Moreton Island’s Tangalooma Island Resort launches revitalised reef boat

Tangalooma Island Resort located on Moreton Island, just off the coast of Brisbane, has launched, the Reef Cat - a vessel steeped in history that has been modernised for contemporary maritime experiences.

The Reef Cat expands Tangalooma's high-speed catamaran fleet to four, providing four direct Brisbane- to-resort services for guests daily.

The Reef Cat boosts Tangalooma's passenger capacity by 30% in time to meet the surging demand from Brisbane's tourism boom, fuelled by the upcoming Queens Wharf Precinct opening and the 2032 Olympics.

With Tangalooma recently named 'The Best Beach in the World to See Nature' by Lonely Planet, the Reef Cat will make Brisbane's island experiences even more accessible to tourists.

Having previously served as a passenger ferry in North Queensland, the Reef Cat was acquired by Tangalooma in 2020. The resort has since invested $4.5 million over two years to upgrade the vessel, integrating the latest in marine technology, state-of-the-art Rolls Royce engines, and enhanced passenger comforts. This investment underscores Tangalooma’s commitment to providing exceptional service and experiences to its guests.

The boat, which once held the world record for pulling 100 water skiers simultaneously in the 1980s, has been revitalised to provide premium services to guests traveling to the resort and embarking on unforgettable whale watching adventures.

Reef Cat can accommodate up to 300 passengers with a mix of indoor and outdoor space across its three spacious levels, offering a unique blend of comfort and accessibility. The top level has a panoramic viewing sundeck with generous seating. The lower deck is fully accessible, featuring a disabled bathroom equipped with a baby change table, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests. It also has a fully functioning bar with coffee and tea facilities and snacks. The Resort runs four scheduled return services from Brisbane to Tangalooma every day.

David James, Director at Tangalooma enthused "The Reef Cat not only expands our capacity to sustainably accommodate more visitors, from Brisbane and South East Queensland, but it also aligns with our vision for the future. As Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, we anticipate a surge in tourism, and the Reef Cat positions us to meet that demand with ease and efficiency."

Richard Neale, Marine Operations Director at Tangalooma, highlighted the advanced features of the new addition sharing "The Reef Cat is equipped with the best and newest marine technology, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for all passengers. We are excited to offer this enhanced experience to our guests, whether they are visiting the resort or enjoying our renowned whale watching tours."

Tangalooma Island Resort is located on the western side of Moreton Island in Queensland, Australia. Just a short 75 min boat ride from Brisbane. Known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique wildlife experiences, Tangalooma offers a range of activities including wild dolphin feeding, snorkelling, quad bike tours and whale watching, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Head to www.tangalooma.com for more information.