Moreton Island – A Locals Perspective

Ever dreamt of living on an island? How good would it be to live here? Just off the coast of Queensland is the island of Moreton. Known for its steep sand dunes and beaches, the dive site on the Broadwater features coral and tropical fish surrounding a group of sunken ships called the Tangalooma Wrecks. This place is a wonder.

We have all dreamt of it at some stage in our lives getting away from it all by living on an island while for most of us it’s a pipe dream, for some the dream becomes a reality. The island we are talking about today is beautiful Moreton Island halfway up the countries eastern seaboard and one of the fringing Islands to South East Queensland’s Moreton Bay.

One of the most amazing things about Moreton Island is its proximity to Brisbane the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. It’s hard to believe when you are here that Australia’s third-largest city is only a few kilometres away across the bay. Moreton has maintained its beauty and isolation by virtue of its National Park status and sheer lack of development. The beaches, bushland, Cape Moreton, small townships of Kooringal, Cowan and Bulwer make a holiday here something very special indeed. But you will need a 4WD because the island is completely made of sand.

Bulwar Local, Scott

Bulwer is host to Castaways a one-stop-shop for all you will need on your adventure. Ice bait, ice creams, some great takeaway food and other supplies are readily available. Castaways also offer a number of different accommodation options including these amazing glamping tents. Scott is a Bulwer local and Chief Fire Officer for the town, on this particular weekend of the Moreton Island Fishing Classic, Scott is raising much-needed funds for the Rural Fire Brigade and hosting a few mates at his house just down the road.

To say this bloke loves his toys would be an understatement!! you name it and it’s probably sitting in the shed here somewhere. Scott loves a gadget and that’s reflected in his choice of vessel. His Sealegs amphibious boat is parked in the front yard and when he wants to go for a fish he just drives it to the ocean.

Moreton Island Fish

Whether it’s catching big snapper off Moreton or baking them whole in the pizza oven back home, the chance to spend a little bit of time in Scotts Moreton Island Paradise is quality time indeed. Tonight Scott’s good mate Andrew Mirocsh is prepping the meal baked whole snapper, roasted veggies and a few cold beers.

As the fish comes out of the oven we take a moment to reflect on just how special today has been. Sitting under the stars on the back deck enjoying the spoils of our labour it’s pretty special. Now while we all cant live on beautiful Moreton Island, we can all at least experience the place for ourselves. The Micat Car Ferry service departs Brisbane’s Fisherman’s Island daily and the Moreton Island Adventures website is a great place to start if you are looking for a holiday.

For more fishing action at Moreton check out our story on last years ARB Moreton Island Fishing Classic.