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

View of the coastline looking south from the southern gun emplacement on the Rous Battery track. Photo credit: Leanne Siebuhr © Queensland Government

Complete survey to have your say on visitation

A Sustainable Visitor Capacity and Management Study will help determine how to best balance visitor use, experience and cultural, conservation as well as economic outcomes on Mulgumpin. Read more and complete a survey by 29 May 2023 to share your views and provide feedback.

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

Rous Battery track

Step back in time and discover the remains of a World War II fort set high on the islands dunes.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
9.8km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
Allow 3.5hrs walking time.
Grade
Moderate (walk)

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD
  • Boat

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Wander through native forest along a road built by the Civil Construction Corps during World War II.

Imagine a time when this track was used to move troops, supplies and heavy guns between the Cowan Cowan and Rous Battery artillery.

Walk through native scribbly gum forest and feathery foxtails—look for traces of bandicoot diggings in the sandy ground below your feet.

Venture down one of the smaller trails branching off the main track to the World War II Rous Battery buildings perched on the dunes. Explore the remnants of a fort and artillery batteries and admire spectacular views over the eastern beach.

Getting there and getting around

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

The Rous Battery track starts off The Desert Road and ends at Rous Battery on 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)..

  • Follow the Tangalooma Bypass Road and The Desert Road to the start of the track.
  • The track extends south following undulating ridge lines for 9.8km, ending at the eastern beach near Rous Battery.
  • Stay overnight in one of two camp sites at the end of the track in the South-east camping zone, then return the next day.
  • Alternatively you can start from the eastern beach at Rous Battery and walk to The Desert and western beach.
  • If you are short of time, drive south on the eastern beach past Middle Road to Rous Battery and spend an hour exploring the fort remnants.
  • 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

Rous Battery 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