Heading south to Brissie

Tangalooma wrecks

After the Xmas break, Aussie Matt and South African Charles joined the crew, and we departed Mooloolaba on 15 Jan headed for Moreton Bay. First stop: Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island - quite a sight!

Intended as a breakwater, the old barges & flatboats were sunk here in the 60's and offer an amazing opportunity for snorkeling and shallow diving. But they don't really provide a lot of shelter when it blows fresh out of the NW, as possible that night, so we stopped only long enough to clean the prop before heading for the Brisbane River. No snorkeling though; fear of sharks kept the new crew on the boat!

Harlequin anchored near left

This change of plan had us fighting the ebb for most of the 12 nm motor up the river, actually arriving at our intended mooring off the Botanic Gardens in the dark. And, as feared, there were no free moorings to be had. Too good a location, and too cheap to be available except on the remotest chance. Oh well, let's anchor in the dark, and try and keep out of the way of all the high-speed ferries!

Brisbane CBD

Dawn brought lovely bright weather, ideal conditions in which to enjoy the views from our unique anchorage. We couldn't leave Harlequin unattended, though, so took it in turns to explore: the boys first for their Friday night run ashore!

Only a temporary anchorage, so after just 2 nights we weighed anchor and slipped down the river again (past some lovely riverside properties, it must be said) headed for Manly marina, located close to the river-mouth.

Brissie ferries, old & new

Manly is reputed to be the biggest yacht harbour in the southern hemisphere and holds several marinas; we went for East Coast Marina, supposedly the most 'cruiser-friendly'. Which is certainly true, if a little difficult to locate one's berth amongst a maze of marinas and docks.

Reversing into our berth was tricky, given the wind direction and the tight berth. And a little off-putting was having a Marine Police RIB follow us in, filming all the way! One of the Police Officers met us as we arrived (no, he didn't assist with the lines) and invited the skipper to attend with all paperwork and be breathalyzed. I didn't think my boat handling was that bad!

I wasn't alone, several other skippers were being tested as well. So let this be a lesson that they are taking their drink-boating rules very seriously in Queensland! And no, I hadn't been drinking...

Brissie panoramic