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

The heritage-listed Cape Moreton Lighthouse is a feature of the Cape Moreton track. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government

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.

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 track

Stand in the shadow of Queensland's first lighthouse, soaking in spectacular ocean views and the island's fascinating cultural history.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
1.5km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
Allow 1hr walking time.
Grade
Moderate (walk)

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

Take a historic trek up this stepped track to the base of Cape Moreton Lighthouse and be rewarded with views across turquoise waters.

Built in 1857 and standing 23m tall, this heritage-listed building is Queensland’s only stone lighthouse and an iconic feature of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Stop in at the Cape Moreton Information Centre and discover the island's fascinating cultural and natural history.

Take a break at the picnic tables and seats along the track, breathing in the smell of sea salt in the air. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sharks, manta rays and turtles swimming in the clear waters below the headland.

Witness the acrobatic display of humpback whales between May and November as they continue their annual migration.

Getting there and getting around

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

Cape Moreton is located on the north eastern tip of the island and can be accessed 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)..

  • 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.

From North Point Beach

  • Drive 2km along North Point–Cape Moreton Road to the Cape Moreton car park.

From Eastern beach

  • Take Harpers Track 900m to the intersection of North Point–Cape Moreton Road, turn right and drive 350m to the car park.
  • From the Cape Moreton car park follow the walking track 100m (southern end of car park) up the hill to the information centre and the start of the track.

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 track 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 and Walk with care.

View all park alerts