“….the channel from the bar to the township is tortuous, and outside the heads is of a shifting nature. Its breadth at the bar between the sandheads is 400 feet, but contracts considerably at the first bend“. And so Staff-Commander, Admiralty Surveyor, E.P. Bedwell describes the entry to Noosa Harbour during the first detailed survey of the waterway in January, 1876 (“Plan for Noosa Harbour”). Overlaying Bedwell’s survey on a recent aerial image readily illustrates that despite our best efforts, remarkably little of the river’s natural contours (and instinct) has changed. Indeed, Bedwell’s sage advice is no less relevant almost 150 years on, “….no vessel should attempt to enter without an experienced pilot on board…“.
Source: State Library of Queensland. Credit: Noosa Council (aerial imagery).