Tangalooma Island Resort

An Oasis to be Savored

Escape the Ordinary: The Perfect Island Getaway

Once the largest whaling station in the Southern Hemisphere, Tangalooma Island Resort, located on the stunning Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) in Queensland, Australia, has transformed into a world-renowned island oasis. It offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it a sought-after destination for travelers from around the world.

From whaling to welcoming visitors

Tangalooma’s origins date back to the mid-20th century, when it served as a major whaling station. In 1963, as the whale population declined, the whaling station was shut down, and local businessmen transformed the area into a tourist destination. The Osborne family acquired the resort in 1980, taking on the challenge of expanding it from just 20 basic rooms and 27 staff members. Over the following decades, the resort underwent extensive development.

“We welcome around 400,000 visitors from Australia and worldwide each year,” David James, Director of Tangalooma Island Resort, proudly states. The resort features a range of accommodation options, from beachfront villas and luxury apartments to family suites and hotel rooms tailored to meet the diverse needs of its guests. “A diverse range of accommodation allows us to cater to various market segments—families, couples, business conferences, and educational groups—ensuring our long-term success.”

Island adventures and attractions

Located just 20 kilometers off the coast of Brisbane, Tangalooma’s accessibility is a significant advantage. Its proximity to the city’s international airport and the availability of easy boat transfers make it an attractive destination for time-conscious travelers. ‘Being so close to Brisbane, guests can quickly get away without the hassle of long travel times,’ James says.

Tangalooma Island Resort is situated within the Moreton Bay and Islands region, a unique area in Queensland blessed with some of the world’s largest sand islands. Moreton Island, known as Mulgumpin, is the third-largest sand island globally, spanning 37 kilometers in length and 7 kilometers in width, covering approximately 185 square kilometers. The island is home to three small fishing villages with a permanent population of around 150. Tangalooma is the only resort on the island, offering guests an exclusive experience in a pristine environment.

The Moreton Bay region also includes North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the second-largest sand island, and Fraser Island (K’gari), the largest sand island in the world. This area offers some of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. ‘The island is a pristine marine and national park, rich with biodiversity and natural beauty,’ James shares. The resort’s location in this stunning setting provides a sanctuary for wildlife, including a family of dolphins that has become a signature attraction. ‘Our dolphin feeding program allows guests to connect with nature meaningfully, and it’s been a part of our identity since the early 1990s,’ he adds.

With its fleet of boats, including a 340-seat wave piercer and several catamarans, Tangalooma ensures efficient transport for guests, making it a convenient option for weddings, business conferences, and student education programs. The resort’s accessibility and the surrounding marine and national parks provide visitors a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty.”

Experiences for all ages

The resort runs over 50 tours daily, ranging from whale-watching to sand tobogganing and quad biking. “We run various tours seven days a week, all year round, providing something for everyone,” says James.

Whale-watching is one of the resort’s most popular activities. “We are one of the largest whale-watching operators in Australia, with tours running daily from June to October,” James highlights. The proximity of the whales to the resort’s shores offers an extraordinary experience for visitors. “Seeing a 40-foot humpback whale from the beach is surreal, especially when they swim as close as 100 meters from shore.”

“Our adventure offerings attract a range of guests, from families to thrill-seekers, and our sustainability programs resonate with eco-conscious travelers,” James says. “We’ve developed a model where people can enjoy the environment while learning how to protect it.”

Eco-conscious tourism

Tangalooma Island Resort welcomes over 15,000 students from across Australia and the globe each year. These programs focus on marine conservation and environmental awareness, providing students with hands-on experiences in a protected and biodiverse environment. ‘It’s a safe, pristine environment ideal for learning about marine life and sustainable practices,’ James explains. ‘We have worked hard to balance tourism with environmental conservation, ensuring the island’s natural beauty remains preserved for generations.’

The resort’s operations are carefully designed to minimize environmental impact. By keeping 80% of visitors within the resort’s boundaries and managing access to the national park, Tangalooma reduces the pressure on the island’s delicate ecosystems. ‘Managing visitor numbers carefully is crucial in protecting the environment and maintaining the natural beauty that draws guests here in the first place,’ James emphasizes.

