To continue the trend of giving a current position update before I continue my attempt to catch up on everything that’s happened since my last instalment that I am yet to write about, I am in Darwin sitting outside Matt, Lachie and Lou’s (Queen’s friends) house still sweating and listening to Matt’s interesting music. So yes I made the long drive across the baron, endless Overlander’s Way from Townsville to the centre of the Northern Territory and the up the Stuart Highway to Darwin.
Jumping back now to one month ago and I spent Anzac Day eve driving up a very windy and ridiculously foggy mountain range to reach the campsite at Wallaman Falls – the biggest drop waterfall in Australia. Reaching camp we (the Dutchies and I) soon discovered that we had the whole camp to ourselves and made ourselves at home in the very primitive and basic camp kitchen. Unsure of whether it was the fact that we were in the rainforest, that maybe it was residual rain dropping of the branches above, or maybe that we were just in cloud, we seemed to be constantly wet. With everything from clothes, sleeping stuff, to the Duties tent saturated and already starting to smell we went to the lookout to the falls the following morning and were not surprised to see nothing past the cloud/fog two metres in front. We decided to venture down the very steep and slippery walking track to the base of the falls where although we were now completed soaked to the bone (I had a raincoat but somehow sweated through my clothes underneath) it was worth it however to look up at the 268m of projectile waterfall.
Heading north once again with George full of wet soggy smelly clothes and camp stuff we arrived in sunshine at Paronella Park. Paronella Park was started by Spanish man José Paronella to fulfill his dream of building a castle. On 5 Hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees (now a lush rainforest!). It opened to the public in 1935. After a brief period of neglection the Park now boasts remarkable architecture, an incredible story, 5ha of tropical gardens, fantastic photo opportunities, a fully restored and operational 1930's hydro electric generator, wildlife and fish feeding, a boutique caravan and camping grounds, and a café with fresh local produce.
The very friendly staff at this tourist attraction quickly convinced us to come inside and purchase a ticket which included a day tour about the history of the Park, a night tour with a sound and lights show and a campsite at their adjacent campground. Embarking on our tour we soon learnt to explore the park on our own to avoid listening to the enthusiastic and sarcastic voice of our computer geek turned tour guide. Again on the night tour I decided upon some alone time this time to avoid kids shining torches in my eyes, the frightened cries of younger kids and the many couples being all soppy as they admired the lit up castle. All in all it was a magical and intriguing experience and I’d definitely recommend it.
Waking up to sunshine again and finally the thought of everything drying off we arrived in Cairns to meet a carload of backpackers that the Dutchies were then going to join on the next part of their journey to Darwin. Parking George at the buzzing lagoon and esplanade precinct the Dutchies transferred their stuff from George, accidentally leaving behind their tent! It was a sad farewell as I promised to visit them whenever I go to Amsterdam, but saying goodbye was somewhat a relief to once again have my own space in George. In my relief at being alone and finally arriving in Cairns where I would be based for the next few weeks and luckily not have to do too many kms for a while, I relaxed by the lagoon and treated myself to a delicious focaccia for lunch.
Finally it was time for my very much anticipated chance to pick Harriet up from the airport and see a familiar face for the first time it what seemed like forever.
And so it seems with a lack of lonely time and too many travel companions comes a lack of opportunity or motivation to open up my laptop and fill in the rest of the world with tales of my travels!
So right now I am signing on again this time from Mission Beach. I think it may just be pot luck that each time I write for my blog I seem to be in an picturesque location and tonight is no exception, but then again maybe these beautiful beaches that I camp by provide inspiration for me to write. [side note: I most certainly wont still be in Mission Beach when I upload this too my blog] but enough of the philosophical thoughts... So I am camped tonight in the cheap campground with George parked literally 15m from the sand under palm trees. Despite the ocean still looking like a muddy washing machine it is beautiful and just to add to this me and Tom (my travel buddy to Darwin) used my hammer to hack at a coconut and finally opened it so we had free coconut milk and pulp for dessert!
