Honey, I sunk the ute at Fraser Island's Moon Point

[krisandkev]

Article in the Fraser Coast Chronicle today. 'A TWIN-cab utility vehicle has been swallowed by the tide at Moon Point on Fraser Island.
Anglers said they came across the VW Amarok on Thursday at Moon Creek.
Vehicle recovery from Fraser Island is typically complex and expensive.'  http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/ute-submerged-creek-fraser-islands-moon-point/2130235/

[BBwilly]

"If they try to go across the creeks when the tide is low they are often swamped on the incoming tide," Snr Const Wordon said.

This is why I will be doing some 4WD courses I would have thought it would have been the best time to cross as well.

[muzza01]

Needs a snorkel

[MrCruza]

That part of Fraser is a no drive zone for a reason. Very easy to get stuck as it's mostly tidal flats.

[Bird]

"If they try to go across the creeks when the tide is low they are often swamped on the incoming tide," Snr Const Wordon said.

I don't understand that statement..  how do you get swamped at low tide

[Jeepers Creepers]

I hope the guy that owns it paid the extra and had it rust prrofed when it was new.

Its a nice spot where he swamped it, we had the boat anchored there for 3 nights last Xmas.

[JD-120]

That part of Fraser is a no drive zone for a reason. Very easy to get stuck as it's mostly tidal flats.

we are heading to Fraser for the first time around Easter. Quick question, are the areas that are off limits to vehicles clearly marked?

[Rumpig]

we are heading to Fraser for the first time around Easter. Quick question, are the areas that are off limits to vehicles clearly marked?

there's signs up at the tip of Sandy Cape saying you can't drive past this point on the beach, but it's likely this guy was driving in an area you're allowed to drive on, just he was caught out due to inexperience maybe?
if your heading to Fraser for a week or just the Easter break you'll likely be sticking to the Eastern side of the island i'd hazard a guess? (it's where most of the well know stuff to see is located).... the Western side of the island (where this happened) is a lot less visited by most people and a different terrain to drive on compared to the Eastern side of the island.

[Landyline]

"If they try to go across the creeks when the tide is low they are often swamped on the incoming tide," Snr Const Wordon said.

I don't understand that statement..  how do you get swamped at low tide

If you get bogged trying to cross at low tide then you haven't got too long to get out before the tide turns and comes to get you.
Especially on wide flat areas as the water may look a long way out but it will come in fast.

Also as pointed out in the story they said the sand quickly turns to mud. I've never been to the western side of Fraser but I assume they mean that due to the wide flat shallow angled beach that the sand does not get the time to dry out between tides and the sea water is not far from the surface. Meaning if you were to dig down you would hit water quicker than on a beach with more of an angle to it.

[Muckinhell]

If you get bogged trying to cross at low tide then you haven't got too long to get out before the tide turns and comes to get you.
Especially on wide flat areas as the water may look a long way out but it will come in fast.

Also as pointed out in the story they said the sand quickly turns to mud. I've never been to the western side of Fraser but I assume they mean that due to the wide flat shallow angled beach that the sand does not get the time to dry out between tides and the sea water is not far from the surface. Meaning if you were to dig down you would hit water quicker than on a beach with more of an angle to it.

I very nearly got caught there myself but not near the water. we drove along southwards a bit from the little track that allows access to the creek area there prob for launching boats really. just driving along the sand that is clearly exempt from any tide and went to turn around cause it didnt really lead anywhare. Drove down on to the tidal area just couple meters from the good sand and started to sink really easy. luckily as and ex news camerman that had been there years earlier for same story as above i new it could be bad so stoped before churning up the what now had become mud like. i never would have done it if i was alone so just hooked up a strap to me mate and easy save snatch out. Thing is there seems to be a lot of weed or something under the sand or mixed in with the sand so when u drive on it and break the surface you just sink pretty easy. the area actually looked like people had been driving over it as well with lines in the sand that looked like old wheel marks but i think its just the way the weed comes out of the sand or something. Also i dont know why people would try and cross there cause even at low tide its still deep and all salt water too. 

[edz]

Western and cape beaches on Fraser are usualy hilled up and very soft, with a fair bit of a side slope at high tide and not very wide, the tides run out a reasonable distance leaving a wider flattish beach with a few higher sand bars and some with water in the gutters in between and fill very quickly as the tide runs in .... There are warnings on the free maps you get given with your tickets  about these beaches, about sand covered weed beds and areas of bubbling sands [ quick sand ] and to be cautious if attempting travel on them.

[Mik01]

That's a fair way out from shore! What was he thinking? I've been there, and it is dodgy at best.

[Rumpig]

Also as pointed out in the story they said the sand quickly turns to mud. I've never been to the western side of Fraser but I assume they mean that due to the wide flat shallow angled beach that the sand does not get the time to dry out between tides and the sea water is not far from the surface.

the Western side is very different to the Eastern side of the island, in that it has mangroves and muddy like sand along parts of it's shore line. next time your at Orchid Beach take a drive out to Wathumba to see what i mean, the camp area there is mosquito ridden IMHO, but there's some nice beach there to have a quiet picnic lunch at.

[Landyline]

the Western side is very different to the Eastern side of the island, in that it has mangroves and muddy like sand along parts of it's shore line. next time your at Orchid Beach take a drive out to Wathumba to see what i mean, the camp area there is mosquito ridden IMHO, but there's some nice beach there to have a quiet picnic lunch at.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to sell that to the family given the eastern side is so magical.
'Come on guys lets go check out the western side. I hear it's muddy and mosquito ridden'

[MrCruza]

we are heading to Fraser for the first time around Easter. Quick question, are the areas that are off limits to vehicles clearly marked?

It's all clearly maked on the maps. The Hema map of Fraser is the best but you do get a free one (not Hema) with your permit. And it's all pretty well signposted and no go tracks are gated.