Tangalooma Resort
Wheelchair Friendly Tangalooma
Moreton Island
We decided to stay at Tangalooma Resort for my birthday weekend. I had been to Tangalooma many years ago in the 90s when I was young with my family. We had such a great stay during that time we had always wanted to go back, but of cause just never found time to revisit. I was super keen to return back all these years later to the beautiful Island Resort and to see how much it had changed since our last visit.
Tangalooma Resort is on Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in the world and is located just 40 kilometres north-east of Brisbane. Tangalooma used to be a whaling station in the 50s and 60s until they turned it into an Island Resort in the 80s.
Tangalooma is very beautiful, with a extremely laid back and relaxing atmosphere, It certainly is a perfect place to “getaway”.
Getting To Tangalooma
Ferry Transfers to Tangalooma Resort leaves daily from Holt St Wharf at Pinkenba, Brisbane. The high speed catamaran takes 75 minutes to reach Tangaloona Jetty and is wheelchair accessible via access ramps from both Pinkenba and Tangalooma jetty.
I had no trouble boarding the ferry in my electric wheelchair , however large wheelchairs might have some trouble due to the narrow boarding ramp in Brisbane.
Kookaburra lodge Accessible Room
We stayed in the accessible room 72 at Kookaburra lodge. This room holds 4 people with a King bed and a Single Trundle Bed that’s sleeps 2. The room isn’t overly large however it was large enough for me to move freely around in my wheelchair. The accessible bathroom in this room was well setup but again wasn’t very large, the shower area is fairly tight so those who require extra room might struggle. I was provided with a shower chair for the bathroom without issue and it was waiting for me on my arrival.. The view from the accessible room balcony was amazing which over looked the tennis court and out to the crystal blue waters of Moreton Bay.
Tangalooma Resort Wheelchair Accessibility
Tangalooma Resort is wheelchair accessible with disabled toilets, step free walking paths and ramps throughout the resort. All public areas such as the Fire and Stone restaurant, Dining areas, B&B Bar, Beach Cafe, Lucky 7 Convenience Store and Eco Centre are step free.
Tangalooma Beach Wheelchair
Tangalooma has 2 beach wheelchair available for guests who are staying at the resort. We were able to use one of the beach wheelchairs during our stay at no cost to explore the amazing white beaches.
I had to use pillows to support me in the Tangalooma beach wheelchair because it is so big. Unfortunately we did run into a bit of drama while we had the beach wheelchair. After spending a fun afternoon on the beach we had to go back to our room for a bit to get ready for the evening, but because the beach wheelchair is so wide it wouldn’t fit in the lift to our room. We were told it was fine to leave the chair down stairs near the lifts, thinking it would be safe there, how wrong we all were! When we returned, the wheelchair had disappeared!
We went to the rangers thinking they might of returned it back to its home at the Eco centre, but they hadn’t. By this time every ranger on Tangalooma was looking for this beach wheelchair that had oddly just disappeared!. Luckily I was able to borrow the 2nd beach wheelchair from the Tour experience team for the dolphin feeding that evening. Thankfully the beach wheelchair did turn up later that night back in the exact location it disappeared from. It turns out 2 people decided to take the wheelchair for a joy ride. It was disappointing finding out someone would take a wheelchair, but I was very relieved it was returned safe and sound.
Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Feeding
On the Saturday night we were excited to do the Wild dolphin feeding that Tangalooma Resort is renowned for. I was able to use the beach wheelchair to get me down to the beach. Mum then carried me to a plastic chair that I sat on while in the water with the dolphin. The rangers at Tangalooma were absolutely amazing, they were so helpful and super friendly. Because the plastic chair wanted to float in the water one of the rangers had to hold it down while the other helped us feed the huge but gentle wild dolphin. We were in lane one with the older dolphin as he is a bit more patient then the younger dolphins in the other lanes. The water was very cold, but it was an amazing experience and definitely worth freezing for.
All guests staying at the resort can participate in the nightly dolphin feeding. The Tangalooma Team try their best to accommodate guests with special needs so they can participate in the dolphin feeding. They understand everyone has different abilities so they encourage guests to discuss their individual needs with them.
Tangalooma Food/Restaurant Facilities
During our stay the Beach Cafe takeaway kitchen and Fire and Stone Asian style restaurant were open for dinner. They do have the Beach BBQ Bistro option as well but it was unfortunately closed during our visit. The food selection at the resort we felt was fairly limited and we would of much rathered a meal together at a restaurant for dinner rather then the takeaway option. The Beach BBQ might of been a better option for us if it was available.
Tangalooma Resort Island Activities
Tangalooma offer a number of activities on the island to suit guests of all abilities, from the more physical island activities such as Sand surfing and Scrubber diving to the less adventurous activities like kookaburra feeding talks and pelican feeding.
Whale Watching Cruise: During whale season from June to October Tangalooma offer 3 hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Tangalooma Jetty. The Whale Watching Cruise is wheelchair accessible as its on the same vessel as the Tangalooma ferry service. Viewing is accessible inside the luxury vessel and also outside.
Helicopter Flights: After the morning Whale Watching Cruise we decided to try out our 1st helicopter ride while on the island. We weren’t sure how we would manage getting into the helicopter but we were keen to give it a go. Once we got up close to the helicopter we knew we would manage the transfer ok. Bruce our helicopter pilot was such a nice guy and was so patient and helpful in accommodating us. Mum picked me up and put me in the helicopter and then pushed my wheelchair out of the way until our return.
The helicopter ride was amazing! Tangalooma is so beautiful from above, with the stunning white sand and shining blue water, the view was just breath taking! We had such a great experience on the 10 minute Tangalooma helicopter flight, it was certainly the highlight of my birthday weekend away.
We had such a great weekend at Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island. The resort is very wheelchair friendly and welcomes visitors of all abilities. The island is so beautiful and relaxing and is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
To find out more about Tangalooma and its wheelchair friendly facilities on the island visit the official website at www.tangalooma.com
In my opinion I give Tangalooma Island Resort a rating of 4 for wheelchair accessibility, and a rating of 4 stars for the overall experience.
* I was not financially compensated for this review. The review is based on my own opinion and personal experience.*