Clearing into Bundaberg

Ignore all stories of doom and gloom you hear the closer you get to Australia, clearing in was a breeze (of course I can only speak for Bundaberg although friends that cleared into Brisbane and Coff's Harbour had a similar experience to us).

We radioed the Volunteer Marine Rescue on ch81 to inform them we were 10 miles out of the Burnett River and they responded straight away telling us to head for the quarantine berth at the Bundaberg Port Marina.

As we approached there were guys there to take our lines and as we were tying up, a lady was snapping photos on her iPad (she was quarantine). Safely secured to the dock, we were boarded by 3 very friendly officials, 2 quarantine and 1 customs / immigration. Dylan filled paperwork out with customs whilst I took quarantine down below to empty our cupboards. Boy were they thorough! They went through every cupboard, pulled out every drawer, opened every container, shone their torch in every dark space. The guy was looking for any signs of termites by getting into the nooks and crannies of the boat, trying to find their tracks, poop or wings. Whilst he was getting up close and personal with the hull, the lady went through all of our souvenirs. Well we have rather a lot of wooden carvings…about 3 boxes full. Each item had to be unwrapped, inspected and banged on a white piece of paper to check for bugs. Her eyes stood out of their sockets as I passed her item after item for inspection, a few birthday and christmas presents and enough items to fill every shelf in the next apartment we live in (better be a large house).

After about an hour they gave us their report. No termites (phew as that would have cost us $9 000 AUS for fumigation if they found traces!) and no nasty bugs. The only thing they confiscated was a packet of mung beans that I thought were split (that would have been fine) but apparently they were whole. My rice, flour, pasta, grains (all split), herbs and spices were all fine. I ensured before we came into Australia that we had eaten all eggs, fresh fruit and veg (even garlic), meat, butter and milk. I did have honey onboard but as it was commercially packaged, I was allowed to keep it. If it had been bought at the roadside without a label showing where it was manufactured then it would have been confiscated. 

So people, a thoroughly pleasant experience with none of the nonsense that so many people filled our heads with. Stories of the spice rack being confiscated, Tongan weavings put in the bin, overtime fees for taking too long to go through the boat. NONE of this was true and I thoroughly recommend everyone to come clear into Bundaberg when entering the country as they are courteous, polite and professional. The marine here is also tip top with great facilities. 

What a pleasant welcome to Australia!