DreamTrip

          Day198
Bundaberg - 95,000 residents. Coming from "Bunda" an aboriginal elder name and "Berg" from old Saxon meaning town (burg).
Departing from Apple Tree Creek around 08:10, some 50km later and 45mins later we visited our first stop in Bundaberg - Alexandra Free Park Zoo. Seeing a list of animals and reptiles (Lace and Freckled Monitor, Swamp and Parma Wallaby, Emus, Dingoes, Cotton Top Tamarin, Spotted Tailed Quoll, Major Mitchell Keelback and Brown Tree Snake, Land Mullet, Eastern Bearded Dragon, Princess Parrot, Eclectus, Red Winged, and King Parrot, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and Little Corella). After giving the dingoes a stroke, we headed out and saw a bigger lizard outside of the zoo! After looking for some regional work online, we headed to the Tourist Info to collect some brochures and information. At 11:45 we headed to Hinkler Central Plaza, and headed to Woolworths, Coles, Reject Shop and later Hungry Jacks for a blueberry $1 slush.
23degrees - Finding a park with an available bbq, we stopped by Riverside Park. Cooking some bacon, pork scotch fillet, herbs sausages with baked beans and vegetables. Charging also available, Kirsten worked on some video whilst Leon visited KMart to buy some sweets.
Sun set at 18:00, 20mins later we departed to Sharon Gorge Nature Park, 15km away, to sleep for the night.
          Day199
Waking up with cloudy weather, we visited the Burnett River through the Sharon Gorge Walking Trail. 670m one way, we passed through thick shrubs and gum trees and subtropical rainforest. 
Around 9:15 we departed to BRAG (Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery). Free admission. Still 30mins to open, we decided to go to Bundy's Fresh local market and bought 3kgs Oranges for $2.95 and a cucumber for $1.99.
09:55 we drove to the Art Gallery. Finding an Expo on Shaun Tan's (from West Australia) 'The Lost Thing - From Book to Film', we saw sketches, 3D skulptures, interesting documentaries and the actual cartoon animation. A very short and simple but intriguing story! 11:15 Made our way West to Bargara. Arriving after 15mins, we first made our way to Christsen Park and visited 'The Basin' - a rockpool ideal for swimming and filled with friendly fish. Very hot, we sat down eating oranges looking at the ocean, then made our way to Crawford Park for a nice refreshing cold shower. 24degrees and noon, we drove back to Christsen Park. We took the opportunity to wash some clothes (filthy after Fraser Island!), then left them on the table and hung them on the car to dry. 14:00, now starving, we cooked Fettucine with Beef sausages in Satay Sauce. Beautiful! Finishing off with pineapple, time flew and departed around 16:00. Making our way to Maccas for some wifi and the 50c soft serve cone, we visited Woolworths and Liquorland for crisps and x6 Pure Blonde Beer ($10 discounted due to docket).
19:15 Making our way to Sharon Gorge Rest Area for the night, some 24kms, we parked the car and sat relaxed nibbling and drinking talking about our next adventures, till the tiredness of the sun took its toll on us and slammed onto the bed around 21:00.
          Day-2Hundred
We were called crazy, stupid, having guts to leave our comfort zone, a pity for loosing good jobs, waste of saved up money which could have contributed towards investing in the future, time to settle, not possible of making it and selfish for leaving families and close friends behind.
... ... ... Every second which has passed has been worthit. We had our ups and downs, but they are all part of the package worth experiencing, and really? The downs is what makes life interesting, challenges you, forms new paths, get to know your strength, and makes a good story back at home. All ups and according to plan is.. boring.

