What driving on Moreton Island involves

Moreton Island, Mulgumpin to its traditional owners the Quandamooka People, lies about 40 km off Brisbane, and a 4WD is essential once you land. The Micat vehicle ferry leaves from Howard Smith Drive at the Port of Brisbane and takes about 90 minutes; bookings are essential. Speed limits are 60 km/h on the beach unless signed otherwise, 30 km/h on inland tracks and 20 km/h in the townships, and the beaches in front of Tangalooma Island Resort and Cowan Cowan are closed to vehicles. Fuel on the island is unleaded petrol in 20 L drums only, so carry what you need from Brisbane.

What permitted means for your hire

Permitted means the conditions of hire allow the camper on Moreton Island, and the standard insurance applies while you are there. It does not reserve a vehicle, a ferry or a date, and beach driving is listed separately in the hire conditions, so check that line on the camper too. Buy the vehicle access permit through Mulgumpin Camping in your own name, with the camper’s registration number, and display it on the left side of the windscreen. Parks requires rated shackles and basic recovery gear in every vehicle and leaves recovery to the driver, so check the equipment list on the camper.

Questions about Moreton Island

Do I need a permit to drive on Moreton Island?

Yes. A vehicle access permit, bought through Mulgumpin Camping before you drive on the island; monthly and yearly permits are available. Every campground and camping zone also needs a camping permit, booked before you arrive.

When can you drive on the beach?

Around low tide. Parks advises against driving in the two hours either side of high tide, and often longer, and the beach at Mirapool is closed to vehicles for three hours either side of high tide. Tide times refer to Tangalooma Point; the eastern beach at Eagers Creek is 50 minutes earlier.

How far ahead should I book the ferry?

Micat recommends at least four weeks ahead for a 4WD on a summer weekend or long weekend, and six months ahead for the Queensland school holidays and Easter. Check camping availability first, because campsites book out quickly.