Clearing out of Australia is a pretty straightforward process, unless like us you’re going to be gone for more than 12 months, in which case apparently you need an official “Export Declaration Number” for the boat. We’re told that trying to organise this yourself is akin to being dumped blindfolded in the wilderness without a compass. So we take the advice from customs and hire the services of a local agent, Damien, from Alpha Cargo Solutions who does the paperwork for us in a blink of an eye. Then it’s off to Marlin Marina to await the arrival of Border Force for our clearance. Apparently they need three officers to ensure we leave the country, but it takes all of five minutes and we’re done.
Continue reading “Across The Coral Sea”We Gotta Get Outta This Place!
Much as we’ve absolutely loved and cherished our time with Nick and Sally in Cairns, it’s time to leave – our pockets are empty, our waistlines are bigger, and there’s not a spare corner in the boat for any more food, fuel or trading goods!
Continue reading “We Gotta Get Outta This Place!”Moving On Up
Man, it’s been a busy few weeks getting north and prepping the boat in Cairns, so this is a re-cap of the remainder of our trip up the Queensland coast….
Capricornia
We flip the bird to the machiavellian mooring buoy as we leave Pancake Creek, and head off on our trek northwards. Next stop Great Keppel Island.
Continue reading “Capricornia”Things That Go Bump In The Night
“Bump” is actually far too genteel a word. It’s more like Ka-Boom, Ka-Thump, Ka-Rash. But I’m getting ahead of myself…
Continue reading “Things That Go Bump In The Night”Ain’t No Sunshine
Whomever decided to call it ‘The Sunshine Coast’ were obviously having a laugh at our expense. Since we’ve been here we’ve had clouds (big dark ones), and lots and LOTS of wet stuff, but no sign of that large yellow thing in the sky. Ain’t no sunshine here, sunshine.
Continue reading “Ain’t No Sunshine”