Bundy to Brissy

Leaving behind the tentacles of the termite inspectors and with the final custom paper “Authority to Deal” safely in hand we set sails to go south. The pain of an empty valet was soon replaced with a better mood when the Great Sandy Strait appeared sheltered between Fraser Island and the mainland.  Sneaking around the many shallow sand bars was a bit challenging after being used to blue water! We eventually anchored at Sheridan Flat on the west coast of Fraser Island waving to Neil and Ruth on Ruthea. The sunset over the calm waters was magnificent.

Sheridan Flat/Fraser Island Sunset

Double Point Lighthouse

 Quickly off to the south entrance, we anchored in Pelican Bay among several well-known boats all waiting for a weather window to go further south.  Next morning we were off in a NE soft breeze negotiating the sandy spit and passing the Double Point Lighthouse. Then no wind, little wind and motoring by Noosa Head to enter Mooloolaba River just before sunset. We caught no fish!

At sunrise we left in light NE winds passing Caloundra Head and Bribie Island to enter Morton Bay and straight to Brisbane River. We caught no fish!

Minor traffic obstacles in the river

Brisbane CBD and the Botanical Garden moorings

The Story Bridge

 Brisbane River is an interesting experience. The river mouth is a busy place with rows of container ships, Roll-Off-Roll-On boxes and bulk carriers waiting to get in and out.  Passing the Rivergate Bridge, the local river traffic sets in. It’s a long way in before finally getting under the Story Bridge at Brisbane CBD. At sunset we anchored just upstream of the Botanical Garden in a marginal place. Although the Brisbane CBD is spectacular, the anchorage and the pole moorings are not! Next morning we decided to leave this experiment behind and found shelter in Scarborough Marina five miles north of the river mouth. It is time to see the family.