Moreton Island: Tangalooma ATV Quad Bike and Dolphin Viewing

Imagine zipping along Moreton Island’s sandy beaches, feeling the ocean breeze and spotting wild dolphins at sunset — all in one day. For just $147 per person, this tour offers a full day of adventure, nature, and relaxation on Queensland’s renowned island. You’ll hop on an ATV quad bike, cruise through bushland and beach, enjoy a delicious lunch, and end the day watching dolphins feed as the sun dips over Moreton Bay.

What we love most about this trip is the blend of adrenaline and serenity — the thrill of riding on soft sand and rugged tracks, and the peaceful moments watching dolphins at dusk. Plus, the full access to the resort’s facilities, including pools and restaurants, means you can unwind after your adventures.

A couple of considerations include that activities may be physically demanding, and the dolphin viewing depends on weather and tides — so, if your schedule is tight or weather forecasts are unfavorable, some elements might be affected. This trip is a fantastic choice for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for a balanced day of fun and relaxation.

Key Points

• Versatile Experience: Combines ATV riding, dolphin watching, and resort leisure.
• All-Inclusive: Return boat transfers, meals, drinks, and resort access included.
• Authentic Encounters: Wild dolphin feeding at sunset is a rare treat.
• Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides help make the adventure safe and informative.
• Flexible Schedule: Departs from Brisbane in the morning, returning in the evening.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for travelers aged 10 and above, with some physical activity involved.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How it All Comes Together

This tour is designed as a well-rounded day trip with everything you need to enjoy the best of Moreton Island without the hassle of planning each step yourself. Your day starts with a scenic boat ride from Brisbane, giving you a chance to enjoy views of the bay and feel the gentle ocean breeze. The return trip is just as smooth, with plenty of time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Once on the island, your adventure begins with a 45-minute ATV quad bike tour. Guides provide basic bush track training, so even beginners can feel confident driving along beach tracks and through bushland. We loved the way the guides made safety a priority while still maintaining a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The ATV ride is the core of the experience — providing thrilling moments as you cruise on soft sand, weave through coastal vegetation, and take in the stunning natural scenery.

Throughout the day, you have full access to Tangalooma Island Resort’s facilities — pools, restaurants, and bars where you can relax or refuel. Your lunch voucher (worth $25 per adult) lets you choose from a variety of international cuisines, so whether you’re craving fresh seafood, tacos, or a hearty burger, there’s something for all. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food, although some noted that the overall food experience could be improved, so manage expectations if you’re a foodie.

The Dolphin Experience: Sunset Magic

One of the trip’s most sought-after moments is watching the wild dolphins come to the jetty for their nightly feed. As the sun begins to set, this natural spectacle unfolds — a family of dolphins often appears, swimming close to shore, giving you a chance to observe their playful behavior. One reviewer described it as “an unforgettable experience”, while others appreciated the peaceful atmosphere as the sky turns shades of orange and pink.

The dolphin feeding is dependent on tides and weather, so it’s not guaranteed every day. Still, the Eco-Center offers a video presentation on dolphins, enriching your understanding of these intelligent creatures. The cocktail or mocktail voucher adds an extra touch of relaxation as you toast the sunset.

Activities at Tangalooma Island Resort

You’ll have full access to the resort’s amenities, including pools, restaurants, and bars. The pools provide a pleasant way to cool off after the ATV ride or dolphin watching, and the resort’s clean, well-maintained facilities are often praised in reviews. The Eco-Ranger experiences and educational video add a layer of insight, making this more than just an adventure, but an educational one as well.

Practicalities and Tips

• The tour starts in the morning and departs from Brisbane around 7-8 AM, depending on the season, and returns roughly 75 minutes after sunset.
• Group size is not specified but is likely to be moderate, allowing for friendly interaction without feeling crowded.
• Age restriction is 10 years and above, making it suitable for families with older children.
• Participants with injuries or medical conditions should inform guides, as some activities are physically demanding.
• The cost includes return boat transfers, full resort access, meals, drinks, and guided ATV tour — an attractive package considering individual costs would add up elsewhere.

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Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides who helped them feel safe and confident during the ATV ride, describing the experience as “sick” and “thrilling”. The dolphin viewing, for many, was the highlight, with one person calling it the “best day ever”. Others appreciated the well-maintained facilities and the scenic beauty of the island.

However, some reviews mention food quality could be better, and that weather conditions can influence dolphin sightings. These are good points to keep in mind, especially if you’re visiting during off-peak seasons or planning around specific dates.

This tour is best suited for adventure lovers, families with teens, and anyone wanting a full day of diverse experiences. If you’re after thrilling rides, wildlife encounters, and relaxing moments at a resort, this trip hits all those marks. It’s a great choice if you value guided expertise and want an organized, hassle-free day with plenty of activities packed in.

Travelers who appreciate authentic nature experiences—like the dolphin feeding—will find this especially rewarding. Those with physical limitations or younger kids under 10 might find some activities challenging, so plan accordingly.

This tour combines the thrill of ATV riding, the serenity of dolphin watching, and the comfort of full resort access — a mix that’s hard to beat for a day trip. It offers good value by bundling transportation, activities, meals, and entertainment into one straightforward package.

The guides’ expertise and the beautiful setting make it stand out, while the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural environment is a genuine highlight. It’s perfect for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers who want a well-organized way to experience Moreton Island’s natural beauty and fun activities.

If you’re looking for an immersive, fun-filled day that balances excitement with relaxation, this trip ticks all those boxes. Just remember, the success of dolphin sightings depends on nature — but even if you miss them, the island’s scenery and the ATV ride alone make this a worthwhile outing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children need to be at least 10 years old to participate, as activities can be physically demanding.

What should I wear for the ATV ride?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety during the ATV tour.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect dolphin sightings and may influence the overall experience. The tour is generally designed to be flexible, but some activities might be less enjoyable in poor weather.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch voucher worth $25 per adult is provided, and you can enjoy meals at the resort. A cocktail or mocktail voucher is also included for sunset.

Can I swim in the resort pools?
Absolutely. Full access to the pools is part of the package, providing a relaxing way to cool down after activities.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride from Brisbane to Moreton Island is part of the full-day experience, with the return trip taking about 75 minutes after sunset.

Are there options for additional snacks or drinks?
Extra snacks and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some extra if you have specific preferences.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, especially for families with children over ten who are comfortable with active outdoor experiences.

This day trip to Moreton Island from Brisbane offers a lively mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation, all wrapped into one memorable outing. For those seeking a taste of Queensland’s natural beauty with a side of thrills, it’s certainly worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: