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

Sunset colours the sandhills pink on The Desert track. 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. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Bookings and permits

Permits to drive or camp in Mulgumpin’s recreation area are booked and managed through Mulgumpin Camping. Photo credit: © Bianca Holderness

The Desert track

Walk along the crest of a giant coastal dune to reach the island’s vast sand blow, known as The Desert.

Journey type: Walk
Distance: 1.1km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested: Allow 1hr walking time.
Grade: Moderate (walk)

Accessible by

High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

Walking

Feel on top of the world as you walk to The Desert—Moreton Island's giant sand blow. Your legs will get a thorough workout as you climb multiple of steps along the top of the dune.

Duck beneath shady eucalypt trees and cross moist gullies on your journey, keeping your eyes peeled for skinks crossing the track.

If speed and adventure gets your adrenaline pumping, then you'll love reaching the end destination—The Desert is a popular spot for tobogganing and sand surfing. Leave your mark, be it a slide or footprint, across the sand of these impressive golden hills.

Getting there and getting around

The Desert 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 on the western side of the island and can be accessed by vehicle or on foot.

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).

By 4WD

Drive 620m south of the Tangalooma Bypass on the western beach to the track entrance.
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.

On foot

Walk 620m south along the western beach from the Tangalooma Island Resort to the track entrance.
A 1.2km alternate track starts from the southern end of Tangalooma Island Resort. This route has many stairs and crosses over the Tangalooma Bypass before joining up with the other track.
Turn left and continue 250m to The Desert.
Retrace your steps for the return journey.

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.