Escape Brisbane city for a day of Moreton Bay wildlife spotting basking in the sun and sea spray.
Moreton Bay Marine Park is one of the largest and most unique estuarine bays in Australia, home to a variety of both tropical and temperate Moreton Bay marine animals such as turtles, wobbegong sharks, stingrays, manta ray, gropers, tropical and reef fish, bottlenose dolphins, dugongs, and whales (during humpback migration season).
Dugongs are an import part of the Moreton Bay marine life, the world’s only fully vegetarian marine mammal and the only sea cow in Australian waters. Australian dugong habitats span from Shark Bay in Western Australia to our own Moreton Bay and also extend to north Queensland. It is believed there are 80,000 dugongs in Australian waters with approximately 14 000 off the coast of Queensland.
Dugongs are considered 'threatened' and are protected in the waters of Moreton Bay.
When the winter chill starts to merge on the southern hemisphere, over 25,000 humpback whales will make their way up the eastern coast of Australian in search for warmer waters. Making the annual migration all the way from Antarctica, each pod will follow the same path their entire life as they head north to breed.
Whale season usually kicks off around June and ends in October.
Moreton Bay Marine Park is a fishing enthusiasts paradise, perfect for throwing a line in, but before you venture out into our pristine waters on the hunt for the next ‘big one’, avoid a nasty fine by familiarising yourself with zoning restrictions, and the boating & fishing Moreton Bay guidelines.
Before hitting the water you should refer to the Moreton Bay Marine Park User Guide. If you need more detailed info check the Moreton Bay Zoning Plan 2008.
Pumicestone Passage, the channel which separates Bribie Island from the mainland, is part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park and acts as a rich habitat for a diversity of bird and marine life. The passage and the bay offer great opportunities for marine life spotting, including dolphins, dugongs and migratory birds.
From its northern mouth opening into the ocean off the Caloundra coastline, to its southern end filtering into Deception Bay - Pumicestone Passage is a 35 kilometre ecological marvel and a waterway wonderland of fun.
Watch the video below from our local Marine Biologist, Mat Davis from Coastal Protection Core as he talks about the importance of the Wrecks at Moreton Island.
With so many ways to explore Moreton Bay Marine Park why not give yourself more time to spy Moreton Bay marine animals by treating yourself to a Moreton Bay beach escape for a relaxed holiday or mini-break on Bribie Island or in Redcliffe.
Looking for more things to do and see? Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres, the volunteers have a wealth of local knowledge.
Words by
Visit Moreton Bay Region
Visit Moreton Bay Region is the official destination brand for the Moreton Bay Region, stretching from Bribie Island, Woodford down to Samford and back across to Redcliffe foreshore. The Moreton Bay Region has so much to offer from paddock to plate, fresh seafood, camping, 4WD adventure to getting out on the beautiful Moreton Bay.
Escape Brisbane this Winter with our top guide for experiences to keep you entertained in Moreton...
Players from the New Zealand Warriors have been living it up in Moreton Bay since November,...
Moreton Bay is a hot spot for nature hikes and trails. Treck through the subtropical rainforests,...
Spoil yourself with a tipple of award-winning wine, scrumptious food and fresh mountain air with a...
Escape to another world with the New Zealand Warriors to Moreton Bay's Abbey Museum of Art and...
Family-friendly activities and attractions in Moreton Bay to keep your kids entertained these...
Discover the rainforest, bush trails and the lush hinterland scenes.
Sign up to our newsletter for guides, itineraries, events, offers and free travel inspiration straight to your inbox!
Visit Moreton Bay Region acknowledges the traditional country and waterways of the Jinibara, Kabi Kabi and Yuggera nations. We also acknowledge and pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging.
