Moreton Island welcomed the GC4WDC in fine form with sun, sand, storms, mechanical drama and just enough chaos to make it memorable.
The Early Start and the Traditional Welcome
The trip began with various barge crossings, including Josh’s heroic 2:30 am arrival to an eerily empty island.
Before we had even warmed the tyres, Moreton delivered its customary initiation.
A fully bogged novice driver.
Driving a Ford.
Blocking the track.
An hour of digging in 40 degree heat later, accompanied by expert advice such as “Try low range” and “No, lower than that”, the convoy rolled on, sweatier and bonded for life.
Blue Lagoon, Heat and Rusty’s Curry
Camp was established under a sun hot enough to melt optimism. The now legendary 300 metre march to Blue Lagoon followed. Cool water at the end, but at the cost of most of the skin on our feet.
Afternoons were divided between coma level naps, fake productivity and beach escapes.
Then came the weather shift. Tarps were tightened, pegs were reinforced and Rusty unveiled a beef tikka masala devoured by Steve D, Kath and Trevor in reverent silence.
The silence ended the following day.
Fishing, Fitness and the Gutter Bar
Mark was up early fishing.
Steve E ran along the beach like humidity and common sense do not apply to him.
Selwyn rejoined the group after a 30 year absence from the island, proving Moreton has not lost its magic.
Lunch at the Gutter Bar delivered:
Elite fish and chips
Cold beverages
Winter Olympics viewing
GC4WDC members cheering like we personally coached the athletes
Camp Move and the Great Hamburger Rescue
The decision was made to relocate west.
Fishing attempts continued.
The fish maintained their boycott.
That evening, Steve D wandered camp without food, again, until Stephen E performed the now famous Hamburger Rescue. The second consecutive night of sympathy catering.
Club spirit was strong.
The Wreck Swim and the Human Anchor
A swim toward the Tangalooma Wrecks was attempted.
Shane led confidently.
Steve D, post shoulder surgery and not a strong swimmer, took on the critical safety role of Human Anchor.
After approximately 10 metres of progress, it became clear the anchoring system was highly effective. A boat retrieval followed.
No records were broken.
Day 3. Bacon, Champagne Pools and Ship Watching
Stephen E cooked a mountain of bacon and eggs.
Stephen D inhaled his portion with Olympic determination.
Shane and family joined the convoy to Champagne Pools.
Mark, Josh and Russ fished again.
Still nothing.
Others walked Honeymoon Bay, a standout highlight for many.
Trevor, Kath and Kris stayed at camp watching the steady parade of cruise and container ships like seasoned seaside retirees.
That night, the campfire brought everyone together. Stories flowed, laughter echoed and Josh remained by the flames long after others turned in, guarding ancient secrets.
Mechanical Drama and the Fines List
No trip is complete without a few infractions.
Fines issued for:
Josh. Paddling into the channel to drop bait
Selwyn. Losing a rear guard on day one
Mark. Parking in vegetation and attracting ranger attention
Rusty. Reversing into a tree and destroying his reversing camera
Rusty. Bringing a full case of beer as bribes despite not drinking beer
Steve E. Allegedly abandoning the group for another campground
Steve D. Attempting the wreck swim post shoulder surgery
Steve D. Not bringing food and surviving on sympathy burgers
Trevor. Flattening his battery on the final day
Trevor and Kath. Booking the wrong return ferry day
Christine. Doing absolutely nothing wrong, which remains suspicious
Trevor Versus Fate
Trevor’s battery died just as departure loomed.
Jump leads appeared.
Advice was shouted.
The engine restarted.
Trevor did not.
Feeling victorious, Trevor and Kath rolled up to the Micat terminal.
Only to discover the booking was for the wrong day.
Not the wrong ferry.
The wrong day entirely.
Witnesses described Kath’s reaction as:
Controlled fury
A Category 5 marital weather event
The moment Trevor reconsidered every decision since 1987
Miraculously, a spot opened up and they boarded, sparing Trevor an extended island exile.
The remaining crew departed on the 3:00 pm barge, leaving Selwyn and Chris to enjoy peaceful island quiet until Tuesday.
Final Thoughts
Moreton delivered everything. Heat, rain, boggings, mechanical drama, great food, great company and just enough chaos to ensure this trip will be talked about for years.
The destination was fantastic.
The people made it unforgettable. 🔥
Bonus Material!
Rusty made a video
If you'd like to hear this trip report as a cool Country & Western tune, see below!
The Early Start and the Traditional Welcome
Fishing, Fitness and the Gutter Bar
Camp Move and the Great Hamburger Rescue
Day 3. Bacon, Champagne Pools and Ship Watching
Mechanical Drama and the Fines List
Trevor Versus Fate