Sun Sweat and Sandwiches

18 September 2021

The plan was to head up to Bribie Island for a scenic drive up the inland track and a lazy lunch on the beach. 

It was the beginning of the school holidays so there were lots of people about. The BP at Caboolture was already crazy at 9am.  After a quick brief by Stu under the pagoda outside where it was slightly quieter, we were off to join the line of cars heading up the Bruce.  

Luckily the turn off wasn’t far and we were able to avoid most of the traffic. 

It was a beautiful day with sunny skies and a light breeze.  Once on the Island we turned left, following the directions to White Patch. Over Channel 16 Bec told us a sad story about accidently smashing two new bottles of Bundaberg Rum in her driveway without even getting to open then (so sad) while we drove through quiet residential estates. Once through them and alongside the quieter waters of Pumicestone Passage, the houses thinned out (aside from one notable dwelling with an assortment of weird and wonderful garden ornaments made from metal).  Then it was time to air down for the Inland track. 

After another, longer brief from Stu it was time to head off, for what was supposed to be a scenic drive up the Island Centre. 

I’ve personally been up the track many times, but I have to say that I’ve never seen it that boggy. There had been no rain in a long time and the sand had literally turned to powder making the journey very slippery. People got stuck, some several times. Thanks to all who stopped, helped, and winched. It was a long slog and we all had to drive to the conditions.  

Sadly, Rhiannon had to turn back very early, an issue arising with her car. Julie-Anne and Murray saw her home safely.   

Passing through a changing terrain of sand dunes, native forests, marsh land and pine plantations, we finally – finally – emerged at Ocean Beach where the water sparkled and the waves crashed. Setting up just past the camping grounds, we set up our awnings and enjoyed a well deserved lunch and a bevvy or two. 

It was a little too cold to swim for most, although some of the kids gave it a go.   Then it was time for a drive to see the forts, remnants from WW2 that are slowing being reclaimed by the beach. 

Heading home in the afternoon, the tide was out so the sand was a like a highway –  happy days after the slow crawl of that morning!

All up, it was a great day. Thanks for all who came along 

Hollie Baker