09:00 Cloudy and made our 123km way up to Agnes Water along the Bundaberg Lowmead Road, passing Rossdale. Welcome Southern Great Barrier Reef. Arriving at 10:45, now drizzling, we walked in the Info Point & obtained some information. Walking some 500m along the Discovery Trail Trek to Agnes Waters Beach Lookout, at 12:00 we departed to 1770 (name deriving from the year Captain Cook visited). Bright sun, & 10mins later, we stopped at the Captain Cook Landing Memorial in Joseph Banks Conservation Area and walked down the steps to the beach. 26degrees. Driving along the Captain Cook Drive, we drove to the very tip overlooking Port Curtis Coral Coast, & walked 100m to the Wave Lookout, & 350m to Bustard Bay Lookout (Cook & his crew shot one of the bustards - a turkey look alike, and was the best they had eaten since England - seventeen and a half pounds, & in honour named the bay after it). Very sunny, very hot & barely any clouds in the sky, around 13:15 we drove to Agnes Water, bought food & snacks from Foodwork (250g M&M's were 19c!) then drove back to 1770 & stopped at Endeavour Park. Making Penne & Fussilli Satay with Beef and Vegetables, we sat back in this laid back, peaceful town. Having Leon fix the dent from the back of the car (This morning drove into another tree and hit the back lights!), at 16:40 we walked along the beach and enjoyed watching the sun going down. Deciding a better spot to watch the sunset, we drove uphill to the tip of 1770, and watched the sun set there, drinking beer and snacking on peanuts. Some reception finally! 17:50 Started getting dark, & GPS set to Miriam Vale, 64km away. Arriving an hour later, we drove to the Showgrounds where we had the place all to ourselves for the night.
          Day201 
Departing at 08:02, we left towards Gladstone - 71km. Interesting new road signs - to keep long distance drivers awake on highways (signs of Revive-Survive and Rest Areas are everywhere), we came across Trivia Signs. Questions which keep you thinking till the following sign which is the Answer!
Cloudy, humid and hot (evenings are a killer), we hope the weather opens up later in the afternoon, like the past few days. Passing through the Info Point at 09:15, we then made our way to Gladstone Wreckers to buy the backlight plastic but were closed on weekends. Finding nothing interesting at the Fish Market, we drove uphill towards Auckland Point Lookout overlooking many small islands, including Curtis Island.
Stopping at Woolworths in Gladstone Valley, we then drove to Barney Point Park & Beach around 11:00, listening to The Doors along the way in the scorching 23degrees. Relaxing on the bench, and Leon trying to go fishing (nowhere good to fish), at 13:30 we started cooking a delicious plate of bbq-d and freshly made 350g breadcrumbed Basa Fillet each, chips in Parmesan, Garlic and Basil with salad and lemon. 
15:15 Drove to Spinnaker Park. Eating some oranges and killing time, at 16:15 we left to Hungry Jacks for a Storm & Soft Serve, adding our delicious & cheap M&M's into the ice-cream. Enjoying more relaxed time, at 17:30 we drove off to South of Rockhampton. Supermoon tonight. Fuelling up on petrol, we hit the road - 103km - with a couple of Mother energy drinks.
18:50 - Welcome to Rockhampton Region. 45km left, in 50mins we arrived at Woolwash Lagoon in Port Curtis. An open space, with just a few cars, many trees and a very quite area for a road parallel to the Bruce Highway.
          Day202
Probably everyone at a certain time at Junior School was asked to write a composition titled 'A Day at the Zoo'. Well here is our version: 
Departing at 08:40, 7km later arrived at Rockhampton (Beef Capital). Capricorn Coast. Greeted by atleast three bull statues scattered along the roads, we made our way to the Free Botanic Gardens and Zoo. Walking inside a huge cage-globe aviary, we saw Royal Spoonbill, Chestnut Teal, Black Swan, Little Black Cormorant, Rose-Crowned Fruit Dove, Australian King Parrot, Superb Lyrebird, Emerald Dove and Pied Imperial Pidgeon. We then walked into another open area with Cassowaries, later saw cages of Jungle Python, Red Tailed Boa, and Fresh Water Baby Crocodiles. Walking in another open space, we saw Emus, Grey Kangaroos and Agile Wallaby at arm's close. Perentine, a Koala called Caramello who is currently unwell, and Wombats. Also freshwater and huge salt water crocodiles. Chimps, asian small clawed otters, lion tailed macaquas and finally dingoes. We don't usually like zoos, but these animals had plenty of space and fresh water on the go.
