History of Moreton Island
Evidence indicates Aborigines occupied Moreton Island thousands of years ago. Ancient Shell Middens at spitfire creek are a reminder of the long association the aboriginal people had with the island. Middens are ancient mounds of discarded shells that mark old eating and ceremonial sites. With the island much the same as it was thousands of years ago, visiting these sights can be a trip back in time as you imagine what life was like for the Ngugi people living on the island.
Modern day settlement began in 1848 with the establishment of a pilot station at the now slightly developed town of Bulwer. Other reminders of early settlement are still present on the island with works and grave sites still standing after over 100 years. Following a number of shipping disasters, the Cape Moreton Lighthouse was built in 1857 to guide ships away from the notorious waters around Moreton and prevent future disasters.
Cowan Cowan was established as a military camp in 1938 and housed approx 1000 soldiers during the military occupation of Moreton. Major coastal defense bases were located on Moreton Island during World War 2. Remains of military buildings from yester year such as gun emplacements and fortifications can still be seen on the island at Cowan Cowan and at Toompani Beach.
Queensland’s first and only whaling station operated on the eastern side of the island from 1952 to 1962. The whaling station site now hosts the Tangalooma Island resort and to this day includes the flensing deck almost in its original condition as part of the Resort’s facilities.
Unlike other islands in the area such as Fraser and Stradbroke, Sand mining exploration on Moreton was only carried out in small areas. Beginning in 1947, the sand mining on Moreton was only stopped after campaigns by locals and conservation groups showed authorities the natural value off the island. Although it was not until 1992 when the last mining leases were abandoned and the lands added to the national park, impact from sand mining is very minimal.
Today approximately 95% of Moreton is National Park with the only areas not included being the townships of Kooringal, Bulwer and Cowan Cowan, the tangalooma resort and a few special reserves including a small number of oyster leases.