Depart Brisbane (hotel/inner-city accommodation). Gather luggage, water, sunscreen and camera; check-in online for the ferry/operator (e.g., Tangalooma Island Resort transfers) and confirm pickup/parking arrangements.
Arrive at Holt Street Wharf (or Shorncliffe/Redcliffe depending on operator). Park or get dropped off, buy last-minute snacks, and board the morning ferry/cruise — aim for the 6:30-7:00 AM sailing to beat crowds.
Depart Brisbane for Moreton Bay. Enjoy the 1-1.5 hour scenic crossing with on-deck views of the Brisbane River mouth and Moreton Bay islands; listen to the crew’s safety briefing and island highlights.
Arrive at Tangalooma Island Resort (Moreton Island). Disembark, store luggage with resort reception if needed, and take a short orientation walk to the beachfront and facilities.
Light breakfast at Tangalooma’s Beach Café or the resort’s Lagoon Restaurant — try a fresh coffee and a toasted sandwich or smoothie bowl to fuel the morning activities (approx. AUD 12-20).
Join a guided island-hopping/snorkel cruise or jet ski tour (pre-booked) to explore the Tangalooma Wrecks snorkel site; staff will provide wetsuits, masks and a briefing.
Snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Swim among coral and reef fish around the sunken ships; expect 45-60 minutes in the water (snorkel hire typically AUD 15-30 if not included).
Short boat transfer to a nearby sandbank or calm bay for beachcombing and wildlife spotting. Look for sea birds, rays, and small sharks in the shallows; photo opportunities for the group.
Return to Tangalooma Resort for lunch at the Island Bar & Grill or Sandbar — choose grilled fish, burgers, salads or a seafood platter (lunch approx. AUD 20-45).
Free time to explore the island: walk to Honeymoon Bay, relax on the white sand, or rent a quad bike for a 1-hour tour of the island’s dunes (quad hire/tour from approx. AUD 95-140 per person).
Visit the Tangalooma Desert for short sandboarding or a guided 4WD eco-tour to see the lighthouse, shipwrecks and native plants (eco-tour prices vary; guided tours ~AUD 40-90).
Return to the resort to shower and rest; enjoy a cold drink at the resort pool bar or café and prepare for late-afternoon activities such as the marine talk or dolphin feeding briefing.
Attend the Tangalooma Dolphins feeding briefing (if staying/reservation allows). Learn about the resident bottlenose dolphins and the resort’s feeding program — this is free for resort guests with scheduled times.
Dolphin feeding and sunset viewing on the beach. Watch and (if permitted) hand-feed wild dolphins as the sun sets over Moreton Bay; this is typically a highlight and lasts ~30-45 minutes.
Early dinner at the resort’s Lagoon Restaurant or Island Café with sunset views — enjoy local seafood, pizza or a relaxed bistro menu (dinner approx. AUD 25-50).
Board the evening ferry/cruise back to Brisbane. Take in twilight views of the bay; have cameras ready for city lights approaching the river mouth.
Arrive back in Brisbane. Collect your car or catch a rideshare/taxi to your accommodation; if hungry, stop at a late-night eatery in Fortitude Valley or South Bank (snacks ~AUD 8-20).
Optional: Enjoy a relaxed walk along the Brisbane River at South Bank or Riverside to stretch legs and reflect on the day’s wildlife and island highlights.
Return to hotel. Charge devices, sort photos, and prepare gear for the next day or morning departure; rest after a full day in Moreton Bay.