So whilst it all sounds amazing I am about to embark on the next stage of my adventure – into the desert! Stepping back a few weeks though and I will continue my travel tales from Airlie Beach, the location of my last blog entry. Although it is a beautiful, vibrantly bustling backpacker town the relentless rain put a literally dampener on my stay. Nevertheless I checked into the cheapest caravan park in town and found myself a muddy site and opted to cook dinner in the dry camp kitchen where I re-met Justin (the only other single Australia I have seen traveling/camping/backpacking around Australia) a guy who I met in Bundaberg on the rum tour. It’s crazy how often you cross paths with different people all heading up the east coast! Anyway I also met Merik and Leonie here (I will refer to them as the Dutchies from now on) who are a 19 year old Dutch couple hitchhiking around Australia! After some good conversation over dinner and a morning together at the foreshore markets we went our separate ways as they headed off on a sailing trip around the Whitsunday’s. Opting to save my money for a trip to the reef in Cairns instead I swam in the lagoon and watched with fascination as all the backpackers attempted a hangover-curing sunbake under the cloudy sky and shrieked as they dashed for cover everytime the rain started again, a very regular occurrence! As the skies seemed to clear I picked the best part of the day and went for a bush walk up to a lookout in the National Park, which gave me magnificent views of the Whitsunday Island on dusk.
Leaving Airlie Beach the next morning I followed another brown ‘tourist route’ sign to the apparently untouched pristine Dingo Beach. Although he beach was pleasant I was more fascinated by the pub which was the only place in the whole town with any sign of movement, despite it being mid morning! Moving on I drove the short distance to the neighboring Hideaway Beach which although was prettier I wanted more so attempted dirt (off-road) track to what I thought would be a lookout. Needless to say George struggled a bit, and when I turned my head to find all the cupboard doors open and a sea of clothes, doona, crockery, and food all flying around the back as I bounced through continuous pot holes, I decided to turn around and continue my driving for the day back on the Bruce Highway. (Good old Bruce has served me well… Sorry that’s just a side note as I reflect on how many kilometers I have now done along the Bruce) Stopping for the night I Bowen I drove down to the foreshore and couldn’t help but notice the shrine-like-information centre dedicated to the film Australia. I joined the other tourists in reading about how they covered the roads in tonnes of red dirt and how Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman lived as locals. Finding a caravan park to check into wasn’t hard as there were about 7 of them, all with only 2 or 3 vans for the night! When I pulled up the old man next to me asked me to come in for a cup of tea or to watch the news on his TV. I kindly declined. In the morning I jumped on my bike to explore the many many beaches that Bowen is proud to offer, unfortunately not looking very inviting under the dark and stormy morning sky. On my way out of town, only shortly after breakfast I drove past the bakery with a sign claiming to bake the Hugh Jackman pie. Feeling like a post breakfast snack I enjoyed one of these meat pies and later read in my 150 things to do in QLD guide that the pies are a must so I am now very happy with my decision to try one!
Anyway continuing on up the highway to Townsville I reached the Bowling Green National Park and drove inland to the Alligator Creek Campsite suggested to me by Justin the guy from Sydney I met in Bundaberg and Airlie. I had a very enjoyable afternoon with a dip in the very refreshing (freezing) waterhole and a good chat to a retired Canadian couple on their way right around the country (they reminded me a lot of mum and dad!). I woke early the next morning and embarked on the 17km waterfall hike which unexpectedly included 6 creek crossing (one so deep my shorts and undies got wet), a lot of hills and rock hopping. Returning to the campsite five hours later absolutely starving and dying for another dip in the waterhole I was exhausted but glad that I did make it to the top as the falls were magnificent (but only the first of many many waterfalls I would discover in the following weeks).
Arriving in Townsville I decided to stop at the tourist info centre to get my next set of free maps and brochures about the road to Cairns and activities in the area. Who was I to park next to but a car with the Dutchies in it! Hearing about their last few days they told me they were keen to go to Magnetic Island and so I decided to join them. We made a quick trip to the supermarket and before I had any second thoughts we were all on the ferry across to the island! We then caught the public bus to the island’s north coast to Horseshoe Bay and checked into the backpackers there for two nights, me in a dorm and the Dutchies in their tent. After two nights on the island it was funny how I actually missed George and having my own space and ‘me’ time (sometimes also referred to as lonely time!) And although it was great doing all of the walks to all of the secluded, remote and sometimes nudist beaches and bays, many dotted with palm trees, two days on the island was enough. It was then decided that the Dutchies would stay with me to Cairns as I had to be there in 3 days for Harriet and they had a lift to Darwin leaving that same day. And so all three of us in George had a brief look around Townsville and found and caravan park just out of town for the night. The following day we went to visit Shalom, (the aboriginal school associated with my school back home) which was a great experience and a bit of an eye-opener for the Dutchies, but they loved it and I enjoyed having them with me so could all join in some activities with the kids and explore the school together. From Townsville we continued along The Bruce in George and stopped for lunch and a swim at Crystal Creek Falls in the mountains (National Parks) that run right up the coastline parallel to the ocean. Here we had a picnic and then spent ages climbing up the creek and diving off rocks and showering under the freezing cascades.
