Last Updated on June 13, 2023

Mount Tempest is the highest sand dune in Australia, and one of the largest coastal sand dunes in the world, with an elevation of around 380 meters (1,247 feet).

It is located at the center of Moreton Island in Queensland, only a short ferry ride from Brisbane.

Mount Tempest has the reputation of being the highest stabilised coastal sandhill on Earth, although there are much taller shifting sand dunes in the world.

The difference between a stabilised and a shifting sand dune is that the former does not move nor change in shape, because vegetation has settled in it in a way that prevents wind from transforming the dune.

The name of the sand dune in Quandamooka language is “Moogar Bippo”, which means “mountain of storms”.

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Mount Tempest (Moogar Bippo)
View from the peak of Mount Tempest (Moogar Bippo)

Hiking Mount Tempest

The tallest and biggest sand dune of Australia, Mount Tempest, is located right at the centre of Moreton Island and a popular destination for hiking and climbing.

The peak can be reached on foot after leaving the ferry or with the help of a 4WD, the track is around 2km each way and can be covered in 2 to 3 hours by walking.

Despite being relatively short, the hike can be challenging due to having to climb the steep dune with little to no shade available.

The best time to hike Mount Tempest is in the morning or early evening, when the temperatures are cooler.

That said, once you reach the peak you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360° views of the island and of Moreton Bay, which is absolutely worth the effort.

Please note that no camping, overnight parking, nor sandboarding are allowed on Mount Tempest.

If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, Mount Tempest is the perfect place for you. Here are some tips for planning your hike:

  • Start early in the morning. The temperatures can get quite hot in the afternoon, so it’s best to start your hike early in the morning.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no facilities at the top of the dune, so be sure to bring everything you need with you.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The trail is sandy and can be quite challenging, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
  • Be prepared for wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas are often seen along the trail, so be sure to be aware of your surroundings.

Moreton Island Sand Dunes

Moreton Island is a large island located off the coast of South East Queensland, east of Brisbane.

It is the third largest sand island in the world, covering an area of about 186 square miles (482 square kilometers).

Almost the entirety of the island is a National Park and still untouched by humans, Moreton Island is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and crystal clear waters, and it is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, fishing, sandboarding and other outdoor activities.

Storm Mountain is another large vegetated sandhill close to Mount Tempest, around 264 metres (866 feet) tall. The hike to Storm Mountain is around 2.5km for a return trip.

The Desert and Big and Little Sand Hills are beginner-friendly areas for sandboarding in Moreton Island, which can only be practiced away from vegetated areas.

The Big Sand Hills have steeper dunes that can allow for high speeds for those who crave a bit of adrenaline.

From the top of the dunes, there are stunning panoramic views of Moreton Island and Moreton Bay.

Other activities

Here are some other things to do on Moreton Island:

Visit the Tangalooma Island Resort: The Tangalooma Island Resort is a great place to stay if you want to experience the best of Moreton Island.

The resort has a variety of accommodation options, including beachfront cabins, villas, and apartments.

There are also a number of restaurants, bars, and shops on-site. The resort is also home to a number of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, dolphin feeding, and quad biking.

Go camping: There are several campgrounds on Moreton Island, including the Tangalooma Island Camping Ground, the Moreton Island National Park Camping Ground, and the Cowan Cowan Creek Camping Ground.

Camping is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Moreton Island and to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Go fishing: Moreton Island is a great place to go fishing. There are a variety of fish species that can be caught off the coast of the island, including coral trout, snapper, and barramundi.

Fishing is a great way to spend a day on the water and to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Take a boat tour: There are several boat tours that offer a variety of itineraries. Boat tours are a great way to see the island from a different perspective and to learn about the island’s history and wildlife.

Some of the most popular boat tours include the Tangalooma Wrecks Tour, the Moreton Island Eco Tour, and the Sunset Cruise.


Moreton Island Tours from Brisbane


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