Making our way out around 09:30, the car decided not to work. Trying to switch the engine on, but just wouldn't start. Spending over an hour with Leon trying to see what the problem was and passing- by people trying to assist, we could not see what the problem was. Two hours later. Three. Four. Five. Six. Now 16:00. Had atleast three ozzies helping us, we checked everything thought of - water, oil, battery, fuel line, spark plugs, switches, air switches... What could have happened if we drove over 100km the day before, slept overnight, 15km today, and just parked the car. We also checked the receipt that it was unleaded we gave it 120km ago!
Having also a French couple (backpackers) assisting us from the very beginning, we tried looking at different options now. The park will close gates at 18:00, and somehow needed to be solved by then!
9% mobile battery left. Tried calling RACQ, who would help if we are only members. Membership $154 for a year. However as we did not have a Queensland address, they advised us only NRMA will be able to assist us as the address we use is for NSW. After calling the road assistance company NRMA, we had a shock of $380, and would not help us if we are not members. Towing the car was also useless as mechanics are closed on Sundays, and the Mobile Mechanic we called was off for a week. 17:00 Panic mode switched on. An hour left till the rangers close the park. After obtaining a friend's address to be able to use for the Queensland Roadside Assistance, the French (from Toulouse) backpackers helped us by towing the car on the street outside. Not much we can do, we decided to thank the very helpful and worried couple and make our way to Domino's. 3km of walking to a petrol station to use the bathroom, we ordered Beef&Onion and Americano Pizza, and walked back to the car to sleep at the side of the road, feeling lost and hoping the problem is not expensive!
          Day203
By 07:00 we called RACQ, provided the now available QLD address and paid by Visa. Assistance came at 07:45, and as soon as he tried switching the car on, white smoke came out of the engine. Not a good sign, we waited for a tow truck (an hour later) to take us to their workshop and see what the problem is. Stopping us at Caltex, the mechanic did not know where to start from. Finally thinking it was the power transistor which was gone, he quoted $440 (new and fitted), and advised will check for 2nd hand one, still 10% chance it was not the problem. Walking to the city, 4km and 25degrees hot, 12:46 we received shocking news. The second hand power transistor was replaced, however what caused the car to not work was a slipping timing belt - which most probably caused damage to the engine - in which case not worth fixing the car. Our hearts skipped a beat, and feelings crushed. Second car to be wrecked aswell, we were not going to buy a third car. Walking back to the mechanic and feeling lost, we tried thinking of what is about to happen. How will we travel around Australia? We can say goodbye to West and North Australia. What to do with all the stuff we have in the car? Where will we take it? What if we do not manage to get rid of the car at the wreckers? What about all the money spent ($10k) on both cars buying and fixing and not getting anything in return? Seeing options of maybe renting a space to put stuff in to try and get some cash, or maybe hire a car to travel to a backpackers destination to maybe sell some stuff, we arrived at the mechanic. Lost, we were given two wrecker numbers, one giving us $75 for the car and free towing, the other just offering a free towing. Giving us a few days to leave the car at the mechanics till we sort stuff out, and maybe get some money for some items, was already a relief. Telling us also we do not need to pay them $440 for the labour and part, we packed important stuff into our backpack and at 15:32 took the road and decided to find a hostel for the coming nights. Same road where we received the bad news call (4km of heavy weight carried and scorching sun), we booked a hostel for two nights, ensuite, for $60 each. Snapping into reality, we decided to take things slowly. Putting up all the items up for cheap sale, we got positive feedback by the evening. Couldn't believe our luck, this was a new adventure. Not worth buying a third car and work to get the money back, 19:00 Walked to Wooly's, and bought some meat. Cooking Lamb Korma with rice in the communal kitchen, we set up ads for wreckers and locals around Rockhampton Area who might be interested in parts and camping gear, and set our goals to get this sorted within a couple of days before having no choice but wreck it for just $75, hoping our luck might not fail on us once again.
