Natural Wonders

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Sea Creatures

Dolphins and Whales

Also prominent in the bay and surrounding waters of the islands are dolphins and whales. Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island has become celebrated for being one of the very few places in the world where wild dolphins can be hand fed. This amazing experience is one that will stay with you forever.

While dolphins are a relatively common site in the bay most of the year around, whales can be spotted during their annual breeding migration to the warmer northern waters. The whale watching season is generally from June to November. You can join a whale watching tour or watch them from vantage points along the coast and on the islands. Point Lookout at North Stradbroke Island is one of the best land-based spots from which to view these majestic mammals.

Moreton Bay and its surrounding islands and coastal areas are home to a myriad of unique animals, plants and natural environments. The most famous creature associated with Moreton Bay is the endangered sea mammal, the beloved dugong.
Nature lovers are truly spoilt for choice of what to see and experience in this remarkable place. Moreton Bay and Islands residents are passionate about their region, and support programs to protect its ecological sanctuary. Here, you’ll encounter endangered wildlife species, world heritage listed environments, heritage parks and simply beautiful, natural spectacles.

Dugongs

Moreton Bay has one of the largest populations of dugongs in the world.

Dugongs, or sea cows, as they are also known, are marine animals which grow to about three meters in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. They are the only marine mammals in Australia that are mainly plant eaters.

The name sea cow refers to the fact that they graze on the seagrasses which form meadows in the sheltered coastal waters. As dugongs feed, whole plants are uprooted and a telltale-feeding trail is left. It is this abundance of seagrasses in the sheltered waters of Moreton Bay that attract the dugongs to the area and have made it a known habitat for this now endangered and protected species.

Dugongs can be spotted throughout the waters Moreton Bay and around its islands. While they can be tricky to spot for the unfamiliar, the experienced cruise tour operators will happily point them out to passengers when one surfaces to breathe.