Moreton Island Archives - Redcliffe Today

Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’ After Moreton Bay Shark Attack Near Redcliffe

A 29-year-old man was bitten by a shark off Moreton Island, across from Redcliffe in Moreton Bay, marking the second attack in the area this month. The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track, a popular snorkelling site, prompting concerns among marine experts about an increasing “cluster of bites” in the region.

The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track. — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Second Attack in a Month Raises Alarm

The attack took place around 3 p.m. on Saturday, 22 February 2025, with the victim reportedly snorkelling alone just five metres from shore at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Emergency services treated him for abdominal and leg injuries before he was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The man was stable upon arrival and has since been released.

This marks the second shark attack in Moreton Bay in February. The first was the tragic death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was fatally bitten by a shark at Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, earlier this month.

Recent Shark Attacks in Queensland Waters

The latest Moreton Bay attack is the fourth shark bite incident in Queensland waters in recent months:

February 2025 – Charlize Zmuda, 17, fatally bitten off Bribie Island
December 2024 – A man hospitalised after a shark bite at Curtis Island
December 2024 – Luke Walford, 40, killed by a shark at Humpy Island

Australia has seen a long-term rise in shark attacks. The experts attribute it to a growing population and increased ocean activity rather than an increase in aggressive shark behaviour.

Shark Attack Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Shark Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’

Shark attack expert Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University has warned that Moreton Bay is experiencing a “cluster of bites.” It is a pattern of multiple attacks occurring in the same region over a short period.

Clusters like this have previously been recorded in the Whitsundays, northern New South Wales, and Perth. According to Dr McPhee, various factors could be at play, including:

Increased prey presence in the area, attracting large sharks
Dolphin feeding habits, which can draw predators closer to shore
Seasonal changes affecting shark migration and feeding behaviour

While Dr McPhee acknowledges that bad luck plays a role, he notes that Moreton Bay’s waters are currently seeing increased shark activity.

Community Response

Following the latest attack, city official David Crisafulli addressed the state’s shark management program. He stated that the authorities are actively reviewing safety measures. Despite concerns, Tangalooma Island Resort director David James confirmed that tourism had not been significantly impacted by the incident.

What’s Next?

Authorities have yet to identify the species of shark involved in the attack. Fisheries Queensland confirmed that no Shark Control Program measures are in place at the Wrecks site, raising further questions about safety precautions in high-traffic snorkelling and swimming areas.

A government review of shark safety policies is expected to be released soon. Mr Crisafulli reiterated that human safety will take priority over other considerations.

Marine experts advise swimmers, divers, and snorkellers in Moreton Bay to exercise caution, particularly in areas with known shark activity.

Published 24-Feb-2025

Looking For: Operator for New Barge Service from Redcliffe to Moreton Island

Photo credit: Sarah Stewart, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The planned reactivation of a barge service that will transport passengers from Redcliffe to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) may have to wait a little longer as the State Government opens another tender process to find a willing operator.

Despite strong community support for a new barge service between Redcliffe Peninsula and Moreton Island, the future of the proposed project is still unclear as no decision has been made yet as to who the proponent would be.

The State Government has already committed $4 million to go towards building related infrastructure that will make the project commercially viable. Specifically, the amount will fund the construction of a road to allow access to the barge landing site along with a seawall.

Several calls for a tender have already been made and whilst several proponents responded to the calls, an operator is yet to be officially named. A new invitation to offer was opened on 5 November 2021 and will close at 3:00 p.m. on 14 January 2022.

“The State is seeking offers from appropriately qualified and experienced Proponents with demonstrated experience in developing, owning and operating a commercial barge service and who are willing to establish a new service from a location on the Redcliffe Peninsula to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin),” the new invitation stated.

Combie Trader II ceased to operate beginning 2008 and since then, locals have been calling for the reinstatement of the defunct barge service. In 2017, the State Government funded a business case study and identified that the most suitable spot for the proposed project is at the northern arm of Scarborough Boat Harbor. However, other sites could also be considered depending on the outcome of the invitation to offer.

“While the initial process didn’t find a viable commercial opportunity at this location, we know there is still strong interest to potentially operate it from other sites on the peninsula,” Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said in a statement late last year.

“That’s why I’ve asked Minister Bailey and his department to expand the EOI process to see what opportunities might be available for other sites.”

Re-Explore Beautiful Queensland at Tangalooma Island Resort

Travel is slowly restarting amidst the pandemic crisis and while safety is still a primary concern, now is the best time to re-explore the beauty of the local region as restrictions have been eased. If you want to escape to a perfect holiday after months of lockdown, then make plans to visit Tangalooma Island Resort in Moreton Island, right off Brisbane’s doorstep.

Tangalooma Island Resort officially re-opened on 26 June 2020 and it’s now back to taking bookings for heaps of activities to make your holiday worthwhile.

From day trips to overnight accommodations and weekend holidays, a short visit to this paradise should help recharge, reconnect, and raise the spirits.

Despite a few COVID-19 government restrictions, there’s still so much to see and do at this resort for couples, families and small groups of friends, especially when they need some island fix and can’t travel too far from Brisbane.

Among the activities to enjoy at the resort include:

Guided tours at the Eco Centre
Pampering at the Massage and Beauty Centre
Segwey Tour
Marine Discovery Cruise
Desert Safari Tour
Snorkeling Tour
Whale Watching/Bus Safari
Heaps of Tangalooma watersports activities

Photo Credit: droneshotsby_ on IG/Tangalooma Island Resort/Facebook

Some restaurants will be open for takeaway only while the evening activities, including the usual resort entertainment, will not take place.

To know the attractions and activities that you can do on the island in this new normal, Tangalooma Island Resort has prepared a schedule for 9 July to 22 July 2020. Guests may also check their weekly guides for updates or changes.

Booking, tour accommodations, and pool capacity will be limited to encourage social distancing.

Photo Credit: Star_Tar on IG/Tangalooma Island Resort/Facebook

“The Resort will operate with enhanced health and hygiene protocols across all aspects of our business to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff,” the management of the resort announced. “While most of the activities and tours available at the resort will still be operating, there have been modifications to the way we deliver our services to comply with all COVID Safe guidelines and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.”