The world’s most beautiful beaches are synonymous with fine sands and crystal-clear waters so one writer went to see if one of the top 100 deserves its accolades
When it comes to Australia you think of beaches, miles of golden sand, surfing and sunshine. So when you get the chance to visit somewhere that’s been voted one of the top 100 beaches in the world you jump at it.
The Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, just 75 minutes on a boat from Brisbane city centre, is a little spot of paradise away from the hustle and bustle.
And, as Moreton is the third biggest sand island in the world (the other two are in Oz too) there’s certainly plenty of beachfront to choose from – around 25 miles in total. No sunbed wars worthy of the Hunger Games here.
You can choose to spend the day sunbathing and visitors can come to stay or simply for a day trip to experience the island. I did the latter and seeing the white-lined coastline to the lush green island from the boat was spectacular and only improved as we arrived to be greeted by a flock of enormous pelicans bobbing alongside the beachfront jetty. There are special talks to learn about the birds as staff feed them and you can also attend a daily Kookaburra feeding.
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Despite visiting in Australia’s winter, the temperatures in this part of Queensland were remarkably similar to a British summer, regularly in the 20s, and even if you’re unlucky enough to have a chillier day, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, hop on one of the ATV quadbike tours. I’ll admit I was expecting something small but these things are beasts and a little intimidating at first glance. I soon got used to them however and roaring along the beach (loudly but slowly) was wonderful.
Once away from the other sunworshippers you go off on a specially designed trail through the bush and sand dunes. Whizzing round banks and corners you gradually climb the island which lets you see the ocean from a different perspective and the views as you ascend are spectacular.
Peckish after all that activity, I returned to the four star resort which boasts a range of restaurants. Wanting to try something different that I wouldn’t get at home I opted for the grilled barramundi – also known as Asian sea bass. It was one of the best fish dishes I’ve had and was absolutely delicious.
Happily fill you can choose to chill out at the beachfront bars or cafes, watching the waves lap the shore, or partake of one of the other activities on offer.
There are plenty of choices for the whole family, whatever takes your fancy. Whale watching, a glass bottom boat, sand tobogganing and surfing are all available too but people flock here to hand feed a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins that visit the resort at sunset.
It’s a tradition that started in 1986 when a dolphin that the owning family named Beauty began to regularly visit and soon take food from guests.
Now two family groups regularly come to take herring from the hands of visitors – though a very small amount to ensure it doesn’t affect their ability to hunt in the wild.
Book the holiday
- Find out more about Tangalooma Island Resort at tangalooma.com.
- You can also get further information on Brisbane and Queensland at queensland.com.
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