tourists. Brisbane Airport is the nearest airport, which receives many flights on a regular basis. From the airport, coach transfers are available directly to city hotels as well as to the wharf. Daily service of launch transfer to Tangalooma is also available. The traveling time on a launch from the airport is about 75 minutes.
History
About 2000 years ago the Moreton Island was originally occupied by the Morrgunpin people. The island was officially named by Mathew Flinders on July 31, 1799. In 1848 after the Sovereign dashed against the shores here and following a subsequent shipping disaster, the European residents of this island established a pilot station at Bulwar. The first lighthouse in this island was built in 1857 at Cape Moreton, following which four other lighthouses were established on this island at four different points - Cowan Cowan Point, North Point, Yellow Patch and Comboyuro Point. During the World Wars defense bases were set up on the island, to protect Brisbane port from any approaches. For about a decade between 1952 & 1962, Tangalooma was the only whaling station; that site is now known as the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort.
Special Attractions
Moreton Island with its magnificent natural surroundings is one of the major tourist destinations in Queensland, Australia. Tourists visiting this island can enjoy a variety of activities. One of the major attractions is the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort, where one can see dolphins of various sizes. A visit to the sandstone light house at Cape Moreton which was built at 1857 is considered quite the norm. Here one gets to relive the history of Queensland. Also, from the lighthouse one can view the manta rays. Toboggan rides down the sand dunes and visiting at the 42 acre desert area are also standard additions to visitors' schedules. The sandy beach, coastal dunes, freshwater lakes, and wide variety of plants and animal species also draw lot of visitors.
Activities
Moreton Island's natural settings attract tourists from across the globe; it also has many activities to engage its visitors. In the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on the island, visitors can hand feed a pod of dolphins; besides, on the island visitors can indulge in adventure sports such as sand tobogganing, boating, and surfing. Relaxing activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, whale watching, snorkeling, or diving also appeal and engage the tourists
Moreton Island is a natural paradise where clear azure waters meet the wide stretch of white sand. This sandy island, stretching 23 miles in length and 6 miles in width, offers a variety of attractions for its visitors. Moreton Island is the ideal destination for those intending to escape from a busy and chaotic urban life.
ASOD~20120831
Last Updated On : September 01, 2012
