There are few places in the world quite like Moreton Island, so if you have the time then why not combine a trip to Moreton Island with one to Gold Coast. It’s still easy enough to get to the island from the Gold Coast, and there are countless accommodation options in Gold Coast that you wont find on Moreton island.
However, Gold Coast is perhaps better known for its surfing beaches, iconic skyline, theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild and great nightlife.
The Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth-largest city, making it the largest non-capital city, and Queensland’s second-largest city.
The city consists of 70 kilometres (43 mi) of coastline, with some of the most popular surf breaks in Australia and the world.
In fact, it is the number one tourist destination for vacationing Aussies. Around 10 million tourists visit the Gold Coast area each year.
You will be glad to visit Moreton Island while staying on the Gold Coast.
3 Great Hotels on the Gold Coast
While there are many great hotels to choose from on the Gold Coast, below are our picks for three great hotels on the Gold Coast at various budgets. Be sure to check availability, as each of these top Gold Coast hotels are very popular and can get booked out.
– Budget Option
BUNK Surfers Paradise
BUNK is the best place for backpackers to stay in Gold Coast. This award winning hostel offers both dormitories and private rooms. Each stay includes 2 GB of Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, and access to their pool, hot tub, and sundeck. Plus, they make meeting people easy through their hostel events.
Check rates and availability.
– Mid-Range Option
Hilton Surfers Paradise
This contemporary Gold Coast hotel is perfect for couples. Located in the neighborhood of Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast, this Hilton hotel features 4 pools, 1 restaurant, and 1 bar. There are two exercise rooms available for guest use, a spa and sauna, and they offer 24-hour room service.
Check rates and availability.
– Luxury Option
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort ticks all the boxes. This luxurious property has direct beach access as well as an on-site pool with a swim up bar. There are two restaurants on site, a causal buffet restaurant called Terraces and an upscale venue called La Pearls bar which features tropical garden and ocean views. Service is first class.
Check rates and availability.
After you have seen Moreton Island and Gold Coast why not take a trip into the neighboring hinterland? Mount Tamborine is Queensland oldest national park, and offers spectacular rainforest scenery and sweeping vistas out toward the Pacific Ocean. You might even be able to spot Moreton Island from that vantage point!
Popular Hotels on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers different types of holidays, from penthouse apartments, to holiday houses, to villas in the mountains. Discover some of the great hotel options on the Gold Coast.
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
From $84
Meriton Suites Southport
From $88
Meriton Suites Broadbeach
From $99
Chevron Sails
From $108
Deluxe Ocean Views
From $109
Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise
From $112
RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast
From $116
Cedarview Bed & Breakfast
From $126
The Pinnacle Apartments
From $129
Cavill Avenue Luxury Private Apartments
From $133
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
From $135
Springbrook Storybook
From $141
QT Gold Coast
From $153
Chevron Renaissance by GCHS
From $160
Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences
From $162
Holiday Holiday H-Residences Apartments
From $163
Excluza
From $175
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
From $176
Apartment with Ocean Views
From $184
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
From $188
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
From $196
Peppers Broadbeach
From $226
Tallest Tower SkyHomes 9 Hamilton Avenue
From $227
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
From $251
Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
From $266
Palazzo Versace
From $269
GCHR Esplanade Soul
From $315
Buena Vista Gold Coast
From $366
The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
From $396
Gorgeous House in Heart of Surfers
From $518
Lamour Holiday Beach House
From $656
Luxury Waterfront Home
From $717
The Mountain View Retreat
From $1074
How to get to Moreton Island From The Gold Coast
Visitors can reach Moreton Island from Gold Coast by taking the passenger ferry from Brisbane, cruising in their own private boat or by chartering a plane. There are two privately owned air strips on the island at Cowan Cowan and Kooringal.
Private boats are free to make the trip but boaters must bear in mind that there are no public moorings available around the island. However, there are a handful of sheltered bays that are suitable for anchorage.
Brisbane is about an hour from Gold Coast by car but once in Brisbane visitors can chose from one of the island’s three ferry operators: The Tangalooma Resort, MICAT Ferry, and Amity Traders Ferry.
Tangalooma Resort takes foot passengers to their resorts doorstep, while the MICAT Ferry takes passengers and vehicles just north of the resort. It is a comfortable 75-minute cruise from Brisbane to Moreton Island and often dolphins can be spotted along the way.
Amity Trader’s offers a ferry service which departs 40 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD and takes approximately 2 scenic hours.
Moreton Island is a very popular day tour from Gold Coast so tour operators or hotels in the city will be able to easily arrange the logistics of a trip to the island.