So having completed the morning walk at Rainbow Beach I followed the ‘tourist drive’ – my usual choice of route (trust me the Bruce Highway is certainly not my favourite road and poor George doesn’t like been passed by semi trailers travelling 110km/hr on such a skinny road) to Tin Can Bay. As usual the guide books made out a beautiful seaside fishing town apparently with dolphins playing in the bay, but to be honest I was a tad disappointed when I realised dolphins only came at 8am for feeding and the town was dead with about 50 4WDs parked with their boat trailers. The fish and chip shop looked to be a centrepiece of the town so I grabbed a little package for myself and ate lunch in the park and then went back for a take home marinara mix that I cooked up for dinner. Next stop was Hervey Bay to prepare for my trip to Fraser Island. I had a lovely evening swim in the public pool where I watched the sun set behind the palm tress and then did a couple of kms under the stars.
So my Fraser Island experience was amazing! I did a tour with a group called CoolDingos. I was a little sceptical because it was one of the more expensive tours but it was only for young travellers and included more sights and meals than what other company’s offered. After an early start our group caught the ferry across to Kingfisher Resort on the Island. We met our guide Craig and jumped on board our 4wd bus. At the start, the journey was how I imagine riding one of those bucking bull rides would be, but by the end of the second day I found the jerky and bumpy ride through the sandy forests so relaxing I almost fell asleep! Or maybe my 4pm closey eye was due to the days being so jam-packed. From swimming in the clear fresh water lakes, hiking up the mountains and encountering a phenomenal amount of wildlife, cruising at 80km/hr along the Fraser M1 aka the 75 mile beach on the east coast past a ship wreck and aboriginal sights, to lounging in the champaign pools the activities were endless. Aside from the activities the food was great – pretty sure I ate more in two days than the previous 2 weeks, and I met some great people from all over the world with some great stories. So now I have a few more overseas contacts and a couple of travel buddies for other parts of my trip!
Returning from Fraser Island I had another night in Hervey Bay and then headed off for another National Park walk near the small beachside town of Woodgate Beach. Although the town was pretty I am pretty sure the only reason the National Park has gained its credentials is because it is the home of thousands and thousands of insects! Trying to beat the sunset and make it to camp by dark I did not appreciate being covered in mozzies and breaking through at least 3 spider webs across the track every 10m! And by the time I finally set up my tent and started cooking I realised I was next to an ant nest, the mozzies didn’t want to go bed and there were moths swarming around my head torch. After a rather frustrating night I was up, fed and back on the walking track by 7.15 and not in the greatest of moods.
Anyway to brighten up my mood I headed to Bundaberg which I discovered is nothing more than a small country town – with all shops seemingly closed because it was Sunday. I continued driving through the endless sugar cane fields to the beach where I was apparently able to witness Turtle Hatchings on dusk. Arriving at the information centre I was face with a sign informing me that the ‘turtle hatching season’ had ended the previous weekend. A bit over everything I went for a quick dip at the beach (swell height 2mm L) and then made friends with three other vans of backpackers from Holland, Canada, Germany and England. After the typical ‘where to camp for free chat’ we headed back inland through Bundaberg to a cane toad infested campsite. With far less insects however and some good company I had a good night and great sleep until the next morning I realised that my legs were covered in bites. Still not sure if they’re from the National Park experience or maybe the annoying possibility that George has fleas... Just to be sure I went and purchased some new ‘tropical strength’ mozzie repellent, some mortien for my bed and a bottle of stingoes – which I finished in 3 days (consequently walking around with a white paste all over the back of my legs)!
Anyway to turn what has seemed like a rather depressing blog entry so far, I then went on a tour at the Bundaberg Rum Factory. It was actually really fun and interactive and interesting but unfortunately I couldn’t make the most of the free tastes at the end due to the nature of my ‘road’ trip. Nevermind, what I did taste was good and although I’ve never been a big fan of Bundy and Coke I now have a few other mixed combinations that I like.
