Camping on Morton Island (or Mulgumpin, which is its indigenous name) is on the bucket list of many lovers of the great outdoors. With many Moreton Island camping spots just metres from the beach, it’s the perfect place for those who love camping by the water.
If you’ve never been to Moreton, let alone camping at Moreton Island, it can be a bit tricky trying to work out which of the Moreton Island campsites are best for you. While most of the camping on Moreton Island has limited facilities, there is also the option of glamping for those who don’t have their own camping gear.
When choosing a site, a few things you’ll need to consider are whether you’re after the surfside or calm side and whether you want to be close to the best fishing spots or swimming spots. In addition, you’ll need to arrange vehicle permits and transportation to the island.
If this is your first time camping on Moreton, this is a great guide to get you started. In this camping guide, we include everything you need to know, including information on the different campsites Moreton Island has and how to arrange camping permits and more.
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Camping Moreton Island Map
Below is a Moreton Island camping map so you can easily see where all the different Moreton Island camping areas are located. I’ve also included the ferry departure and arrival points. Zoom in and out for a closer look.
Continue reading below for more information on each of the sites.
Moreton Island Camping Sites
There are five Moreton Island campgrounds and five Moreton Island camping zones, all of which are located along the beach.
A campground is an allocated area with basic facilities, such as cold showers and drop toilets, while a camping zone is a larger area spread out between two points and has no facilities. You will need to bring your own toilet if staying in a camping zone; however, you can also use the facilities within the other campgrounds.
To help you decide which Moreton Island camping site is best for you, a brief overview of these different campgrounds and camp zones is below. These sites have been listed in clockwise order around the island, starting with the Wrecks Campground. Click here for a map of Moreton Island.
The Wrecks Campground – Moreton Island
The Wrecks Campground is located just a short stroll from Tangalooma (there is no Tangalooma camping — this is the closest spot), close to where the barge pulls up. The area is lovely in a sheltered bay.
The Wrecks Campground is a little unique in that no vehicles are allowed here – it’s for boaters, those walking on the barge with their gear, or those happy to park their vehicle a short distance from their campsite.
There are 21 sandy sites here, which are all clearly defined. They are set well back from the beach, though, and don’t offer any views. However, it’s easy to walk down to the shore, which is arguably one of the most beautiful places on the island.
Facilities at Wrecks Campground – Moreton Island
Facilities at these Moreton Island campgrounds include water (requires treating before drinking), hybrid toilets, cold showers, and rubbish bins.
Fires or generators are not permitted.
Ben-Ewa Campground – Moreton Island
Located 1.5km north of the Wrecks, the Ben-Ewa campground is a popular Moreton Island beach camping site for families. It is a shady location, and thanks to its sheltered bay, it is protected from winds, providing calm water for swimming.
There are just 12 sites here, so you will need to get in quickly if you want to stay here. These Moreton Island camping sites are well marked and suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers. The sites are well back from the beach, though, and don’t have much of a view. Although it’s just a short walk down to the beautiful shore.
Facilities at Ben-Ewa Campground – Moreton Island
Facilities include water (requires treating before drinking), hybrid toilets, a dump point, and cold showers.
Fires in existing sites are permitted, although generators are not.
North West Camping Zone – Moreton Island
The north-west camping zone covers the beach area from the Ben-Ewa campground to the Comboyuro Point campground. Campers are welcome to choose one of the Moreton Island camping spots anywhere along here, with sites ranging in size; some are well secluded, some have sea views, and others offer shade.
Overall, the North-west Zone is a great place for campers looking for their own space with sheltered bay waters, protected from the wind. These Moreton Island campgrounds are also very convenient to the Bulwer Township, where you can pick up a range of supplies.
This zone can accommodate a maximum of 74 groups. These Moreton Island campsites are suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers.
Facilities at North West Camping Zone – Moreton Island
There are no facilities here, so campers will need to be self-sufficient.
Fires are allowed in existing sites, and generators are permitted.
Comboyuro Point Campground – Moreton Island
Located just north of the Bulwer Township, the Comboyuro Point Campground is conveniently located for those who want to be within walking distance of town. In addition, the location is perfect for those seeking sheltered and calm waters.
The Camboyuro Point Campground is a large campground that offers 49 shady sites of varying sizes. All sites are well marked and are suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers.
Facilities at Comboyuro Point Campground – Moreton Island
Facilities include water (requires treating before drinking), septic toilets, rubbish bins, a dump point, and cold showers.
Fires in existing sites are permitted, although generators are not.
Yellow Patch Camping Zone – Moreton Island
Located on the island’s northern end, the Yellow Patch Zone covers the beaches between Heath Island and North Point. Campers are welcome to choose their spot anywhere along here, with places ranging in size; some sites are well secluded, some have sea views, while others offer shade. There are even some sites close to the surf.
Facilities at Yellow Patch Camping Zone – Moreton Island
This zone can accommodate a maximum of 14 groups. Sites are suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers.
There are no facilities here, so campers will need to be self-sufficient. Fires are allowed in existing sites, and generators are permitted.
North Point Campground – Moreton Island
Located at the island’s northern tip, the North Point Campground offers large, grassy sites with shade. From here, campers can easily walk to the Honeymoon Bay and Champagne Pools. It’s also very close to the surf side of the island.
The North Point Campground has just 21 sites. All sites are well marked and suitable for tents, with just four sites suitable for off-road caravans or camper trailers. They are situated back from the beach and don’t have any views; however, from your campsite, it’s a short walk down to the beach, which, as you can see from above, is just stunning!
Facilities at North Point Campground – Moreton Island
Facilities include water (requires treating before drinking), hybrid toilets, and cold showers. Fires and generators are not permitted.
