GuyG
25th October 2011, 10:17 PM
I'll start by saying what a Fantastic Trip. Thanks to everyone who made it. We covered the full length of the Island and a reasonable number of the inland tracks. I know I did just on 900km:eek: and unsure how much fuel, but who cares the V8's sounded sweet.
Attendees:
GuyG - rangie
Grimace - rangie
Jaffa - rangie
Outlaw & Tom - rangie
TimJ & Phil - Pinzguer
WhiteD3 & kids - D4
DJHampson & JWHampson - D3
Aquarangie - disco, but at least it was a v8
Busman and family - disco
Noz & kids - defender
Rat, Ratwoman & Tom - defender
We had a split departure time, with a few opting for the very early start and going via Gympie and the remainder starting slightly later and heading via Tewantin and up Cooloola Coast, Leisha track and all the way to Rainbow Beach on the sand. This hasn't been possible in recent times due to the rocks near the Rainbow Beach township. It also gave us maximum time offroad and close up view of the coloured sands.
A permit is now required for this section also, but it is possible to get a combined permit for Cooloola and Fraser online but you have to do it in a seperate booking to the camping permits, you do save some money doing it this way.
Having topped up with fuel at Rainbow Beach we headed via the road to the barge at Inskip Point. As the tide was low we were able to stay on the beach round Hook Point and went straight up the beach to Dundaburra where we were camped for the trip. Dundaburra is located about 76km from Hook Point. There were lots of large Blue Bottles all along the beach.
The remainder of the day was fairly relaxed. A few of us walked the track up to view the Wungul Sandblow which is located just inland from the campgrounds - there are photos in other reports. There was no fire and an early night was had.
We had a change of plans on the Saturday and instead of hitting the normal tourist spots, ie Lake McKenzie etc, we headed to Valley of the Giants to view the huge trees, we past the track a few years ago on one of Stevo's trips but didn't actually see them. Its amazing how the landscape changes as you drive through the island. Tip for driving through less commonly used tracks - don't have your fishing rods on the roof, preferably leave them at camp: vine 1, fishing rod 0 :mad: Grimace had a similar result.
As all the maps showed different details as to whether the track was a loop or not, we went looking. There were a few walks to view the larger trees - a few commented that they thought we were a 4wding club:p, but theres always walking to check out the harder sections of tracks. These trees can also be accessed from the Great Walk when it re-opens after the water level drops enough to make the track dry and useable. The Great Walk starts at Dilli Village and works its way northwards ending at Happy Valley, which by the way is no longer has a shop, bar or a fuel station.
We travelled westward along Bogimbah Road entering through Poyungan Valley, then onto Postans Road and into the Valley of the Giants loop road. Having completed the loop some of the group thought that beers, backpackers and a swim in Eli Creek sounded better than further exploration towards the western side of the Island. The rest of us continued across on towards Urang and Bogimbah Creeks to see the remains of the Logging loading areas and an old wooden boat ramp. There are quite a few remains that are no longer accessable. Lunch was had and a brief fish before we headed back towards camp via Happy Valley. It was getting on a bit by now but luckily there was still plenty of beach that was reasonably hard to drive on. We did stop and check the best spot to cross Eli Creek.
Unfortunately The Rats had to head home as work called on Monday and due to the tides etc we were unable to change the Sandy Cape trip to Saturday - hopefully the photos help.
Sunday was a reasonably early start due to the tides and having to get to Sandy Cape. First stop was Orchid Beach shop for Fuel and an ice cream, before continueing on to Ngkala Rocks bypass tracks. There are normally about three sections but with the build up of sand all the rocks were covered. Everyone made it through the first section with ease, then it was a smooth drive up the beach to the Cape. Most stopped on the corner where the Breaksea Spit continues out into the Ocean for another 40 odd km off the tip of Fraser. We continued round to the Light House entry track. No cars are allowed on the beach further than this point and its a walking track up to the Light House. Its only 1.2km but its quite a steep hill. There are also the Grave Stones and the RAAF Bunker to view while at the Cape - these are also 1.2km walk each way.
Most of us climbed the large sand dune, you can't go all that way and not do it, although about half way up I considered jumping on the sand board and heading back down, but I made it to the top and attempted to slide back down.
Lunch was had at Ocean Lake as there was shade and facilities. Then we started to make our way home via Orchid Beach for more fuel and another Ice Cream, Waddy Point and then onto Champayne Pools for a swim. It was reasonably close to high tide when we started heading down the beach so the first bit below Indian Head was a bit tough and slow going.
Monday saw another part of the group head home, the rest of us had a rest day, with some fishing, a bit of Eli Creek and Mark and the boys heading to Central Station, Lake Mackenzie and Kingfisher Resort for Lunch. There were a few keepable fish caught, but most were undersize. Yes we have photos to show - just for Presto, oh and because I think its the biggest Whiting I've caught.
Tuesday the rest of us packed up and headed home via Central Station, Lake Mackenzie and then down the Scenic Drive via the Lakes which brought us out at Dilli Village, before heading south to the barge.
Once on the mainland, we had a brief look at the sink hole which formed mid year at Inskip Point, then ducked back onto the road to come back onto the beach so that we could travel back to Rainbow Beach via the beach instead of on the road. Grimace and I checked the beach/rocks at Rainbow to confirm we had enough time etc to Travel back the way we came up. It was all good, so up for more fuel and collect the others before heading home via Double Island Point, Leisha Track and down Cooloola Beach.
