The bay extends some 160 km from Caloundra in the north almost to Surfers Paradise in the south and is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a chain of three sand islands - Moreton Island in the north, North Stradbroke Island, and South Stradbroke Island in the south. Tipplers Passage is the main channel on the western coast of South Stradbroke Island. The Gold Coast Seaway is at the southern extent of Moreton Bay, before the Gold Coast Broadwater.

The bay itself contains around 360 islands in total. This includes the populated Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands collectively known as the Southern Moreton Bay Islands with Coochiemudlo Island just to the north and to the east Moreton and North Stradbroke Island.

Moreton Island National Park, St Helena Island National Park and the Moreton Bay Marine Park are designated under the Marine Park Zoning Plan which was declared in 1993 and covers 3400 square kilometres. These parks are put in place to protect the abundant wildlife and marine life including whales, dolphins, dugong, sharks and turtles. Due to this the bay is extremely popular with recreational anglers ,sightseers and tourists.

Many families are making a lifestyle change to the Islands of Moreton Bay, and to cater for this, new services, shops and activities are popping up quickly.