Next destination was the town of 1770 and Agnes Waters. I came into town crossing my fingers and praying that I wouldn’t run out of petrol and thank goodness George made it with 2.3L in the tank! I saw a magnificent sunset on the bay at 1770 then headed back to Agnes Water to stay the night next to the surf beach – the last place with waves on my journey – and as I now realize the last place where you can swim without wearing a stupid stinger suit! However my time in Agnes Water was not so ideal as there was no waves and I arrived in time for a massive downpour of rain where everything got wet – sheets, towels, pillows grrrrrr! The following night I camped in the bush camp down the road having spent a day twiddling my thumbs and actually watching a movie (in the day!!) because I was bored due to the endless rain. I did managed to get out to the 1770 lookout and see the cairn for the first place that white man (Captian Cook) set foot in Queensland in 1770. This was also the first and only day I have not worn shorts and have felt cold in my whole trip!!
Setting off from Agnes Water I had a big few days of driving ahead through ‘nothing’ towns ie towns that have nothing of interest on the tourist guides and maps. Although some brochures somehow manage to make even the most boring (in my opinion) towns/cities seem appealing. After stopping off in Gladstone for a picnic in the park and a swim I then proceeded on to Rockhampton and stayed in a caravan park by the river. Traveling alone and arriving in towns/cities looking for a campsite is frustrating, there’s a constant weigh up of whether to risk a fine/local hoons or paying to go to a caravan park where you get decent sleep and a hot shower – not that I’ve even been bothering to turn on the hot water with this humidity! I’ve decided that when I’m not with other campers that I should opt for the caravan park option and so I’ve been doing that in all the recent towns: Rocky, Mackay etc. With another long drive ahead I woke feeling a bit over it all and upon looking at the map and discovering Rockhampton airport there was a thought in the back of my mind to throw the towel in and just fly home! – I hate to admit! But after a morning watching of Gossip Girl I gained motivation and drove to Mt Archer National Park where I did a walk hoping to get views out to the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef where that Chinese coal ship was apparently anchored. Unfortunatley there were too many trees in the way, nevertheless it was a really nice walk and good source of motivation for the few hundred kilometer journey to Mackay.
Having arrived in Mackay at dusk I had a quick drive around town, contemplated camping in the foreshore carpark but then once again for security opted for a small caravan park on the highway out of town. Like Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Rockhampton I didn’t really find much to keep me in town so I headed off the next day for Airlie Beach where sure enough I would find heaps of backpackers and other campervans. Pulling up in the foreshore carpark yesterday afternoon there were 14 campervans, all different types, colours and filled with different nationalities. On my way to Airlie however I did go to the Cape Hillsborough National Park – a beautiful untouched peninsula looking out to the islands south of the Whitsundays. After lunch in the picnic groud I did the main walk thorugh rainforest filled with butterflies although slightly wrecked from the recent cyclone.
Anyway here I am in Airlie Beach, 8 days away from meeting Harriet in Cairns! Until next time, goodbye.
Ok so a quick catch up on my busy and not so lonely movements in the past like 10 (wow) days. Firstly thanks for all the messages of concern about my lonely time, I laugh a little but am grateful when my phone beeps and I get a cheery message from home. Fear not though, I am definitely mastering the art of starting conversation with any decent (as in not over 35, not in a winnabago, not with young kids, and not with all the vans windows blackout with some strange smelling smoke drifting from the window) campervaners! Just last night for example in the carpark of this pretty little beach just out of Bundaberg I approached two guys sitting next to their van playing guitar and within 15mins we had a 4 van convoy heading to the closest free camping spot – where I now lie having watched the sunrise waiting for my new found friends to wake up.
So from Maloolaba I went to the Buderim Ginger Factory – the biggest in the world and oh so tasty! As some of you know I love ginger (sweet, savoury, in lollies, icecream, stir fries etc) and so this was heaven. I went on a tour and sampled some amazing and random produce from ginger jam and ginger scones, to ginger dip and best of all I bought a huge ginger icecream – I am in love!! And I also bought a 1kg bag of crystallised ginger for nibbling in the car which I think you will be happy to know I haven’t finished yet.
So next stop was Noosa, my destination for Easter. Partially because I wanted to be somewhere a bit familiar and because there was the Great Noosa Campout on which was a music festival for campervaners! I didn’t end up attending however because I drove past and it looked like a flop (and all the media said it was!) and I made new friends in Noosa.
