Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park Brisbane | Gold Coast

Cobby Cobby Island, Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park. Photo credit: Kerry-Anne Hurren, Queensland Government

Things to do

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park is unsuitable for camping due to the density of the mangroves and the presence of sandflies and mosquitoes.

    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation on the mainland, in and around the Gold Coast. Accommodation is also available on several islands in Moreton Bay including North Stradbroke Island, Coochiemudlo Island, Lamb Island, Russell Island and South Stradbroke Island. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Boating and fishing

    All five islands in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park sit within the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Both Cobby Cobby and Willes islands are surrounded by marine national park (green) zones. The Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2008 (the zoning plan) sets out the zones and other special management requirements in the marine park.

    Boating

    Boating is largely unrestricted in the marine park, however boat operators must:

    • adhere to rules in go slow and no anchoring areas (see designated areas (PDF, 1.1MB) )
    • ensure they do not unreasonably disturb shorebirds anywhere in the marine park
    • not discharge any waste, including treated or untreated sewage in marine national park (green) zones.

    Jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC)

    In the zoning plan jet skis are considered vessels and the same rules apply. Operators must:

    • adhere to rules in go slow and no anchoring areas (see designated areas (PDF, 1.1MB) )
    • ensure they do not unreasonably disturb shorebirds anywhere in the marine park.

    Motorised water sports

    In the go slow areas for turtles and dugong and natural values (PDF, 1.1MB) , vessels (including PWC) cannot undertake motorised water sports. This includes:

    • driving a vessel other than in a straight line; for example driving in circles, weaving, and surfing down or jumping over waves, swell or wash
    • towing a person, such as for waterskiing, parasailing or wakeboarding.

    Read more about boating safety and things you should do when boating to look after the park. See below for information on things to know before you go.

    Fishing

    Fisheries regulations apply—information on bag and size limits, restricted species and seasonal closures is available from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

    Viewing wildlife

    Moreton Bay is an internationally important RAMSAR wetland providing for more than 40,000 migratory shorebirds that depend on the Bay during their non-breeding season. This makes it an ideal place for birdwatching. It is also home to large turtle and dugong populations, so be aware of go slow areas and marine park zones. See boating and fishing information for further details.