Urangan to Great Keppel Island

 27 July to 4 August 2022

We left the marina just before 8 and set a course for the Burnett River. The forecast of SW 15-20 knot led us to believe it would be a pleasant, fast beam reach. Unfortunately, as happened last year, the wind was much stronger and a beam on swell made for an uncomfortable trip. Once past the Fairway Beacon we put in a reef, and with an outgoing tide we made good time. 

Brown water pouring out of the Burnett River

On approaching the river we were met with brown water racing out of the river. Recent flooding upstream was still pouring out and Warren was concerned about debris in the water. The current was running at about 3 knots and we anchored in close to the rock wall on the southern bank. We survived the night but were happy to leave the next morning for Pancake Creek.

We were able to carry our spinnaker until Round Hill (Town of 1770) and then motor sailed the remainder of the trip. We spent 4 nights here, did a few jobs, walked to the lighthouse, read and fished.  

Better than the usual thong marker for tracks

Bustard Head Lighthouse

On Monday, after a relaxing 4 days, it was time to set the alarm and head for Great Keppel Island. We carried the spinnaker for 4 hours but with light winds dead astern our progress towards GKI was slow. We reluctantly started an engine and motored, anchoring at Fisherman's Beach just on dark. 

Mount Wyndham - the highest point on GKI

Leekes Beach

There was a large group of cruisers here and we walked most days and had sundowners on the beach in the afternoon. We were pleased to catch up with the crews of Zofia, Supa Trooper and Bamboozle.

Lots of cruisers enjoying sundowners at GKI

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