Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park and Moreton Island Recreation Area Quandamooka Country Brisbane

Aerial view of Cape Moreton. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

National park management with traditional owners

Mulgumpin’s national park and recreation area is jointly managed between the island’s traditional owners and native title holders, the Quandamooka People, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Photo credit: © Bianca Holderness

Gheebulum Kunungai – ‘lightnings’ playground’

Mulgumpin’s national park was renamed in 2021 to Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park to reflect its strong cultural and historical significance. Gheebulum Kunungai means ‘lightnings’ playground’ in the language of the Quandamooka people. Photo credit: istock

Review of protected area management plan

The long-term plan for managing and conserving the natural and cultural values of Mulgumpin’s protected areas, including the national park and recreation area, is currently under review. Read more about this process and how you can keep informed. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Native title on Mulgumpin

Find out more information and background about native title on Mulgumpin held by the Quandamooka People, the island’s traditional owners and custodians. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Bookings and permits

Permits to drive or camp in Mulgumpin’s recreation area are booked and managed through Mulgumpin Camping. Photo credit: © Bianca Holderness

Cape Moreton

Discover this historical lighthouse complex featuring interactive displays, breathtaking scenery and the best whale watching opportunities on the island.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Attraction facilities

  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)

Located at the northern tip of the island, Cape Moreton offers breathtaking views and the perfect place to picnic with family and friends.

Visit the Cape Moreton Information Centre, once the former assistant lighthouse keeper's residence, and discover the island's rich cultural and natural history. Interactive displays will engage the kids, and several exhibits of lighthouse relics and field equipment used by Park Rangers.

Stretch your legs on the Cape Moreton track, which circles the heritage-listed Cape Moreton Lighthouse and historical buildings.

Find a comfy spot on the headland to lay down the picnic rug and watch as dolphins, sharks, turtles cruise by. Between May and November, be entertained by the acrobatic breaching displays of majestic humpback whales.

Getting there and getting around

Cape Moreton is in Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park, 40km offshore from Brisbane. The island can be reached by ferry, barge or boat.

The Cape is the north-eastern tip of the island—the lighthouse and information centre are 100m up the track from the southern end of the car park. You can access Cape Moreton from North Point Beach and the eastern beach.

You will need a 4WD for driving on the island. Four-wheel-drives with high clearance and low range function are strongly recommended. All-wheel-drive vehicles without true 4WD function and vehicles with low clearance will have difficulty along inland tracks and in soft sand, therefore we don't recommend them for Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)..

  • From North Point Beach, drive 2km along North Point–Cape Moreton Road to the Cape Moreton car park.
  • From the eastern beach, drive along Harpers Track 900m to the intersection of North Point–Cape Moreton Road. Turn right and drive 350m to the Cape Moreton car park.
  • Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Getting to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

Barge and ferry access

Barges and ferries for vehicles and passengers run daily. Extra services operate in school holidays and on long weekends. Bookings are essential.

  • For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Private boat access

Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) lies in exposed waters—you may encounter large seas between Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and the mainland. Consider your experience and the suitability of your vessel, and take into account currents and predicted weather and sea conditions when planning your trip.

  • Be aware that there are no public moorings available at Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).
  • When anchoring, make sure that your vessel, anchors and ropes don't restrict the safe movement of 4WDs or pedestrians on the beach.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Cape Moreton is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) safely.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.