First K’gari beach run — low tide, permits, and the bit I rushed

First time on the eastern beach. Vehicle access permit and camping permit were sorted before we left Hervey Bay. I still treated the tide chart as the boss.

Hard-packed sand at the bottom of the tide was civil. Softer shoulders near the wash were not. I had the beach driving checklist printed because I did not want to invent a pressure on the barge.

The bit I rushed: I aired down in the car park conversation, then did not walk the first soft patch. A local in a Troop Carrier just pointed at the firmer line. No drama, no snatch, just me remembering that ego is heavier than a compressor.

If you are going, read the QPWS page the week you travel. Closures move.