30/6/1992. A big send off from our home port, Broken Bay, known as Pittwater, about two hours sail North of Sydney. Some members of our club the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, fondly referred to as "The Alfreds". Also Stuart and Dawn Burns, Jack Sturzaker, and Norm and Wendy Field.
Soon after we reached the open water we detected a fuel line leak, reluctantly we returned to have it professionally repaired, my temporary repair might have lasted, but who knows?
The next few days saw us waiting for the northerly to moderate, we wanted to start gently with a following wind.
Our first days sail found us at Foam Cove in Port Stephens, to shelter from the wind which had increased all day.
Then to Foster / Tuncurry, a good days sail. 
We often made early starts to reach our destination before dark, or on the best tide, as many of the entrances are barred, and the tide is important.
We left at 04.30, the day started well, good sailing, and good fishing. (Our usual practice is to tow a line with a lure) We saw a whale off Tacking Point.
While using our engine to anchor in Trial Bay, tucked in behind Smokey Cape, the prop shaft pulled out of the gear box. Next day without a motor, and in very light conditions, we left early for Coffs Harbour, there was not enough wind to get us into the inner harbour, we needed a tow the last 200 metres. We kept meeting up with other yachties sailing North for the winter, and taking advantage of the prevailing South East winds. Some of  them are, "Ariba" Tony and Trish, "Distant Drums" Gerald and Harmsky, "Nature" Max, "Wirraway" Jack and Heather, "Seagle" Les and Margaret.
Next morning we motor sailed in light winds past The Solitary group of islands, to Yamba / Iluka. Another whale sighted, "Felicity and "Intrigue" came in two hours later.
We made the decision to slip "Overproof" at Iluka, as the prop shaft needs to be machined.
Several days later, and more than a few dollars spent, we were off to Cape Byron, and the notoriously uncomfortable sea anchorage off the beach at Byron Bay.

02.30 start, (as it was so uncomfortable) heading for Southport, We moored at the Yacht club.
Met up with Gavan and Robin Newman, and Michael and Biddy Jennings, old friends of ours. The socializing was fun!
Our plan was to take the inside passage to Brisbane, inside the Stradbroke Island Islands. We found the pilotage interesting, different to offshore navigation, working the tides is very important.
The first night found us anchored off Caruso Island. Next day we found the main channel to Moreton Bay, and our anchorage at Tangalooma, tucked in behind the sunken wrecks.
A big day, Hilde broke out the shorts! My navigation must be getting us North after all!
We followed the shipping channel out of Moreton Bay to a favourite watering hole of ours, Mooloolabah, and the well run yacht club. Here we attended to all those things you cant get away from, shopping, maintenance, fuel, water. Also a lot of socializing with friends, including, Rex and Florence Hunt, Jim and Joan Coxon at their homes. Neil Wylde came down for a drink onboard. Also other yachties we have met on the way.                                 
After waiting several days for the head winds to abate, headed off in a brisk Sou'wester, a good sail. The notorious Wide Bay Bar (the entrance to the Sandy Straights) requires some concentration, it keeps your mind off sex for some minutes!
We moored at Tin Can Bay marina. Next day we had the depth sounder repaired (very important in these waters) and had a helmsman's sun awning made.
Dave and Anne Cropley joined us. With the four of us on board we headed up the Sandy Straights, inside Fraser Island. anchoring off Woody Island, where we barbecued a leg of lamb.
Next day with clear skies and a Sowester, we made Burnett Heads. This was home for "Overproof" as we purchased her here a year ago, with this cruise in mind.
On a great day, we motor sailed to the wonderful Lady Musgrave Island, plenty of turtles, dolphins and one shark seen.
This is one of our very favourite places in the world! With an enclosed lagoon surrounded by a coral atoll. You can selectively fish here, the water is so clear you can pull the bait away from the fish you don't want, 30 feet down! Our collection on this occasion was Abacore, Trevally, and Queenfish. We were joined by a tired Brown Gannett who stayed for a day, and enjoyed our hand feeding.
Our next stop was Pancake Creek after an invigorating sail. Then another good sail into Gladstone marina. Dave and Anne left us there, and we attended to the usual maintenance, provisioning, washing, etc.