Queensland fishing hole claims Chevvy Silverado after handbrake left off

A camping trip to a popular outback Queensland fishing hole ended in disaster after a keen angler forgot to engage the handbrake on their $145k ute.

A $145k Chevrolet Silverado submerged in mud at the Yarrilwanna Creek. Picture: Supplied

A ute has plunged into a popular outback Queensland fishing hole after the owner forgot to engage the handbrake.

The new Chevrolet Silverado rolled into Yarrilwanna Creek at Toobeah, 400km southwest of Brisbane, on Wednesday morning.

Two RACQ patrol crew members along with locals were called to the “Pump Hole” fishing spot around 10am to find the ute almost fully submerged.

Goondiwindi-based fishing expert Robbie Hanna said the Pump Hole was one of Toobeah’s most popular fishing destinations as it often served up large hauls of yellow belly.

Yarrilwanna Creek is a popular destination for anglers. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hanna said while the fishing was great, people needed to exercise caution.

“Some fella went down there, parked next to the creek and didn’t put his handbrake on. Before you know it, the car rolled into the creek,” Mr Hanna said.

“This is a good reminder of the safety aspects of recreational fishing – always put your vehicle in park.”

Peter Boucher was one of the locals who helped recover the ute.

“The river bank itself is hard to access and the mud in the vehicle made it hard to retrieve – it was full of mud,” Mr Boucher said. “The car was gone – it wasn’t running.”

Toobeah Hotel publican Michael Offerdahl said the area was well renowned for its yellow belly fishing

“This fishing spot, the Pump Hole, was dug out some years ago by the council and the Weir River was dammed as well to force more water to the Yarrilwanna township,” he said.