Most screw pile projects start with a truck arriving on site.
This one started with a ferry ride.
When Ideal Foundations was engaged to install screw piles for a new cabana development at Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, we knew this wasn’t going to be a typical project.
The goal was to provide the foundations for a series of guest cabanas located just metres from the beach. With stunning ocean views and a premium resort setting, the structures needed a foundation solution that could perform in challenging coastal conditions while minimising disruption to the surrounding environment.
1. Getting to Site Was Half the Job
Unlike most mainland projects, reaching the site required careful planning.
The screw piles, equipment and machinery were transported to the island by barge, while our team travelled separately and took a ute across on the MICAT ferry.
Once on Moreton Island, it wasn’t a matter of simply following a road to site.
We drove along the beach to reach the work area, with the ocean on one side and the island’s natural landscape on the other. It’s not every day that getting to work feels like part of an adventure.
A unique island project combining remote logistics, beachfront construction and stunning resort surroundings.
2. Building on Sand
The project involved the installation of 59 galvanised screw piles with adjustable caps.
These piles were selected to support a series of resort cabanas while providing a durable foundation solution suitable for the island’s sandy coastal environment.
Screw piles are particularly effective in these conditions. They can be installed quickly, create minimal site disturbance, and provide immediate load-bearing capacity without the need for extensive excavation.
For a resort environment where efficiency and environmental considerations matter, they were an ideal solution.
Installing 59 galvanised screw piles for new beachfront cabanas at Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island.
3. An Unexpected Discovery
Every project presents its own challenges.
For this one, the challenge came from the site’s history.
During installation, the team encountered buried debris from the area’s past use as an old whaling station. One of the most significant discoveries was a large steel beam hidden beneath the surface.
The beam had to be excavated, cut and removed before works could continue.
It’s the type of unexpected obstacle that doesn’t appear on plans but can quickly become part of the day’s work on a unique site like this.
4. More Than Just a Construction Site
While the project kept the team busy during the day, Tangalooma offered a few memorable moments after hours.
The team arrived on Tuesday afternoon and remained on the island until Thursday morning.
One of the highlights was seeing dolphins around the resort during the evenings — a reminder that this wasn’t your typical construction environment.
Between the beachside setting, tropical surroundings and ocean views, it was certainly one of the more unique locations we’ve worked in.
5. The Result
By the end of the project, all 59 galvanised screw piles with adjustable caps had been successfully installed and were ready to support the new cabanas for Tangalooma Island Resort guests.
The project demonstrated the flexibility of screw pile foundations and the ability of the Ideal Foundations team to deliver projects in challenging and remote locations.
Whether it’s a suburban backyard, a commercial development, or an island resort accessible only by ferry, the objective remains the same:
Deliver reliable foundations that are built to last.
And sometimes, enjoy a few dolphins along the way.
