Saturday, September 10, 2016

Moreton Island/ Tangalooma



Our first trip to Moreton Island was a spur of the moment day trip in April 2016.  We drove up from Gold Coast and caught a tour leaving from Brisbane.  It's a little over an hour ferry ride there, where we snorkelled, had lunch swam in the gorgeous clear water and sadly returned.  I was in love and couldn't wait to go back for a longer stay.  
Moreton Island is the 3rd largest sand island in the world and teaming with aquatic wildlife.  






Sea Stars on the sand bar.



Our second trip to Moreton was during Australian winter the end of July into August. It was still amazing, the water was a little colder but we still had so much fun.
The Villas we stayed in at Tangalooma Island Resort.  They had a beautiful view of the beach and Ocean and you could walk right out and be at the beach.  
View from our room.



Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks.  The wrecks are made of 15 ships that were intentionally sunk in 1952.  There original purpose was to make a safe place for anchorage for recreational boats.  They have become an artificial reef abundant with wild life.  






We also enjoyed Kayaking the wrecks and Paddle Boarding.  There is a Sand bar behind the wrecks that stretches down to the resort.  It is a great place to spot Sea Turtles, Rays, and Dugongs. 


Sting Ray my mom caught a pic of as it was passing by.

The Sand Bar is also littered with Star fish!  I wish I would have got a better picture but they are everywhere. 

Some Sea Stars that have died and washed up on shore.  They are white here but when they are alive in the water they have a variety of colors. 
Moreton Island is known for their Sunsets which I thought was strange because how can you have an amazing sunset every night?  Little did I know, every single night we had a breath taking sunset! 1st night.


Every evening a pod of 12 wild dolphins swim in to get a fishy snack.  We were able to each feed a dolphin a fish and pretend they swam in just to see us!  There were also two adorable playful babies but they don't allow anyone to feed dolphins under 2 years old so they don't interfere with their nursing.  
Kookaburras also fly in every evening for a snack from the resort.  The enjoy everyone taking their pictures and telling them how beautiful they are.
Then they fly up to higher ground to remind everyone that they are superior and we are lucky to be in their presence. 


Whale watching season was in full force and really incredible.  We saw over 10 whales including a Mum and her calf and barely reached the outskirts of the island. 
Sunset #2

Tangalooma Wrecks form Above.  They used to be higher but because of corrosion started toppling over.  It became dangerous and last year they came and cut them all down so no one would be hurt.  


Ferrying back to Brisbane and enjoying sunset #3



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