          Day204
*First day of Spring*
Waking up at 06:15, we found several messages from locals interested in viewing the stuff. Also having people enquire what the problem was with the car, we had a particular guy telling us he might be able to find a second hand engine and was willing to help a fellow Pajero owner out by helping us fixing it in. Not getting our hopes up, this guy seemed very friendly and advised has several contacts. Putting the stuff for sale on hold, we were still sceptic if it was worth the money. Making some brunch omelette and sausages, at around 12:45 we walked 4kms to the car to get more stuff and take pictures of the items for sale.
Back at the hostel, we chilled on the patio, took a dip in the swimming pool, then around 16:00 visited Wooly's. Cooking Fusilli with Chicken in Korma, we relaxed on the patio, dipping some wafers in milk till it was time to hit the bed, and hoping for the best.
          Day205
Alarm set off, Clinton (the Aussy who offered to assist us in taking a look at the car) passed for Leon at 08:15.
Washing some clothes, organising some stuff and looking for work (Kirsten), Leon and Clinton stopped at the mechanic to take a look at the car. Advising us the probability was that no big damage which was very expensive was done after all, even though the timing belt slipped, he offered to work on the car and try and set the timing as cheaply as he could to try and get it back on the road. Towing the car to his place with his Pajero and a hired car trailer (Move Yourself - $91), the car was dropped off at his house to take a look at it tomorrow. 
11:30 Back at the hostel, dipping some cookies in milk and making popcorn, we met up with a Japanese 26yo guy currently in his 3rd month working holiday visa. Making friends with Kohei from Tokyo, we spent a good time talking about travelling and our countries, and asked us if we would like to go out for some drinks tonight. 
28degrees & walking to Wooly's, we cooked Fusilli in bacon, tuna and creamy mushroom, got ourselves ready and at 18:33 departed with the courtesy hostel van to Great Western Hotel. Seeming like a normal bar at first, once we walked through the back door, we faced a huge arena with seats for viewing. Buying Schooners of XXXX Gold for just $5 each, we enjoyed a free show of amateur bull riding, horse riding and horse racing - Australia vs New Zealand. After a great show and seeing quite a few people being chased and slammed, around 20:15, us, along with Kohei and two other Japanese girls caught the courtesy van back to the hostel, and spent the rest of the night on patio eating cookies, relaxing, and looking at the stars.
           Day206
Milk and cookies for bfast, 08:15 Clinton passed for Leon to hopefully manage to fix the car problem.
Kirsten:
Spent the day charging electronics, washing clothes, cleaning and tidying away, and backing up. Trying to communicate with Kohei in Japanese and being taught some other basic words, we said goodbyes, then spent the remaining of the afternoon relaxing.
Leon:
Got to Gracemere & immediately started working on the car: taking the front off, radiator, fan, alternator, power steering, air con, all belts and covers, we finally had access to the timing belt.
After finding why the timing belt slipped in the first place, Clinton managed to set the timing & had a go at starting the car. Nothing, went to Pick-a-Part Wreckers ($2 entrance) at Gracemere looking for a power transistor. Failing to find one, we then went to Korowa Wreckers & found what we were looking for. Heading back to Gracemere we plugged the power transistor, had another go & car started without any issues! 
Wow! Some good news finally! What we initially thought was impossible. Starting assembling the front of the engine again & managed to complete just before it got dark, we test drove the car and all seemed good sound and good to go.
Meeting up at 18:30, we cooked some Fusilli with bacon and Creamy Mushroom once again, then made our way back to the cabin to sleep for the night, with our car parked at the back this time.
           Day207
Having a relaxed morning, buying coolant from SuperCheap Auto, and moving stuff out of the car to clean and organise it, we went to reception to ask for another extra night at the cabin. Telling us the cabin was booked tonight and offered a 2bedroom dorm with no toilets, we looked at the time and it was 10:00! Quickly moving everything into a very small room with two single beds and barely any space, we drove off to Gracemere to meet up with Clinton. 
Going to Pick-a-Part for a $20 backlight, we finalised some few stuff in the Pajero, and sat down talking and seeing clips and pictures of 4wd-ing and North Queensland. 
