Trip Report: Moreton Island 14-16 June 2011

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Two PP members, Bilda and myself were ready for our first rip to Moreton in our Prados. We had been there previously but always in other vehicles so we were keen to see how the Prados would handle the tracks. Bidla (Alan and Julie and friends Mike and Ann) drives a 2008 GXL diesel, and myself Pradogang (Jim and Chris, our daughter Catherine and her school friend Samantha) have a 2004 GXL V6.

　

　

　

The Micat, the ferry which runs from the Brisbane River to Tangalooma was full. Airing down to 20psi we were ready to go.

75 minutes later you are pulliong up at the western beach at Tangalooma, crystal clear water, sandhills and the iconic wrecks


A quick drive up the western beach to Cowan. Here you are required to take the detour behind Cowan as the beach is closed to traffic.


Next stop is the village of Bulwer our base for the weekend. I used to come here often for school camps and it is a little sad that the Combie Trader barge which used to service Morteon from Scarborough is no longer running. The garage is closed so bowser fuel is no longer available, but I have been told that you can buy it in jerrycans from the Bulwer shop.

We settled into our bunkhouse accommodation (very basic but it was so cheap thanks to a Cudo deal ($299 for two nights accommodation for 4 including return fare on the Micat). We were housed in what is used as the boys dormitory, (40 beds for only 8 people so space was not an issue), where I spent a lot of time on school camps persuading the boys that 1.00 am was really a good time for sleep. The first night used to be tough but after a day on the sandhills they were happy to be in bed early.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

We drove over to the eastern beach passing Honeyeater Lake on the way. The track was in good shape and the Prados were handling it effortlessly.

It always great to arrive at an open beach.



Alan was keen to try out his new awning and it worked a treat.


The fishing did little more than provide food for the fish but it was relaxing to be away.

Back to Bulwer to get some firewood and then down to the beach to watch the sunset.


Next day we decided to drive down the eastern beach to Kooringal and then come back up the western side past Tangalooma.

Alan trying out his new OME suspension setup.

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Jim's turn with the Bilsteins.

　

We met up with some ex-students from Alexandra Hills Primary who were also holidaying on Moreton and they offered to show us the old Rous gun emplacements which were put there in WW2.

Their Jimny got stuck on the way in.

　

No problem for the Prados.


　

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

A great spot for morning tea.



Some of the remnants of the gun battery are still in good condition. The bunker at the bottom of these stairs was pitch black.





Some young sharp eyes found a geocache which contained a booklet outlining the history to the place.

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Next stop was Kooringal which is on the southern end of the Island, you can look across the South Passage Bar and see Stradbroke Island. It is great to have two magnificent islands so close to Brisbane.

　
Sadly the bar which used to operate is now closed.



Some of the local soldier crabs on the move.



We now headed up the western beach towards Tangalooma. Keeping an eye on the incoming tide. It is an interesting drive with mudflats/mangroves on your left and towering sandhills on your right.



Heading north towards Tangalooma. The tide was on its way in but we were okay.

The sandhills were a challenge

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A spectacular view over Moreton Bay. You can see the Brisbane CBD in the background.





The track on the Tangalooma bypass were a little soft but not too challenging.

Back up to Bulwer for a quiet drink and a chat about a great day.



Hey dad, I've got my P Plates how about a drive?

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After surviving the learner's first drive on sand our thoughts turned to dinner. Chris offered to provide some fresh fish!



Plan B. Let's enjoy another sunset at the Bulwer wrecks



We awoke refreshed after a great night where the girls entertained us with some of their song and dance routines,

There is something special about not having to go to work on a Monday morning, so we packed up the vehicles and headed off to explore the northern part of Moreton before returning home on the afternoon ferry.

Taylor Bight was very windy and the damp sand made it hard going with the Prados fully loaded so we decided to head up to North Point and Honeymoon Bay.

A view of the north west part of the island.


The flora is stunning.

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We headed on to Honeymoon Bay which is always a treat to enjoy.


And then we walked over to North Point. You can see why rock fishing is so dangerous.




Rain was closing in so we headed up to Cape Moreton lighthouse.

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The view from Cape Moreton lighthouse is always good. We could see the rain squalls approaching from the south east so our time there was cut short so we didn't have time to find the geocache there. The gravestones tell some sad tales and the museum/information centre is very informative.


Flinders Reef to the north.


A steep but easy drive had us down on the eastern beach. The rain hit us hard but the beach was wide and very firm so we slowed down and drove carefully until it passed. Unfortunately we did not get to see the Blue Lagoon but there is always next time.

We now accessed the middle track across to the western beach to meet up with the Micat for the journey home. Turning on to the track completed our trip around the island.
Fine weather retuned and the rain had firmed up the track. It is in the best condition I have ever seen it.

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An effortless drive across the island and we safely arrived at the western beach. It was good to see the Micat ready to take us onboard




Goodbye to a magical place.



Mmmn! where to next?

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Oops just realised I put June instead of May in the title. Is it possible to amend this?

cheers

Jim

[Goodwinfamily Member Find all posts View Profile Close Goodwinfamily]

Wow

Thanks for the photos and info

looks like it was great

thanks

Goodie

[hdtdamo5 Member Find all posts View Profile Close hdtdamo5]

Wow. Looks like it was a great trip. Definately on my list of places where I want to get to!

Thanks for the pics and info!

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Excellent stuff Jim, looks like a good trip, glad you got the picture posting sorted out!

Cheers Andrew

[JPM21 Member Find all posts View Profile Close JPM21]

Great report Jim well done. I always enjoy reading a trip report thanks for taking the time to do it.

Was Alan upset no one sat in the shade that his awning made!