Targeting international markets

Although the resort is rooted in serving the Australian domestic market, international visitors have become essential to its strategy. Tangalooma specifically targets markets that align with its off-peak seasons to maintain business continuity year-round. “To balance the seasonal dips, we target international visitors from North America, Europe, and Asia,” James explains. “Our winter, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius, coincides with their summer, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking mild weather.”

The North American market has seen rapid growth. “With direct flights to Brisbane from five major US cities and Canada, our accessibility to North American guests has never been better,” James notes. By aligning these international bookings with the Australian low season, the resort flattens out the typical fluctuations experienced by many tourism businesses. “This approach provides stability for our business, ensuring our staff have consistent work and that we maintain a steady revenue stream.”

Employee growth and development

Tangalooma Island Resort’s success isn’t just built on beautiful landscapes and well-planned marketing strategies; it’s also rooted in its commitment to its staff. “We have over 400 employees from more than 20 nationalities, creating a vibrant and diverse workplace,” says James. This multicultural environment benefits the resort’s operations and enriches the guest experience. “Having a diverse team helps us better connect with our international guests, especially those from Asian and South American markets.”

Staff development is a core focus. The resort offers extensive training programs, allowing employees to rotate through various departments. “Our hotel management program allows staff to gain hands-on experience and develop their careers,” James explains. The investment in staff growth has paid off, with many senior managers starting in entry-level roles. “We have a 90% rate of promotion from within, which we’re immensely proud of. It’s rare to find another resort of our size with such a track record.”

Even the Osborne family’s children work through the ranks, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to equality and opportunity. “We have third-generation family members starting at entry-level positions alongside other staff,” James shares. “It’s part of our culture—there are no shortcuts here, just opportunities to grow and learn.”

Giving back to the community

Tangalooma’s influence reaches beyond the island, actively supporting local schools, community groups, and charities in southern Queensland. “We support over 20 schools and multiple charities, including those focused on mental health and children’s health,” James says. “We put 20-25% of our net profit back into the community each year, which we’re very proud of.”

One of Tangalooma’s standout initiatives is the EcoMarines Foundation, launched in 2013. “We’ve reached over a million people through this program, educating young Australians on waste reduction, recycling, and environmental preservation,” James explains. Supported by the Queensland government and local councils, the foundation influences environmental curricula in 400 schools across the state. “It’s a testament to our commitment to sustainability, and we’ve been the largest corporate funder since its inception.”

Upgrades and innovations

With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the horizon, Tangalooma Island Resort is preparing for growth. “The Olympics will bring tremendous opportunities for tourism, and we’re positioning ourselves to capitalize on that,” James states. The resort has invested heavily in infrastructure, including refurbishing its 100-room hotel and acquiring a new 300-passenger catamaran.

Looking ahead, Tangalooma is planning new developments, such as beach cabanas and luxury offerings, that enhance the guest experience. “We’re always working on upgrading and expanding our facilities to maintain our competitive edge,” James says. The resort also focuses on minimizing its environmental footprint, implementing innovative waste management systems, and generating electricity. “We have a worm garden to recycle organic waste into fertilizer and a comprehensive recycling program to minimize landfill. Sustainability is not just a trend for us; it’s a core value.”

Explore, experience, and conserve

Tangalooma Island Resort is a model of how tourism can harmoniously blend with sustainability and community involvement. James emphasizes, “We’re always looking to the future, ensuring that we stay one step ahead in offering a world-class experience.” He extends an open invitation to those considering a visit: “No matter where you are in the world, we’d love for you to experience the magic of Tangalooma. Come visit, explore the natural beauty, and see firsthand the incredible experiences we offer.”

AT A GLANCE

Tangalooma Island Resort

What: A beachfront resort offering a range of accommodations and experiences, including dolphin feeding, snorkeling in the Tangalooma Wrecks, ATV quad biking, sandboarding, and whale watching.

Where: Moreton Island, off the coast of Brisbane, Australia

Website: https://www.tangalooma.com/

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