Tangalooma Beach named one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 100 Beaches’ in the world

3 minutes read

Monday, 22 January 2024

Lonely Planet has crowned Tangalooma Beach the World’s Best Beach to See Nature, ranking the pristine destination among the top 100 beaches in the world. 

The respected travel publisher highlighted Tangalooma Beach in its latest publication, Best Beaches, for its serene waters, abundance of marine life and the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. Tangalooma is located only 25km from Brisbane’s shoreline on Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin, one of few beaches on Australia’s East Coast offering breathtaking overwater sunset views. 

Image: Two people snorkelling at Tangalooma Island Resort Shipwrecks.

“Fringing the island’s protected west coast, the long, narrow strip of sand known as Tangalooma Beach feels a world away from the city, backed by bushland and lapped by calm turquoise waters frequented by dolphins, turtles, rays and elusive dugongs,” the Lonely Planet guide states. 

“Just off the shallow beach, the rusty, hulking Tangalooma Wrecks are the top attraction… encrusted with corals that attract plenty of fish, making for excellent snorkelling.” 

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Tangalooma’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches was another string in the bow for Brisbane. 

 Who said Brisbane doesn’t have great beaches? 

Adrian Schrinner | Brisbane Lord Mayor

“Moreton Island and Tangalooma are bucket-list destinations that draw people from surrounds and around the world to experience its pristine white sand, incredible marine life and world-class snorkelling and diving,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“Residents and visitors flocking here to experience this incredible natural wonder are spoiled for choice. From our world-class culinary and arts scenes, incredible nature and wildlife and vibrant entertainment precincts, Brisbane just keeps getting better. 

“These accolades reflect what locals, and southerners moving to our city, have known for years, that Brisbane is one of the best cities in the world to live and visit. This recognition will encourage more people to visit Brisbane, boosting our visitor economy and tourism industry, and supporting local business and jobs.”

Image: A sunset over Tangalooma Island Resort's iconic jetty.

Visitor numbers to Tangalooma have steadily increased in recent years, up five per cent since FY19 and attracting 84 per cent domestic and 16 per cent international sightseers. Day trips to Tangalooma – the Aboriginal word for “where the fish gather” – are strategically offered to manage the flow of guests to avoid overcrowding and minimise the impact on ambience and environment. 

Tangalooma Island Resort Head of Sales & Marketing Bernie O’Keefe said “protecting the magic” of the beach by preserving the natural environment ensured visitors extraordinary and unforgettable experiences. 

“It is exciting to see Tangalooma’s incredible beach being recognised by Lonely Planet, though we must confess, a lot of our regular guests might secretly wish it remained their cherished hidden gem,” Mr O’Keefe said. 

Image: Birds eye view of Tangalooma Island Resort Shipwrecks. Image by: Ben Hudson.

From the serene clarity of the calm waters to the captivating shipwrecks, the infinite stretches of golden sands and the pristine natural surroundings, Tangalooma stands as a destination on Earth like no other, right here on Brisbane’s doorstep 

Bernie O’Keefe | Tangalooma Island Resort Head of Sales & Marketing

Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches is available online and at book retailers. For more information on Brisbane, or to plan your next visit, check out visit.brisbane.qld.au