Generously providing us with a better tyre pump, we departed and made our way to Wooly's in Berserker. Back at the hostel, 15:00 we started cooking. A delicious plate of Spaghetti with eggs and bacon, we later washed all bedding for $3, hung them, and started cleaning and putting stuff back into the car. Looking at the time and already 18:15, we drove to Gracemere, stopping at Wooly's and BWS for a new beer 'Dis Equis XX Lager' (x6 discounted for $15), and were greeted by Clinton and his wife Nicole into their lovely home. 
Playing pool (& Kelly's pool), drinking beer, snacking and talking about Pajero's and our adventures so far, time quickly flew and before we knew it, it was 23:10.
Saying our goodbyes and thanks, we hit the road back to the hostel for one last night (hopefully) till we start driving once again and continue where we left off!
          Day208
Tidying up the room and checking out at 10:00, we chilled in the shaded outdoor reception eating popcorn with Lucky, and at 13:13 made our way! This feels much better! Catching the circular Tourist Drive #10, 45km later stopped at Kele Park in Emu Park. Visiting 'The Singing Ship' dedicated to Captain Cook, we could hear the wind blow and the monument 'sing'.
Driving through the Capricorn Coast Beaches, we stopped at Pebble Beach, and walked 800m to Double Heads Section. A steep track, Fan Rock lookout showcases dramatic remnants of a millenia-old volcanic plug, views to Keppel Bay Island and other volcanic plugs south of the coast. Rosslyn Bay Lookout provides views North of Yeppoon and Byfield Ranges. Very hot, but only 22degrees (felt like 28!!), we drove to Yeppoon, bought food from Wooly's (filled a bag full of fruit&vegetables for only $3!), and drove to Rotary Park along the Yeppoon-Byfield Road. 
Bbq-ing 700g Slow Cook Beef, Chicken Kebabs in Sweet Chilli & Lime, & bacon, we enjoyed a well deserved dinner overlooking the beach, and the sun setting behind us. 
18:17 Driving along the Tourist Drive #10, passed Rockhampton and along up North. Seeing our first Cyclone Shelter sign, we drove along the A1 - Bruce Highway. Running out of petrol, the closest petrol station was over 100km more! Arriving just in time ($1.499/ltr! Very expensive), we fuelled up 50litres at Marlborough, and at 20:10 continued our way. Still 60km to go to the rest area, we passed through some 30km with tens and tens and tens of wallabies and kangaroos just at the side of the road. Seeing more than a hundred, with one stopping right at the middle of the highway, we were scared we might hit one of the huge roos! Stay alert Trivia - Flora Emblem of QLD? Cooktown Orchid. Getting tired, at 21:08 we finally arrived at Waverley Creek Rest Area in St.Lawrence for the night, however still a 150km left to go to Mackay!
           Day209
Hello tropical seasons and hello Dry Season!
Making some fruit salad as bfast (strawberries, mandarin, apple and peaches), at 09:12 made our way up to Mackay. Seeing a sign saying 'Still a long way to go kids', all you can see along the Bruce Highway is greenery - mountains full of trees and grass, and more sub-tropical forests. Another sign 'Are we there yet?'. Passing through Kalarka and Flaggy Rock, we stopped at Carmila petrol station for a stretch after driving 66km. 'How long to go Dad?'. Passing West Hill 24km later we arrived at Ilbilbie, then travelled 14km East onto Yarrawonga Park Reserve, Notch Point. Driving on an unsealed road, we arrived at an open space overlooking the beautiful sea. Signs of crocs and sharks, we opened up the tarpe on top of a hill, gathered some wood, fished and chilled till around 14:45. Seeing the tide slowly getting higher, we started getting hungry. Closest smarket 47km away, we therefore just cooked Penne and Fusilli, with vegetables and peanuts in Honey, Sesame and Garlic Sauce. Eating some pineapples and oranges for desert, we watched the sun set, lit the open firepit, snacked on Sour Cream and Onion Crisps and stayed till 22:00 till we tucked in bed.
Happy Fathers Day to Australians!
           Day210 
Sugar (main ingredient in jellybean) is made in Australia from tall tropical grass called sugarcane. It can be seen growing along 2,100km of coastline, and is the main important rural industry in Australia, being around over a hundred years.