I've got some photos that I will post soon.
Attendees:
GuyG - rangie
Grimace - rangie
Jaffa - rangie
Outlaw & Tom - rangie
TimJ & Phil - Pinzguer
WhiteD3 & kids - D4
DJHampson & JWHampson - D3
Aquarangie - disco, but at least it was a v8
Busman and family - disco
Noz & kids - defender
Rat, Ratwoman & Tom - defender
We had a split departure time, with a few opting for the very early start and going via Gympie and the remainder starting slightly later and heading via Tewantin and up Cooloola Coast, Leisha track and all the way to Rainbow Beach on the sand. This hasn't been possible in recent times due to the rocks near the Rainbow Beach township. It also gave us maximum time offroad and close up view of the coloured sands.
A permit is now required for this section also, but it is possible to get a combined permit for Cooloola and Fraser online but you have to do it in a seperate booking to the camping permits, you do save some money doing it this way.
Having topped up with fuel at Rainbow Beach we headed via the road to the barge at Inskip Point. As the tide was low we were able to stay on the beach round Hook Point and went straight up the beach to Dundaburra where we were camped for the trip. Dundaburra is located about 76km from Hook Point. There were lots of large Blue Bottles all along the beach.
The remainder of the day was fairly relaxed. A few of us walked the track up to view the Wungul Sandblow which is located just inland from the campgrounds - there are photos in other reports. There was no fire and an early night was had.
We had a change of plans on the Saturday and instead of hitting the normal tourist spots, ie Lake McKenzie etc, we headed to Valley of the Giants to view the huge trees, we past the track a few years ago on one of Stevo's trips but didn't actually see them. Its amazing how the landscape changes as you drive through the island. Tip for driving through less commonly used tracks - don't have your fishing rods on the roof, preferably leave them at camp: vine 1, fishing rod 0 :mad: Grimace had a similar result.
As all the maps showed different details as to whether the track was a loop or not, we went looking. There were a few walks to view the larger trees - a few commented that they thought we were a 4wding club:p, but theres always walking to check out the harder sections of tracks. These trees can also be accessed from the Great Walk when it re-opens after the water level drops enough to make the track dry and useable. The Great Walk starts at Dilli Village and works its way northwards ending at Happy Valley, which by the way is no longer has a shop, bar or a fuel station.
We travelled westward along Bogimbah Road entering through Poyungan Valley, then onto Postans Road and into the Valley of the Giants loop road. Having completed the loop some of the group thought that beers, backpackers and a swim in Eli Creek sounded better than further exploration towards the western side of the Island. The rest of us continued across on towards Urang and Bogimbah Creeks to see the remains of the Logging loading areas and an old wooden boat ramp. There are quite a few remains that are no longer accessable. Lunch was had and a brief fish before we headed back towards camp via Happy Valley. It was getting on a bit by now but luckily there was still plenty of beach that was reasonably hard to drive on. We did stop and check the best spot to cross Eli Creek.
Unfortunately The Rats had to head home as work called on Monday and due to the tides etc we were unable to change the Sandy Cape trip to Saturday - hopefully the photos help.
Sunday was a reasonably early start due to the tides and having to get to Sandy Cape. First stop was Orchid Beach shop for Fuel and an ice cream, before continueing on to Ngkala Rocks bypass tracks. There are normally about three sections but with the build up of sand all the rocks were covered. Everyone made it through the first section with ease, then it was a smooth drive up the beach to the Cape. Most stopped on the corner where the Breaksea Spit continues out into the Ocean for another 40 odd km off the tip of Fraser. We continued round to the Light House entry track. No cars are allowed on the beach further than this point and its a walking track up to the Light House. Its only 1.2km but its quite a steep hill. There are also the Grave Stones and the RAAF Bunker to view while at the Cape - these are also 1.2km walk each way.
Most of us climbed the large sand dune, you can't go all that way and not do it, although about half way up I considered jumping on the sand board and heading back down, but I made it to the top and attempted to slide back down.
Lunch was had at Ocean Lake as there was shade and facilities. Then we started to make our way home via Orchid Beach for more fuel and another Ice Cream, Waddy Point and then onto Champayne Pools for a swim. It was reasonably close to high tide when we started heading down the beach so the first bit below Indian Head was a bit tough and slow going.
Monday saw another part of the group head home, the rest of us had a rest day, with some fishing, a bit of Eli Creek and Mark and the boys heading to Central Station, Lake Mackenzie and Kingfisher Resort for Lunch. There were a few keepable fish caught, but most were undersize. Yes we have photos to show - just for Presto, oh and because I think its the biggest Whiting I've caught.
Tuesday the rest of us packed up and headed home via Central Station, Lake Mackenzie and then down the Scenic Drive via the Lakes which brought us out at Dilli Village, before heading south to the barge.
Once on the mainland, we had a brief look at the sink hole which formed mid year at Inskip Point, then ducked back onto the road to come back onto the beach so that we could travel back to Rainbow Beach via the beach instead of on the road. Grimace and I checked the beach/rocks at Rainbow to confirm we had enough time etc to Travel back the way we came up. It was all good, so up for more fuel and collect the others before heading home via Double Island Point, Leisha Track and down Cooloola Beach.
I've got some photos that I will post soon.