They are not ruins from World War II or old pirate ships. The Tangalooma shipwrecks were orchestrated by the Government of the Australian state of Queensland, between 1963 and 1984, with the aim of providing a port for Moreton Island.
Thanks to the shipwrecks, boaters in the area had a safe and comfortable way to anchor their recreational boats, smaller than those that enter the high seas. The 15 ships that make up the complex provide a unique and very characteristic silhouette to Moreton Island, which is located just 25 kilometers from Brisbane, the state capital.
Over time, the remains of the sunken ships have become rusty and worn by the action of sea water, corals and the diverse fauna that inhabit the coasts of Moreton. Originally a whaling station, Tangalooma is now a world-class tourist resort complex and a refuge for dolphins, dugongs – a critically endangered manatee-like aquatic mammal – and more than 100 species of fish. They coexist in harmony with the skeletons of shipwrecked ships.
Tangalooma Island Resort manages visitors to the area and provides a wide variety of unique experiences from dolphin feeding at night – overseen by the Tangalooma Marine Conservation and Education Center – to guided shipwreck tours, cruises a day to watch whales, quad excursions... All of them focused on the conservation of the ecosystem and the dissemination of ways to sustainably visit natural places like yours.
The number of tourists visiting this Australian enclave increases every year, but environmental conservation experts in the area do not believe that the balance and integrity of the island is in danger. Tangalooma Island Resort's Head of Sales and Marketing, Bernie O'Keefe, said: “It's exciting to see Lonely Planet recognize the incredible Tangalooma Beach, although we must confess that many of our regular guests may secretly wish it remained their prized gem. hidden.”
In addition to managing the care of the fauna and flora of the area, the Tangalooma Island Resort is the only hotel that exists on the island. Its accommodation options are very varied, and the rooms are classified into three categories, economic, standard and luxury. The resort also has apartments and villas on the seafront for up to eight people, and a spectacular penthouse with six bedrooms with sea views from its different dining rooms and private pool. The shipwrecks can be reached from all of them in about 15 minutes walking along the beach.
Although it may seem like an easy task, Moreton authorities warn of the danger of trying to access the wreck area by swimming, even for those with more experience. At low tide, strong currents form between the boats and the beach, which has no lifeguard service.
The best way to see the shipwrecks is through some of the many tours offered, diving, underwater scooter or from the air by helicopter. As the island is very small and the aim is to avoid overcrowding of tourism, there are options to visit it on day trips from Brisbane.
