Mooloolaba to Double Island Point

11 - 14 June 2020
Double Island Point sits north of the Sunshine Coast and just south of Fraser Island. Rainbow Beach curves around the northerly side of the point. As the passage after this leg will require us crossing the Wide Bay bar, notorious for dangerous, choppy conditions, we will wait at Double Island Point until the wind, tide and weather are suitable to cross.

The passage to Double Island Point is about 50 nm or up to 10 hours sailing from Mooloolaba. We needed to leave early but still timed for an outgoing tide so crossing the bar is not too rough. We motored towards the river mouth past the waterfront properties, numerous anchored boats and commercial premises – bugger we missed that James Squire brewery!! Apart from a few risk-taking surfers in our pathway the bar crossing was relatively gentle with a slow two metre roll. We turned north, again feeling like we were starting a new adventure – that’s excitement not dementia!

There were a lot of firsts for us on this journey. It was interesting seeing the Sunshine Coast from the sea. In the distance we could see a whale breeching. Absolutely wonderful although it was impossible to photograph for the cynics (Sandi) as the whales would

not pose when required and insisted in staying at zoom distance. Do you know how hard it is to take a photo whilst your floor is moving up and down in unpredictable rhythms?

The wind was good at 9-14 knots from the south east. The following (behind us) waves, at 3 meters were a little intimidating as they washed the back lower steps. We made good time and were anchored by 5pm.

Double Island Point
As you can see from the charts Double Island Point has developed a lagoon at the tip apparently the result of some recent storms. A sandbank has built up extending Rainbow beach. This is fortunate for us as it is deep enough for catamarans but not for monohulls with their deeper keels. We were able to anchor here with our friends

from No Regrets and a few other cats.

What we didn’t expect was the beach highway. From dawn to dusk numerous 4WD drive up and down the length of the beach revving loudly when they (frequently) get into sand bogs. It is funny when the tide is coming in and panic sets in. Some seem to be going to camp spots or fishing but many seem to be just beach bashing – or are we just old and cranky?

The cliffs behind Rainbow Beach vaguely look like an ochre-shaded rainbow. It is very beautiful and would be a good walk without the 4WDs. Double Island Point Lighthouse is supposedly a great walk (how can it be if it is uphill) with a view of the coast, Fraser Island and Wolf Rock, a diving site. We will get there one day. This is the start of the “no dog” National Parks dilemma for us.

Hanging out at Double Island Point
The weather was reasonable during our time in the lagoon. It was generally fine with scattered light showers and some overcast weather. Just what we had come to expect from “sunny” Queensland. Our friends on Temptress and Waterfront arrived and anchored in the lagoon and all four boats planned to “cross the bar” together when the time was right.

The next couple of days were like childhood summers (except it was winter) – feet in the water, walking, eating when we felt like it – no plans and no responsibilities. Tallis enjoyed running free. We hung out on the new sandbank and had picnics. We saw turtles, stingrays, pelicans, gannets and lots of other birdlife. We had “sundowners” on each other’s boats. One day I was rinsing our dishes with sea water before washing and I noticed a jelly fish in the sink. This is something I had not considered before.

Another day we heard a noise coming from the bottom of our boat. Mark from Temptress had been diving and was still wearing a mask and snorkel. He decided to clean the bottom of our boat. After 5

months in the water Summer Breeze was starting to collect wild life under the water line.

You are continually fighting with nature. All boats are treated with antifoul paint which lasts 12-18 months depending on where you are, whether the boat is moving or static and how frequently you remove visible crustaceans, soft corals and other assorted wildlife. Antifoul treatments require the boat to be removed from the water, cleaned and repainting - big dollars.

And now……
We are planning to move south before the cyclone season. New crew are expected any day now. Welcome Louise.

Today’s Reflections
What’s good: Spending time with Captain John. The new Queensland State of Origin team is pretty good.
What’s bad: The sound of the anchor chain dragging on the bottom of the sea, magnified at night.
What we have learnt: You CAN have too many sausages in the freezer.

Photos:
P 85-86 Mooloolaba River
P 87 The Crew
P 88 Maps and Overview of Double Island Point
P 89 Arriving at Double Island Point
P 90 Rainbow Beach
P 91 Captain and First Mate
P 92-96 Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach

Next: Double Island Point to Tin Can Bay