Hating every moment of my first night in the town (or more like at the only available campspot 20km out, in some mozzie infested paddock) I headed to the over crowded but absolutely buzzing Eumundi market where I purchased some stickers for George – see the photos (when I finally put them up!) I met a van of 3 Israeli guys, 2 Swiss girls and 2 Swiss guys when I got back to the beach, yay! We went out that night to the pub which was fun and then Easter Sunday we had an Easter egg hunt in the Coles Carpark – our local sleeping position for the week. To all those wondering if I got an easter egg, trust me I wasn’t going to forget this excuse to eat chocolate before breakfast and so I finally allowed myself to eat the block of Old Gold (my fav) I had been ‘hiding’ from myself till then!
It was weird being in Noosa as a backpacker. Walking down Hasting st having not showered for the past 6 days among all of the ‘college mums’ in their white linen pants and crips blonde bob haircuts… But very fun nevertheless. I did a few walks (ie runs) in the National Park, swam down to the rocks each morning and pretended I have a surfboard as I cut surfers off body surfing (the Israeli guys think I am crazy!) On one of the days we hired a boat and went in and out of the river systems, which was fun, and very funny watching them trying to steer the boat.
Following five days in Noosa I once again set off on my journey north. This time to a small town called Rainbow Beach, famous for its rainbow sandy cliffs, which certainly didn’t disappoint. I checked in to the caravan park here and did a huge load of washing which was very satisfying and gave George a general internal clean and tidy. The following day I ventured along the walking trail in the Natioanl Park to the Carlo Sandblow. It was this most incredible sand dune stretching from the cliff tops above the rainbow sands for well over 1km inland. Hard to descrbe but it looked awesome, like a sandy desert surrounded but forrest and the cliff tops to the ocean. From here the walking track actually continues down the coast to Noosa making up the Great Cooloola Walk – something I would love to do sometime.
Ok written enough for the moment and my battery is about to run out. Still to come is Rainbow Beach to Bundaberg including Fraser Island - photo selection may be a struggle!
Bye for now!
Ok here I am again signing in, this time sitting at the dining room table enjoying a beautiful dinner I whipped up, just across from the beach at Mooloolabah. Well almost… my dinner isn’t all that spectacular (vegies, lentils, chilli – the usual but with no canned tuna tonight!), the table takes up pretty much the whole interior of the van (and converts to my bed), but yes I am just across from the beach, tonight staying in a caravan park – I have have a powered site every two to three days to recharge everything ie the battery that runs the fridge and lights, plus when I plugged into 240V (mains power) I can use George’s kettle, microwave and power points to charge camera, phone, laptop etc.
Anyway I’m seeing this might be a fairly big instalment as I feel like I’ve been a thousand places and seen a billion exciting things since I last updated you. Following my couple of days hiking and camping in the Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland, I decided to take part in Harriet’s Uni’s Exploration Society Walk “Yawning up Mt Warning”. It was incredible experience, we caught a bus at midnight (I slept from 8pm till 11pm haha!) to the base of the mountain – just back across the NSW/QLD boarder and started to walk up guided only by our torches. The difficulty of the walk surprised me at first and we had four hours till sunrise, but sure enough the track became steeper and windier, finishing with a 300m rock climb on all fours to reach the peak. Although it was a nice challenge for me, the rest of our group were slightly shocked and many unprepared. For example the girl walking (stumbling) in front of me dropper her glasses and smashed the lenses so her boyfriend had to hold her hand (her other hand carried the enormous torch she’d brought). To add to this she wore stockings and a tshirt-come-dress with converse’s on her feet! As most of you can imagine I became fairly impatient and eventually stormed past her and about 20 others who were struggling through their own difficulties. In the end I made it to the top with about 1.5hours to spare till sunrise, and instantly became freezing cold in the now sweaty singlet I wore. Nevertheless the wait was worth every second and the 80 odd people who chose to walk rather than sleep (or camped on the peak) plus the many many photos I took are evidence! There is a 360 degree view from 4 platforms with the sun rising above the ocean past Tweed Heads, with Byron Bay to the south, and the Gold Coast stretching along the coast further North.
Upon arrive back on the Gold Coast mid morning, I set about doing some jobs for the rest of the day like replacing George’s battery. The ridiculaous state of tiredness from basically an all-nighter trekking up a mountain, didn’t actually set in until the following day – when I had planned to start adventuring further north – but ended up plonking myself in Harriet’s apartment, feeling sorry for myself and trying to fight the onset of a cold.
