Traveling with an infant changes the way you experience destinations. For our first proper island getaway as a family, Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island proved to be a solid choice. Known for its marine experiences and easy access from Brisbane, the resort offers a mix of nature, structured activities, and convenience that works well even when traveling with a baby. Below is our review to help you decide if Tangalooma Island Resort is right for you. As a former Brisbane resident, I cannot believe that I had not been here before!
Location of Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort is located on the western side of Moreton Island, approximately 75 minutes from Brisbane by ferry. Access is straightforward: you check in at the Tangalooma ferry terminal in Brisbane, park your car if needed, and board the resort-operated catamaran. The parking is $20 AUD per car per day and is located on the same site as the ferry. It is super easy to do and we highly recommend it as there isnt any public transport to the ferry site. Luggage is handled by staff upon arrival, which is helpful when juggling a pram, baby bag, and carry-on items. Because the resort faces west, it benefits from calmer waters and excellent sunset views over Moreton Bay, making beach walks and evenings particularly enjoyable. We had a great dinner and sunset drink overlooking the water and it was perfect.
Rooms at Tangalooma Island Resort
The resort offers a range of accommodation types, from hotel-style rooms to family apartments and beachfront units. We stayed in a resort room, which was practical rather than luxurious but clean, air-conditioned, and well maintained. There was a King Bed, but also had the basic amenities that would be great for people staying several days. Traveling with an infant, we appreciated the space for a cot and easy access to paths suitable for walking with a stroller. We had a little balcony that was fantastic to people watch and relax when we wanted to leave the room. Most rooms are within walking distance of the main facilities, reducing the need for transport around the resort. We were in one of the back buildings and it was 5 mins from door to the main area.
Food at Tangalooma Island Resort
Dining options include casual cafés, buffet-style restaurants, and a more formal dining venue. The variety is sufficient for a multi-night stay, although prices are on the higher side due to the island location. Dinner starts as early as 5 and we ordered and had our food in under 15 minutes. We went with the Aussie classics of Fish n Chips and Chicken and was a perfect sea viewing meal.
For families, there are kid-friendly options, takeaway meals, and flexible dining hours. We found it easy to eat early and return to the room without feeling rushed, which is a big plus when traveling with a baby.
Facilities at Tangalooma Island Resort
Facilities are one of the resort’s strong points. There are multiple swimming pools, beach access, organized tours, and daily activities. The highlight for many guests, and us, was the evening dolphin feeding experience. This is well managed, educational, and tightly regulated to protect the dolphins while allowing guests a rare close encounter.
Another standout experience was the helicopter flight over the resort and Moreton Island. The aerial view provides perspective on the island’s size, shipwrecks, and coastline, and it’s one of the best ways to understand the geography of the area in a short amount of time.
What Is Around
Outside the resort itself, the island offers sand dunes, snorkeling areas, shipwrecks, and quiet beaches. Morning walks along the shoreline were a daily ritual for us: peaceful, flat, and ideal for pushing a stroller while enjoying the fresh sea air. There’s plenty to do without needing to leave the resort zone, which is convenient when traveling with an infant and trying to keep schedules predictable.
Our Personal Overall Experience
As AdventureFaktory, we look for destinations that balance experience with practicality. Tangalooma Island Resort delivered on that balance. While it’s not a luxury resort, it offers reliable comfort, strong organization, and genuinely unique activities. Travelling with an infant felt manageable and stress-free thanks to the walkability, supportive staff, and structured experiences that don’t require excessive planning. Watching the sunset from the beach each evening became a highlight and a moment to slow down as a family.
Promotions at Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort frequently runs promotions, including stay-and-play packages, family deals, and seasonal discounts that bundle activities such as dolphin feeding or adventure tours. These offers can significantly improve value, especially for families planning longer stays. Checking the official resort website before booking is recommended, as promotions change regularly.
In my final thoughts, Tangalooma Island Resort is a solid option for couples and families seeking an accessible island escape with structured activities, natural beauty, and minimal logistical hassle. For us, it was a memorable first island trip as a family, and one we’d recommend to travelers wanting a mix of adventure and ease. The service was warm and made us feel at home while the experiences were so unique and special to the resort. The fly over the island and visiting the shipwrecks were highlights, as was the dolphin experience and meeting them in their own habitat was something special.
