Moreton Island is a sand island, formed by prevailing winds, waves and sea level changes.
Moreton’s foreshores and tidal areas are rich in marine life. These support hundreds of resident wading birds such as the pied oyster catcher which help to fertilise the sandy soil. As Moreton Island is exposed to moist onshore winds, it receives more rain than nearby areas, around 1600 mm a year in parts.
As the water table beneath the island fills, swamps and creek systems flourish, therefore swamp-loving plants such as the paperbark Melaleuca Quinquenervia and sedges grow well.
The island’s extensive forests are indicative of the other plants which grow well here - scribbly gum Eucalyptus signata and pink bloodwood Eucalyptus intermedia. Moreton’s heathlands are dominated by the wallum banksia Banksia Aemula. Grass trees (Xanthorrea) are scattered over the island.
Heath plants are suitable to grow but can be stunted due to low nutrients levels and salt laden winds. Good examples of natural heathlands can be seen from Bulwer-North Point road. Wildflowers bloom best in spring.
