How to get to Moreton Island via Brisbane
Understanding how to get to Moreton Island begins with the departure terminal. The vehicle ferry leaves from 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane, and lands on the west-coast beach near Middle Road and The Wrecks. The passenger ferry uses Holt Street Wharf, 220 Holt Street, Pinkenba, and arrives at Tangalooma Jetty. These are different mainland and island arrival points, so keep the address on your booking at the centre of your plan.
For a visit without an island vehicle, build the journey around your passenger crossing or the departure point of a booked excursion. If you are taking a vehicle, first decide whether it is suitable for sand routes and permitted by its rental agreement. The ferry guide covers crossing arrangements, while the national park guide explains vehicle access.
Taxi and transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE)
For a Holt Street departure, set the destination as Holt Street Wharf, 220 Holt Street, Pinkenba. In the airport transfer form, select the wharf destination again after opening the Brisbane Airport page: the airport page address does not retain that destination choice. Use the complete street address to distinguish the passenger wharf from other port facilities.
Arrange the land journey and the boat as separate stages. Allow for airport arrival procedures, collecting bags, road conditions and the ferry’s check-in requirement rather than treating flight arrival as the start of boarding. Choose a pickup arrangement that suits your actual flight and group. Keep the return mainland journey in mind too, particularly when your island programme extends into the evening.
Reserve your transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) in advance on Kiwitaxi.
An island day from Holt Street
This day trip includes return boat transfers from the mainland jetty and a desert safari.
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An island day from Holt Street
This package combines return boat transfers, a day pass and a sand-tobogganing safari; organise your own journey to the Pinkenba departure point.
A boat day starting at Holt Street
The island day shown here begins at 220 Holt Street, Pinkenba. It includes return boat transfers, arrival at the resort jetty, day-pass access and a Desert Safari with sand tobogganing. A standard beverage on the boat and a lunch voucher are included, together with eco-ranger experiences and a dolphin presentation. The authorised dolphin-feeding programme is a package inclusion, subject to weather, tides and the animals appearing.
This is a structured island day for visitors who want the boat and activities in one programme. Hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded, so organise your own travel to Holt Street. Keep the package meeting instructions with the booking and avoid treating it as transport from Brisbane Airport. For other starting points and activity combinations, compare day trips from Brisbane.
Car rental and parking
A mainland rental can be used as part of your Brisbane travel plan, with parking arranged at the terminal used by your boat. At Holt Street, the published parking charge is AUD 20 per vehicle per day or AUD 80 per week, checked on 5 November 2026. Parking is fenced and locked at night. At the Port of Brisbane vehicle-ferry terminal, secure parking is limited, bookable and advertised from AUD 20 per day at the same checking date.
Taking a rental onto the island needs a separate decision. Suitable four-wheel drive with high clearance and low-range gearing is recommended for the sand routes. Check contractual permission for beach and sand driving, ferry carriage and recovery arrangements. The recreation-area vehicle permit must be in the renter’s name with the rental vehicle’s registration; arrange it before entering and display it on the vehicle.
Check-in, arrival and onward plans
The Holt Street passenger crossing takes about 75 minutes, with advance booking and check-in at least one hour before departure. The Port of Brisbane crossing takes about 90 minutes each way. Its instructions require arrival and check-in 30 minutes before departure, while the terminal gate opens one hour before departure. Keep these checkpoints distinct and follow the instructions for the actual crossing you book.
After landing, your booked accommodation, activity or camp determines the next step. Read the location guide before assuming your arrival point is close to your overnight base. Save booking documents and useful maps before leaving the mainland, as reception varies by location. For an overnight camping plan, reserve the camping permit before arrival and organise supplies alongside your transport.
Frequently asked questions
Which address should I use for the passenger ferry?
Use Holt Street Wharf, 220 Holt Street, Pinkenba. The vehicle ferry uses 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane.
Does the island day include airport pickup?
The package starts at Holt Street. Organise your airport or hotel journey separately from its included boat transfers.
Can I drive a standard airport rental onto the island?
Choose suitable high-clearance four-wheel drive with low-range gearing for island sand routes. Check the rental contract, ferry permission and recovery arrangements, then arrange the required vehicle permit.