Moreton Island -  Australia Day Weekend 25-28 January 2008

Trip leaders: Graham and Ann Thatcher (10 nights)

Moreton Island Adventurers: Ken Winders; Eric, Kim and Anna Rusis; Graham, Jan, Natalie and Leah Corbett (10 nights); Allan Jefford, Minna Ludlow, Ben and Zac; John Veling (4 nights); Richard and Josie McKinnon and family; Bernie and Judy Cox; Craig and Bernadette Carter and Family; Richard Murphy; Matthew and Perri Hunsche and Family  (3 nights).

Fact 1: Graham and Ann were suppose to be in Paris so this gives you an idea how good Moreton Island really is (hands down Moreton Island)

Fact 2: You don’t go for just the weekend. It is too short.

Fact 3: Did you know our Club was full of IT Yuppies?

YES, you heard me right. Yuppies. I mean, where else can you find members such as Graham T and Eric R on wireless internet laptops brokering deals, paying wages or making their fortune? Or Jan Corbett working on the Club magazine. Yes, only on Moreton Island.

I have never been to Moreton Island but I can remember when I joined the Club that this is one trip I wanted to do.  I finally got around to it 2 years later.

Where can I start? How can I tell you about the time we had? Well it started for me getting up at 4.00am on Friday to catch the MiCat ferry across. On board were the Hunsche, Carter and McKinnon families but I didn’t know them at that time (one of the good things about the Club is meeting new people). On arrival we were met by Graham who directed us to our campsite so that we could start waking everyone up. I mean it was early!!.   

Camp site was superb. Shady, sheltered, views of the ocean, ships going past, dolphins, metres to the water, full of Australian flags, banners and bunting and secluded from others (had the area to ourselves). In fact, when the tides were high we were very secluded as access was restricted. Flushing toilets/cold showers were also about 1 km away.

After catching up with all the campers and introducing the new arrivals that afternoon we headed off to Kooringal on the SW point. Wow I thought. Our first excursion as first timers. But then I realised it was just an excuse for the others to get prawns and oysters for happy hour that night at Gutters Bar at Kooringal (I wonder if they ordered it online with their laptops?). Tracks around Tangalooma were compacted due to the rain over the week so it was relatively easy going but we did have to stop on the beach for 45 mins due to high tides.

But now for the real action!! Our first happy hour. Prawns, oysters and all the new food bought over by the new adventurers that day. That night Richard Murphy, Bernie and Judy Cox also arrived and set up (but luckily after all the prawns were consumed) and we had the Loys drop in to say hello (on the island but not with our group).

Saturday was Australia Day so after saying “Good morning mate” and breakfast we headed off for North Point (NE point of Island) for a swim and lunch. Most of it was beach driving to Bulwer and then some inland tracks to the point. Judy and Bernie decided to get out their land surfer (looks like a big pram with a sail attached) but the wind was too light. After lunch we then headed up to Cape Moreton Lighthouse which is the oldest one in Queensland and then along the beach south for a swim at Blue Lagoon. After mingling with the Japanese tourists we headed back through the inland track to prepare for the legendary Australia Day happy hour and meal.

Now I have heard that when Graham says get dressed up, you get dressed up. So we had a lawn mower (Ken), large thongs (Rusis’s), Aussie sayings pinned on shirts (Corbetts), Cricketers and just lots of Aussies in all sorts of gear. Ooops – and a Kangaroo with a push button nose (Minna). Ella Baché prizes were given out by the Thatchers (again ordered on-line via laptop ??) and there were no surprises who got them. We also had the communal dinner and Minna tested our Aussie knowledge with a 15 question quiz. Quizes after a few drinks?? Well you can imagine the answers given! How many stars on the Australian flag (6 before drinks and double that after drinks).

Sunday saw the Kangaroo (and the tribe) hop out early and depart the island and the rest of us headed to big desert for the sand tobogganing competition. Graham T being a veteran was the first to go down and he immediately set the bench mark as it was a while until it was broken by Brent (Gold) and Perri Hunsche (Silver). Covered in sand and looking like old nomads we then headed back to camp for a swim before tides locked us out. The afternoon was a leisurely one with some going to the wrecks for a snorkel and swim.

Monday saw a small number leave at 7.00am for a trip and walk up Mount Tempest (eastern side of Island). Now the name should give away what sort of climb you were in for. No, not Mt Easy, nor Mt Medium. Well it certainly had my heart pulse racing. The rest of the short stayers also left that day with the ferry service running a long way behind time. Hate to think what time the Hunsche family got home.

Tuesday saw the rest of us pack up with the only downside being the start of drizzling rain. Weather wise it had been good.

For those who haven’t done Moreton Island cancel the Paris or O/S trip for next year. This is a must do. I will definitely be back but as a long termer this time.

To Graham and Ann a big thanks from all of us. It was a great Aussie weekend.

John Veling

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