This guide explains the ways people reach Moreton Island, what changes when a vehicle is involved, and who to check with. It deliberately leaves out timetables and fares, which the operators change, and it does not recommend one business over another. For what to do once you are there, see the separate Moreton Island Day Trip Guide.
How far, and by what means
Mulgumpin Camping, the camping and permit site run by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, puts the island 40 km offshore from Brisbane. The same page says it can be reached by ferry, barge or boat. Barges and ferries for vehicles and passengers run daily, with extra services in school holidays and on long weekends. Bookings are essential.
Walking on, or driving on
Passenger-only and vehicle services are different products, so the first decision is whether you need a vehicle on the island. At 9 November 2026, Mulgumpin Camping listed a pedestrian-only launch from Pinkenba on the northside of the Brisbane River to Tangalooma Resort, but notes it is for Tangalooma guests and day trippers only. The same page listed a Sunday passenger launch from Redcliffe Jetty to Bulwer, again pedestrian only. Neither of these takes a car.
For vehicles, Mulgumpin Camping listed, at 9 November 2026, the Micat from the Port of Brisbane (Brisbane River southside) to Tangalooma Wrecks, carrying pedestrians and vehicles. It also listed the Amity Trader from Victoria Point on the mainland to Kooringal, and directed readers to the operator for details. These are commercial services, so details such as schedules and fares are best confirmed directly with each business.
Reading an operator’s page: the Micat example
What follows is Micat’s own description of its service, not an independent assessment. It gives its departure address as 14 Howard Smith Dr, Port of Brisbane. It says the crossing takes approximately 90 minutes. It says it runs a demand-based timetable, so the number of sailings varies. It also says bookings are essential for both passengers and vehicles.
On the day, Micat says its gates open one hour before departure in Brisbane. It sorts vehicles by type, sending utes to Lane 1, vehicles towing a trailer to Lane 2 and wagons to Lane 3. For a weekend or summer long-weekend trip with a 4WD, it recommends booking at least four weeks ahead.
Permits and vehicle rules
The Mulgumpin Camping page says all vehicles must be registered and hold a valid Moreton Island Recreation Area vehicle access permit, and that fees apply. Its home page adds that a permit is required to drive on the island and that fines can be issued for non-compliance. Permits can be bought separately or when booking a campsite. Mulgumpin Camping lists annual and monthly 4WD access permits. It says 4WD permits are non-refundable.
Micat’s own permits page says driving and camping permits are booked through the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, following the recognition of native title on 22 November 2019. Mulgumpin Camping also says vehicle access permits will not be issued for unregistered vehicles, or for registered (including conditionally registered) vehicles such as quads, trikes and trail bikes, except to island landholders and residents who meet police permit and QPWS requirements. At 9 November 2026, the Mulgumpin Camping line was (07) 3506 2371, weekdays 8am to 4pm and Saturday 8am to 12pm.
Is your vehicle suitable?
The island’s own camping body says four-wheel-drive vehicles are essential. All-wheel-drive vehicles without true 4WD function, and low-clearance vehicles, will have difficulty on inland tracks and in soft sand. Recovery gear should include a tyre pressure gauge, shovel, snatch strap, towrope or traction pads. Drivers must be licensed, and Queensland road rules apply on the island.
Going by private boat, and what to bring
Mulgumpin Camping says the island is in exposed waters, and large seas can occur between it and the mainland. No public moorings are available. There is no pharmacy or resident doctor on the island. Visitors are told to bring their own water and containers, and a gas or fuel stove and/or firewood. If you plan to camp, all camping permits must be obtained before arrival, because there is no self-registration on site.
For the neighbouring island trip with a train-and-water-taxi approach, see the Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Transport Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive onto Moreton Island?
Only with a suitable registered vehicle and a vehicle access permit. Mulgumpin Camping says four-wheel-drive vehicles are essential and a Moreton Island Recreation Area vehicle access permit is required.
Do passenger-only services take cars?
No. The services Mulgumpin Camping lists from Pinkenba and Redcliffe are pedestrian only.
Where do permits come from?
Mulgumpin Camping, run by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, lists the vehicle access permit options.
Is there a doctor on Moreton Island?
Mulgumpin Camping says there is no pharmacy or resident doctor on the island.
