Moreton Island Eastern Beach and Cape Moreton Run
Tide-timed sand driving to Queensland's oldest lighthouse.
Moreton Island is a sand island off Brisbane, and every inch of it is sand. You land by barge, then start at Tangalooma, where fifteen wrecks were sunk in 1963 as a breakwater. From there you take Middle Road across the interior, with soft sand, switchbacks and a view of Mount Tempest, one of the world’s highest coastal dunes. You hit the Eastern Beach and run north with the Pacific on your right, keeping an eye on the tide. The finish is the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, built in 1857, which makes it Queensland’s oldest.
Moderate, but sand and tides decide how the day goes. You need a high-clearance 4WD with low range, tires dropped to around 18 psi, a compressor, recovery boards and a shovel. Beach driving is only safe around low tide, so check the tide table. You need a vehicle access permit and a camping permit from Queensland Parks. Camping is in designated areas only. Fuel is limited on the island, so bring extra. Cell service is patchy, and salt on the way home is rough on a rig, so wash the undercarriage. April to October is best for cooler weather. Run it slow, mind the dunes, and you’ll have the best sand day in southeast Queensland. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 300 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with low range and recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Tangalooma, Queensland |
| Land manager | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | QPWS Moreton Island National Park |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or similar 4WD handle Moreton Island's Eastern Beach and Cape Moreton run?
Yes, if it has low-range 4WD, decent clearance, and you air down properly (typically around 18-20 psi). Soft sand and tide timing are the main challenges, not rock or articulation. Carry a recovery kit, traction boards, a compressor, and a tyre gauge, since getting bogged is the most common failure.
What is the best time of year to drive Moreton Island?
April through October is best, with cooler temperatures, drier weather, and more stable beach conditions. Summer brings heat, humidity, and storms that can chew up the beach and fill creek crossings. Check tide tables regardless of season.
Do I need a permit to drive and camp on Moreton Island?
Yes. You need a vehicle access permit from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to drive on the island, plus a separate camping permit if you're staying overnight in the national park. Book camping in advance, especially on weekends and school holidays, and check the QPWS site for current fees and rules.
What is the hardest part of this trail and what should I expect?
The hardest parts are the soft, churned-up sand on inland tracks and the beach sections near high tide, where there's little firm sand and rocky headlands can be impassable. Corrugations and steep sandy climbs can stall underprepared vehicles. Plan beach stretches around low tide and keep momentum without driving aggressively.
How should I plan fuel, communications, and getting to Moreton Island for this run?
The island is reached by vehicle barge from the Brisbane area, so book your crossing ahead of time. Bring all the fuel you need for the 40 km run plus extra, as soft sand drives consumption up sharply, and fuel on the island is limited. Cell service is spotty, so carry a satellite messenger or UHF radio and tell someone your plan and return time.
Trail track
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