Filling our stomachs with a fruit salad for bfast, at 09:02 departed out of the free campsite and onto Bruce Highway. Refuelling from Caltex at Ilbilbie, we drove to Sarina and stopped at the Info Point around 10:30. Being offered complimentary coffee & (amazing) biscuits, and later talking with the voluntary people at the Info Point about Malta and our travelling trip (one's daughter was married to a Muscat), we later drove to Wooly's and off North by 12:35. Along the highway, we saw a 'Caged Accident' (an actual car and motorbike crashing) on display to prevent speeding, drunk driving and tired driving. Driving to Hay Point Port Control Lookout (20% incline), we saw one of the largest coal export ports of the world, handling over 130million tonnes of coal per year. We saw the incoming trains (capacity 10,000tonnes), the coal mine, coal stockpiles, and ships waiting align to load the coal along the two terminals. 
13:22 26degrees. Drove to Mackay Centre, stopped at Maccas for x4 soft serve and at 14:45 made our 25km drive to Mount Jukes Boat Ramp, passing through beautiful countryside and amazing panoramic views of green hills everywhere you look. Getting out the table, we started cooking between a river (beware of crocs sign!), and a train track (cows walking all over it). Making some great Penne with Greek Yogurt and home-made sauce (thanks Barb!), chicken and vegetables. Finding a white small spider in the car, another white one falling on the table from the middle of nowhere, and a red one climbing twice on our foot, also being eaten alive by midges, we decided it was a sign to sleep somewhere else. 
17:50 Made our way 34km to Shoal Point Beach, sun set but still brightly lit outside. Arriving at 18:22, we parked for the night at the end of O'Brien Esplanade, overlooking the trees, the sand and beach, Green Island, and a sky full of stars.
          Day211
Making fruit salad bfast with greek yoghurt at Shoal Point Park, we drove to Mackay Centre and visited BCF, Ray's Outdoors, Spotlight then Maccas for a 50c soft serve. 23degrees and still 11:00, we visited Mount Pleasure Plaza and walked in Wooly's, Coles then K Mart. 
13:00 Stopped at Blue Lagoon, Mackay Central - a free swimming pool provided by the Council to prevent locals from swimming in beaches (Because of sharks and the deadly box jellyfish). Eating a carrot cake for snack, we later slid down the swimming pool's slide and took a dip in one of the three available swimming pools till 15:30. Making our way up 14km to Shoal Point Park and Beach once again, we cooked Large Shells Pasta, filled with yogurt and tomato sauce and Beef. Staying on the bench till it got dark, we drove to the same place we slept yesterday, and after experiencing a huge Hunstman spider falling right on the window, with its creepy hairy legs crawling right infront of us, we just hope we will be the only ones sleeping in the car tonight!
          Day212
After eating fruit salad with yoghurt for bfast, we made our way down to Maccas at Rural View for some soft serve. Buying snacks from Wooly's just opposite, it was already 11:55. Driving further down to the Info Point, we gathered information about Eungella National Park, and later drove to Caneland Central. 25degrees. Buying from Big W and Wooly's, around 15:20 we made our way to Mackay Harbour Beach. Making chips, chicken, garlic bread and onions on the bbq, we chilled till 17:40, and drove once again to Wooly's for the third time today. Stopping at Andergrove South, we bought crisps from Wooly's, and Hahn Super Dry from BWS, and drove back to the Mackay Harbour Beach. Seeing signs of stingers with free available vinegar next to it, we enjoyed a relaxed night drinking, before we hit to bed.
          Day213
Cold shower to wake up, we first drove to Wooly's in Andergrove around 09:00 to stock on some food, then fuelled up at Canelands. Eating some Arnott's bikkies, at 09:50 we made way to Finch Hatton, 66km inland. Passing through sugarcane fields, trees and mountains in the distance, we caught Mackay-Eungella Road, drive #64. Stopping at Melba Rest Area to refill the water bottles, we turned right onto Finch Hatton Gorge and rainforest at 11:02. After passing through creeks and bridges, we arrived at the car park for a 5km walk around 11:15.
