In 1976, the Bunbury port in Western Australia was the site of a dramatic and dangerous protest against woodchip exports. The protest involved a stolen car loaded with explosives, intended to disrupt operations at the harbour. However, the plan quickly escalated when a hostage situation developed, with an individual held at gunpoint. The attempt to “blow this thing into the harbour” ultimately failed, but highlighted growing tensions surrounding environmental concerns and international trade. The incident involved a group seeking to disrupt woodchip shipments, disrupting trade routes. Details recently resurfaced mark the 50th anniversary of the event, recalling a turbulent period in WA’s history and an unusual form of environmental activism.