WWFF Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve VKFF-1976

After activating Moonee Beach Nature Reserve in the morning drove back to Coffs Harbour for lunch. After lunch went to activate Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, VKFF-1976. This is an unusual park in that it is an island, but connected to the mainland via a marina.

Drove to the Coffs Harbour marina. Noted the car park had a 2 hour parking time limit, at least it didn't cost anything, but needed to keep the activation short. Loaded up the pack and set off on the boardwalk along the marina. Had about a Km walk to the island.

Getting closer to the island.

On the island, sign for the park

Nearby signs about the island and muttonbirds.

Set off up the boardwalk track running over the top of the island. Looking back to the marina.

The island was devoid of trees, so nothing to strap a squid pole to. There was a lookout at the top which would have done, except it was busy with tourists... Being a nice sunny day plenty of others out walking. In the end found a wooden stake at the far end of the island, used this for squid pole support. Another stake supported one leg of the dipole.

The other end really nothing to tie onto. I used my pack as an anchor point for the dipole leg. Low down but at least secure.

Location on a map, from Protected Planet

Shack on the tarp. I was careful not to set up on top of a muttonbird nesting hole... at least they were not around as the wrong time of year.

Not really the best location as low down and had the bulk of the island blocking signals to the South and West. I ran the FT-857D off the LifePO4 battery, running 50 w to 70 w at times to make up for the antenna.

Got on 40 m. Worked the following park hunters.

VK3PF
VK5BJE
VK4FDJL
VK4AZZ

A park to park with VK2JNG/p Gerard in VKFF-0265 Kings Plains National Park. He was 41, I was a 21 signal, so bit of a battle, but made it.

VK1MIC
VK5FANA
VK2IO
VK3KRH
VK2KYO
VK3UH
VK2FCDY

As had 12 contacts qualified for VKFF, packed up and walked back. This is the boardwalk along the top ridge. No trees...

Approaching the top of the island lookout. Still busy with tourists...

Got back to the car and set off to another park, Coffs Harbour Regional Park.