Moving on, my next adventure was on North Stradbroke Island. I packed a few days supplies, my tent, sleeping bag and camp cooker into my pack and set off on the ferry, leaving George on the mainland. I caught the public bus right to the northern point and had a picnic lunch at main beach. Following a great swim and bodysurf I started my walk along the coast in search of a camp spot. Following a quick camp set up I headed off on a run to get my bearings. As the sun sets just after 6 I keep having this ‘nothing’ time, where I can’t do activities or exercise and I’m not quiet ready for dinner, unfortunately this is lonely time I’ve decided, as everyone else seems to be sitting round a camp fire, having a beer and enjoying the company of their partner or family – everyone is travelling in couples or families!!
Anyway skipping ahead a little quicker, since Straddie I spent a day in Brisbane – a city I don’t really know at all. I basically just drove in till I hit the river, parked George and got on my bike peddling round for about 3 hrs in and out of streets and all along the river. It was a great way to explore the city without the hassel of public transport playing for parking or the slowness of walking. Speaking of walking I;ve been doing it so much – well a lot for a non-walker. Whenever I just want to have a look around a town however I definitely choose to ride or run (I can sense most of you rolling your eyes right now – but you can see so much more faster that way!)
After exploring the Morton Bay region – I drive along the motorways and then always take a turn off at all tourist drives or beach access points. Which means by the time I reach Cairns I hope I’ve swum at over 100 beaches! Back to Morton Bay (the coast outside Brisbane) I spent one night in a carpark on what looked like a beautiful bayside town. I cooked myself up a steak and vegies on the bbq as I watched the sunset, but little did I realise that after dark this carpark was hoon city. Poking my eye out from behind George’s floral curtains I certainly witness a lot that night and didn’t get much sleep from all the revving cars and abusive language as I lay nervously in bed. It didn’t help that when they finally all went home it started bucketing with rain at 3am (a common occurrence most nights actually) and then the street cleaner came past at 5.00! Grrrrr.
Next travelling up the coast further I swung by Caboolture but was clearly there too early in the morning – the town was dead. Oh that’s another thing my body clock is still set on Victoria time which means I seem to wake each morning at sunrise ~ 6am which means I start getting closey-eye (ie tired) at around 9pm.
So it has now been a few days since I started this and I am now in the carpark in Noosa, listening to the chatter and music of at least 8 other campervaners, pretty much all in the twenties and from a European country. I’ve had a great last couple of days – some awesome body surfing at all beaches up the Sunshine Coast. I am in serious surfer jealousy mode right now. I wish I my board! But yes I couldn’t justify fitting it and my bike inside and most of the rest of my of my trip I wont be near surf beaches anyway. So for now I stick to body surfing, to the frustration of a few surfers when I get in their way, whoops!
| Start | Finish | Distance | Start | Finish | Days | Notes | |
| Melbourne | Gold Coast | 1740 | 16-Mar | 18-Mar | 2 | | |
| Gold Coast | | 17-Mar | ?? | 14 | Aussies (16-22 March) | ||
| Gold Coast | Noosa | 200 | ?? | 31-Mar | | | |
| Noosa | | 31-Mar | 5-Apr | | Easter - Music Festival | ||
| Noosa | Cairns | 1580 | 5-Apr | 23-Apr | 18 | along the coast | |
| Cape York | | 24-Apr | 2-May | 8 | Harriet's holidays | ||
| Cairns | | 2-May | 9-May | 7 | | | |
| Cairns | Darwin | 2900 | 9-May | 3-Jun | 25 | via Mt Isa & Tennant Creek | |
| Darwin | | 3-Jun | 9-Jun | 6 | | | |
| Vanuatu | | 9-Jun | 16-Jun | 7 | with Harriet | | |
| Darwin | Broome | 1870 | 18-Jun | 30-Jun | 11 | | |
| Broome & Kimberly's | | 30-Jun | ?? | 12 | uni & school holidays | ||
| | | | | | | | |
| Broome | Exmouth | 1371 | ?? | ?? | | to Ningaloo Reef - Whale Sharks | |
| Exmouth | Perth | 1267 | ?? | ?? | | | |
| Perth | Melbourne | | 12-Jul | 12-Jul | | to Perth to sell car? | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Broome | Melbourne | | 12-Jul | 12-Jul | | HOME! | |
