Wineglass Bay sealed off for Packer's yacht

[markjohnconley]

About 10 years ago, on one of our regular visits, we attempted to reach Wineglass Bay, but the trail down was blocked. We were told that the Bay had been closed as Kerry Packer had his yacht moored there and the beach was closed. From a lookout? you could see the yacht, a very big yacht. Does this happen often where high-fliers get to use the beach and block the rest of the public? As you probably can tell I'm still annoyed, mark

[Liamy77]

I don't believe this happens much - news to me it happened at all.... Who turned you back police? ranger? lackey??- I was under the impression beaches were public land and therefore access cannot be refused under those grounds? Might have been time for an off track adventure to the bay on principle alone LOL but then would anyone want to catch a glimpse of the Packers wearin budgie smugglers??

[Lindsay]

*&%$#! disgusting if something like this has happened. Wouldn't surprise me though. Packer used to be able to moor his yacht at the Garden Island naval dockyard in Sydney becuase he was friends with the government of the day.

[sailfish]

I believe the relevant land authority has the right to control access and the public. Also most allow the licensing of activities for a fee which include interest groups holding events etc. These powers are necessary for various reasons which include preventing event clashes and public safety and nuisance. If it were not so, there could not be things like the Sydney to Hobart race as the yachts could not get out of the harbour without incident and injury. In many cases, there are legal requirements for groups to register events such as aquatic licences like boat races etc and the public are also encouraged to notify the relevant authority of their planned activities. This allows the authority to let people know about temporary local restrictions so you don’t waste your time, get in the way or become a hazard etc. There is nothing untoward or unusual about this, it makes sense doesn’t it?

Normally individuals do not take up an exclusive use licence, perhaps the Packers did. I do not agree that individuals should be allowed to do this though. If you don’t check with the relevant authority and as a result find your access denied, that’s understandably annoying but whose fault is that really?

PS. Sure like most I don’t check either but that’s the risk I take, just move along to some other place.

So what checks do people do, weather, fire……


Regards,
Ken

[Mark F]

I don't know the timing but 10+ years ago the Royal Yacht Brittannia with her maj on board stopped in Wineglass Bay. This most probably would have had the authorities blocking access.

Republicans - rise up! Could this be what you are thinking of?

[daznkez]

This is not as uncommon as perhaps it should be on public lands.
We were "moved on" from Mt Buffalo Lake Catani as the area turned into a private function bbq extravaganza (snuck back for a snag though!)
Complained about this and were asked to leave the park altogether or the police would be called. So we called their bluff and went to the park chalet for lunch then back to the lake for a swim. No police arrived!, no fine in the mail.
Also asked to leave Mt Arapilies plaque area for a photo shoot by rangers
So, would'nt be surprised if we had to avoid the Tarkine for a private adventure race, or stay away from the three capes area for other vague reasons.
I can't help but find these directives make me compelled to do the opposite. Each to their own

[Liamy77]

i could understand if it is a public event on PUBLIC lands.... but a rich bloke on a yatcht - well reminds me of Eureka, Squatters and a long history in Australia of enforrcing equality and true justice ..... after all do we get a refund of a potrion of the parks passes for the time it isnt available?? just a thought....

[stepbystep]

I recall Alan Bond doing something similar with one of the bays at Rottnest Island to hold a private party, I believe it was Salmon Bay.