360m - 11:30 - Rawson's Creek. Prime habitat for the shy Eungella tinkerfrog and Eungella Dayfrog.
1300m - 11:48 Took a right turn to Callistemon Crossing (1750m - Weeping Bottlebrush) and Wheel of Fire (2440m -filled with firewheel flowers), coming across a lizard and a black snake. After an hour next to the waterfall and Leon taking a dip in the cold (very cold) freshwater, we made way towards the Araluen Cascades (3850m - 13:35).
26 degrees. Arriving back at the carpark at 14:05, we made our way 25km to Eungella. After a 4.5km steep uphill, and almost running over a snake in the middle of the road, we made it to Eungella, stopped at Goodes Lookout for a breathtaking view, another lookout called Sky Window, then drove 5.5km to Broken River Info Point. After obtaining some info, we headed to three platypus viewing platforms, but only saw 1 amongst several small and huge turtles. 
16:10 Getting late, we drove to Fern Flat Campground. Making some Fusilli and Penne in Mongolian Lamb, we set fire to the open firepit, and mixed in random amounts of flour, milk, oil, salt & pepper, herbs and water to the campoven, and set aside to the fire. Seeing black wallabies hopping around, 30mins later the bread started to cook and rise, hopefully turning out good. 
Checking it every so often, at 20:00 it looked yummy and using a stick we lifted onto the bench made of wood. Eating already 1/4 of it, we can say it was a success, let it cool during the night and hopefully will be able to eat it tomorrow!
          Day214
06:30 Waking up to a turkey trying to nibble on our rubbish and scratching the car, we prepared our camp-made herbs bread with tomato paste, oil, tuna, cucumber and capsicum. After the turkey attempting to eat the bread (managed to tear open the foil and take a bite!), we visited the platypus platform and enjoyed a good 40mins watching two platypus swimming and nose-diving. 
09:20 Very cloudy and grey clouds. 27km way to Eungella Dam through Crediton National Reserve. Finding a booth to fill out a form and leave the money at the side box, we drove to the boat ramp and spent a good time fishing and eating the bread. After spending around 3hours trying to arrange the tangled fishing line because really, we had nothing to do, it was 14:10, sun out but windy, and made our way to Mount Charlton - Boulder Creek Rest Area, passing through Gargett and Kungurri. 87km later, we arrived in an almost full campground. After walking around viewing the site, we met Kat, a Maltese woman (Agius) from Adelaide travelling around. Finding a Geocache with the scarce 3g we had, replacing a dinosaur with a Lego toy we found in Canberra, we made some quick 2min Mi Goreng noodles and hoping the random drizzles stop. Being invited in Werners and Kat's 'five-wheeler', we spent an amazing night till around 22:30 drinking beer and tomato vodka and tropical juice vodka, learning the truth about what happened to Maltese people who arrived in Australia decades ago, talking and laughing about travels, learning Australian ways and cuddling their cute Jack Russel dog - Archie.
           Day215
After a night of rain, we woke up to a sunny lovely day. Being offered coffee and spending some time talking with Kat, Werner and the quiet Archie, we met Rex - the loveable owner of the campground, his daily job each morning to see everything is in place and everyone is safe, making sure to wag his tail everywhere he went!
10:34 Made way to Airlie Beach. Once again passing through acres of hills, trees and sugarcanes along Bruce Highway, we passed Kalen, Cathu and stopped at Bloomsbury BP Petrol Station. Meeting Scott who provided a contact for fruit picking up in Atherton, we had a shower then around 12:45 drove 35km up North to Proserpine. 12:59 Welcome to Whitsundays Coast! Stopping at Wooly's in Proserpine around 13:15, we bbq-d some garlic bread at Pioneer Park, and filled some Turkish Bread with pieces of a whole chicken bought for just $5, tomato paste, vegetables and raw bean sprouts. Very windy and very hot, we stayed just outside Wooly's for some free wifi, and planning the next few days, till around 21:00 when we made our way to the side of Proserpine River to sleep for the night. Seeing a no camping sign, and fees up to $2350, we decided to find a rest area along the Bruce Highway instead, and stopped at Gregory River.