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

Enjoy stunning coastal views along the Mount Tempest lookout 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

Mount Tempest lookout track

Challenge yourself on a trek up the world's largest vegetated sand dune and be rewarded with endless views over Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).

Journey type
Walk
Distance
2.2km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 2hrs walking time.
Grade
Difficult (walk)

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (constructed)
  • Walking

Not for the faint-hearted, the Mount Tempest lookout track features a steep climb to a summit measuring a staggering 280m in elevation.

Hike through stands of gums and grasstrees to a mountain-top lookout, stopping to catch your breath at seats along the way. Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the island and Moreton Bay Marine Park—on a clear day you can make out the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains in the distance.

Reflect upon the stories of the island’s Indigenous People and their unique connection with this landscape reading signs at the lookout.

Getting there and getting around

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

This track is located in the centre of the island just north of the resort and can be accessed from the eastern and western beaches.

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 western beach, drive 6km along Middle Road to the Mount Tempest turn-off then drive a further 2.4km to the car park.
  • From the eastern beach, drive along Middle Road for 800m, turn right at the Mount Tempest turn-off and drive for another 2.4km to the 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

Mount Tempest lookout 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