- Duration
- 1 day, a catamaran across Moreton Bay (≈ 6 h 40 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- ferry, walk
- Start
- Holt Street Wharf
- Finish
- Tangalooma Wrecks
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- September–May for snorkelling; humpbacks pass from June to October
- Budget per adult
- Beach Day Cruise A$109, child (3–14) A$79: includes a lunch voucher (A$25 / A$20), resort pool access and a A$10 fuel surcharge applying until 31 January 2027. With the wreck snorkel tour A$179, child (6–14) A$149Prices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
The Tangalooma catamaran leaves Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba at 7:30 or 10:00 and returns at 16:00 (19:00 on the A$159 Extended cruise); booking is essential. Alternatively, the Micat ferry from 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane, takes about 90 minutes and lands right by the wrecks.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Holt Street Wharf~1 h at the stop
Tangalooma's catamaran wharf on the Brisbane River in Pinkenba, about 15 minutes from the city centre. The cruise runs down the river and across Moreton Bay Marine Park, with one tea, coffee or soft drink included on board.
Tip: Arrive an hour before departure to check in. The resort no longer sells casual day passes, so you need a cruise ticket.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 1 h 15 min · 35 km
2. Tangalooma beach~2 h at the stop
A resort on the site of a former whaling station: a long beach with turquoise water, and the cruise ticket includes access to the resort's pools, bars and restaurants.
Worth knowing: Between 1952 and 1962 the Tangalooma whaling station processed 6,277 humpback whales.
Tip: The lunch voucher (A$25 adult, A$20 child) is included and works at any open food outlet on the resort. Evening dolphin feeding is only for overnight guests or as a separate package.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 25 min · 1.8 km
3. Tangalooma Wrecks~2 h at the stop
A row of scuttled ships 200 m offshore: fish, turtles and rays right off the beach.
Worth knowing: Fifteen vessels were scuttled here on purpose between the 1960s and the 1980s to make a breakwater for small boats.
Tip: Strong currents can run between the hulls, so stay with a group. Masks and kayaks are for hire on the beach from Sunset Safaris.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.