Tag 44: Going Nowhere with Liquid Gold

12.08.2016

Our further journey takes us away from the highly touristy roads of Eastern Australia, into the typical Australian Outback. This means first and foremost: driving, driving, driving. Mindful as ever, I brought along Viennese cabaret CDs and some Greek heroic tales. So we perceive the remote, parched roads far from any radio reception with the accompaniment of Vitasek, Hader, and Co.

By the way, we find out that it is still possible to discover even more dead animals on the side of the road. But - oh wonder - also some living contemporaries cross our path. We catch a brief glimpse of kangaroos hopping past us (in my opinion) happily.

After endless desolation, we reach (our fuel tank would say "just in time") a gas station. The owners seem to know where their business is located - obviously, the principle of "supply and demand" applies here as well.

Maybe it's because we're now driving with liquid gold, but the rest of the way to our actual destination, the Undara Lava Tubes, passes quickly. However, a setback awaits us there. Admission to the Lava Tubes is only allowed with a guide, and it costs more than what you have to pay for a day at the Great Barrier. The essence of it all: we leave the volcanic tunnels untouched and only take a short path to a lookout platform. This is also quite an exciting affair, as the typical Outback has many peculiarities in store for us. Everywhere along the way, you can discover ant mounds rising from the ground, which look like giant stones. We also make friends with a few wallabies, unfortunately, they don't understand us very well, otherwise I would have immediately exchanged phone numbers as well.

After this short but no less adventurous walk, we enjoy the - for me - so far most pleasant night under a starry sky at a remote parking spot embedded in red sand.

Gudi's glorious laws:

Slow down, drive slower!

She's right, as we are constantly surprised by gusts of wind. But to my defense, I must also say that it is not quite easy to keep an eye on the speedometer on endless, monotonous roads.