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

Sunset at Honeyeater Lake. Photo credit: Adam Creed © 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

Honeyeater Lake track

Take a short stroll to a viewing platform overlooking a pristine freshwater lake with sedges, flowering heathland and abundant birdlife.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
60m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 5min walking time.
Grade
Easy (walk)

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (constructed)
  • Walking

Nestled in a natural depression in the island, the sparkling waters of Honeyeater Lake are a bird lover’s paradise.

Enjoy an easy ramble along the sand, past casuarinas, banksia blooms and spiny-leaved grasstrees, to a viewing platform overlooking the lake.

Delight in spotting local waterbirds dipping into the reflective waters. If you're lucky, you may even spot the large, strange-looking musk duck who visits the lake on occasion.

Listen to the sounds of honeyeaters feasting on the banksias lining the lake, and take a moment to soak in the serenity of this tranquil watery oasis.

Getting there and getting around

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

Access to Honeyeater Lake, on the north-eastern (ocean) side of the island, is from Bulwer–Blue Lagoon Road.

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 the ocean beach drive 1.4km along Bulwer–Blue Lagoon Road to the Honeyeater Lake car park. You can view the lake from a platform located near the car park but you can't access the lake.
  • 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

Honeyeater Lake 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