Northern Island discovery drive
Discover surf beaches, freshwater lagoons, spectacular lookouts, great fishing spots, scenic walks and idyllic picnic areas on this 4WD adventure.
- Journey type
- 4WD, scenic drive
- Distance
- 55km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 6hrs driving including stops.
- Grade
- Unrated
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural and constructed)
- Scenic drive
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Four-wheel drive on a beach access track on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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Open heath alongside the Bulwer–North Point Road on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Peter Bull © Queensland Government
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Waves wash over rocks at North Point Champagne Pools on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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Cape Moreton Information Centre has a range of informative displays. Stop here on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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Look for picturesque lagoons on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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The lighthouse on Cape Moreton, built in 1857 from local sandstone, is one of the features on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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Blue Lagoon is a tranquil place to swim. Stop here on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Justen Herdman © Queensland Government
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The Wrecks are a popular place for snorkelling and exploring. See them on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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The steep descent to the beach from Harpers Track on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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The Northern Island discovery drive has great views of Cape Moreton and the lighthouse. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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Middle Road crosses the island through eucalypt forests. Photo credit: Peter Bull © Queensland Government
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The view of the northern end of the island from Five Hills lookout on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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Stop for a picnic at Honeymoon Bay on the Northern Island discovery drive. Photo credit: Peter Bull © Queensland Government
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North Point Beach, on the Northern Island discovery drive, is a popular spot for fishing and beachcombing. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
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North Point Lighthouse is on the most northerly point of the island. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government
Let the sea air invigorate you on this 4WD exploration of the northern end of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).
Travel to the Tangalooma Wrecks, the scenic views at Five Hills lookout track, and North Point beach and headlands, where you can surf the small breaks, rock fish and plunge into the Champagne Pools.
Visit Cape Moreton, explore the rocky headland, see the historic lighthouse and wander through the information centre.
Have a refreshing dip in picturesque Blue Lagoon before climbing Mount Tempest. With so many activities on offer, an overnight stay at one of the island's camping areas is a must!
Getting there and getting around
The Northern island discovery drive is in Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park, 40km offshore from Brisbane. The island can be reached by ferry, barge or boat.
This drive takes you on a 55km 4WD exploration of the northern part of the island along inland sand tracks and the 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.
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.
Getting around the Northern Island discovery drive
- We recommend driving this route in a clockwise direction.
- Begin at The Wrecks beachfront and drive north 3.7km via the western beach to the Cowan Bypass (low tide access track).
- Follow the Cowan Bypass for 1.7km, then turn left at the low tide access track onto the western beach. You can use the high tide access tracks on large or incoming tides.
- Continue north for 5.4km to the Bulwer–North Point Road (just past the Bulwer Wrecks).
- Take the Bulwer–North Point Road for 7.8km to the Five Hills lookout.
- After a break, continue for 3.5km to Yellow Patch Beach.
- Drive north-east for 2km to North Point, ensuring you take care to navigate around the tidal lagoons.
- From North Point travel back 900m and take the North Point–Cape Moreton Road for 2km to the Cape Moreton car park.
- After your stop, return down the hill, turn left at Harpers track and drive 900 m to the eastern beach.
- Drive 6.9km south then turn at the Blue Lagoon access road and continue 450m to the car park.
- Return along Blue Lagoon access road to the eastern beach and head south for 6.8km to Middle Road.
- Follow Middle Road for 800m then turn right onto Mount Tempest Road and drive 2.3km to the car park.
- After your walk, return to Middle Road and head west for 5.9km to the western beach and The Wrecks beachfront.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Northern Island discovery drive 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 Four-wheel drive with care.
- Construction of new ranger accommodation 28 October 2022 to 2 June 2023
- Planned burn operations for Moreton Bay 17 March to 1 September 2023
Conditions report
Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) conditions report Updated 3 Apr 2023
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.