Blue Lagoon Campground – Moreton Island
Close to Blue Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon Campground is a beautiful spot on the island’s eastern side, offering great beachside camping. Campers staying here have easy access to Ocean Surf Beach as well as being within walking distance to the lagoon.
Facilities at Blue Lagoon Campground – Moreton Island
The Blue Lagoon North Point Campground has just 25 sites that range in size from medium to large. All sites are well marked and suitable for tents, with just four sites suitable for off-road caravans or camper trailers.
Facilities include water (requires treating before drinking), septic toilets, and cold showers.
Fires in existing sites are permitted, although generators are not.
North East Camping Zone – Moreton Island
The North-east camping zone is on the island’s eastern side and covers the beach from Spitfire Creek in the north down to Middle Road about halfway down (excluding sites in the Blue Lagoon Campground). Campers are welcome to choose their spot anywhere along here, with places ranging in size; some sites are well secluded, some have sea views, while others offer shade.
Facilities at North East Camping Zone – Moreton Island
This zone can accommodate a maximum of 89 groups. Sites are suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers. There are no facilities here, so campers will need to be self-sufficient.
Fires are allowed in existing sites, and generators are permitted.
South East Camping Zone – Moreton Island
The south-east camping zone is on the eastern side of the island and covers the beach from Middle Road to the Rous Battery on the southern end of the island. Campers are welcome to choose their spot anywhere along here, with sites ranging in size, with most views having ocean views and shade.
Facilities at South East Camping Zone – Moreton Island
This zone can accommodate a maximum of 35 groups. Sites are suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers. There are no facilities here, so campers will need to be self-sufficient.
Fires are allowed in existing sites, and generators are permitted.
South West Camping Zone – Moreton Island
The South-west camping zone is on the western side of the island and covers the beach from the Tangalooma Bypass down to Toulkerrie in the south. Campers are welcome to choose their spot anywhere along here, with places ranging in size; some sites are well secluded, some have sea views, while others offer shade.
Facilities at South West Camping Zone – Moreton Island
This zone can accommodate a maximum of 24 groups. Sites are suitable for tents, off-road caravans, and camper trailers. The campsites are also accessible by boat.
There are no facilities here, so campers will need to be self-sufficient.
Fires are allowed in existing sites, and generators are permitted.
How to Book Moreton Island Camping
To camp at one of the above campsites, you must book in advance and purchase your permit. You can book Moreton Island camping sites up to 6 months in advance, and for popular sites and peak periods, it is recommended to book well in advance. The easiest way to book one of these campsites is via the Mulgumpin Camping website here.
Moreton Island camping fees are super cheap at just $7.25 per person per night or $29 per family per night. A family rate is for up to 8 people and includes 1 to 2 adults and children under 18. Children under five are free.
Once you book, you will receive a camping permit. Your camping permit must be clearly displayed at all times at your campsite.
You can book your vehicle permit at the same time you book your campsite; more on that below.
Glamping at Castaways Moreton Island
If you don’t have your own camping gear or are after something with a few more facilities, there is always the option to glamp at Castaways. Castaways is located in the township of Bulwer and offers guests glamping sites for up to four people just a short 5-minute walk from the beach.
There are 11 glamping tents at Castaways. Each tent comes with a queen bed or two sets of bunk beds, a private ensuite, a small deck with outdoor furniture, and access to the communal kitchen. The kitchen has a fridge, BBQ, utensils, tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area, and a fire pit.
Getting to Moreton Island
There is only one way you can get to Moreton Island, either via the Tangalooma passenger ferry or the Micat passenger and vehicle ferry. The Tangalooma ferry is for guests of the Tangalooma Resort only, so given you’re camping on the island, you’ll need to take the Micat ferry.
The Micat Moreton Island barge schedule varies throughout the year depending on demand. So during peak times, the Micat can be running up to five times a day, whereas in quiet times, it may run only once or twice a day. The barge to Moreton Island takes around 90 minutes.
It is not cheap to get yourself, your family, and your vehicle over to Moreton Island. The ferry cost to Moreton Island starts at around $89 for a small vehicle (no trailer or van), and prices go up from there. You’ll then need to add on whatever you’re towing, which starts at a similar price—and these prices are just one-way!
The ferry to Moreton Island price includes the driver, but you’ll also need to pay for each additional passenger over the age of 3. Moreton Island ferry prices for kids are $29 (4-14), and adults are $39—again, one-way. These are also the prices for walk-on passengers without a vehicle. As you can see, the Moreton Island ferry cost is expensive.
If you’re a walk-on passenger on the Micat barge, you’re able to take three pieces of luggage with you. So you could bring an esky, chair, and backpack, for example. It may be necessary to plan ahead and determine what each member of your group will bring in order to stay within the luggage allowance. Any oversized items, such as kayaks or surfboards, are charged as an additional fee.
The Micat departs Brisbane from Howard Smith Drive in the Port of Brisbane. It lands on the beach at Moreton Island, just by the Tangalooma Wrecks. Drivers will therefore need to be ready to drive straight from the barge to the sand.
Read our detailed guide on getting to Moreton Island here, or click here to book the Micat.
Driving Permits Required for Moreton Island
In addition to your camp permits as outlined above (these aren’t required for Castaway), you will also need a permit if you intend to drive on Moreton Island. Vehicle permits are $57.80 for up to one month or $291 for up to a year.
Click here to book your vehicle permits.
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Hopefully, you found this guide on camping on Moreton Island helpful. We’ve got plenty of other Moreton Island guides, including things to do on Moreton Island and how to get to Moreton Island. Or for another island experience, why not read our camping on K’gari guide?
You can also check out our video on YouTube here, which shows you all of the gorgeous island highlights, or check out this post here for all the great things to do on the island.
