29.04.2026

What a day! After nearly 500 km northwards to Airlie Beach, we have arrived at Snow White in the woods behind the mountains. Not the typical Queenslander house, but a very nice bungalow. The cicadas are already giving their night concert.

Before we set off on the long journey this morning, we took a detour to the 'Capricorn Caves', discovered in 1882 by a Norwegian and now available for tours. We were there for the 9 AM tour. It went through a cave system that is many millions of years old, stemming from an ancient coral reef. Sometimes, you can still recognize this structure. Inside, ferns are now growing, roots several meters long are hanging from the ceiling, bats have made this their home, and we even saw a snake. We traversed a series of passages, and in the 'Cathedral Cave', known for its good acoustics and used for concerts, we listened to a 'Hallelujah version' during a wonderful light installation. A lovely detour!

But then it was on to the 'route'. Many kilometers through dry pasture and bushland, nothing happening on the right or left ... You can set the cruise control and only need to adjust your speed at the rare towns or construction sites; even overtaking a truck becomes an adventure. However, there were always 'encouraging' signs: Survive this drive! - Survive this journey!, Arrive alive! - Arrive alive!, Break the drive - stay alive! - Break the drive - stay alive! Once we saw a wrecked car in a cage. Above it was written: The driver was tired! That certainly helps with concentration! You also know that there are hardly any gas stations or snack bars here, at most pull-off bays or restrooms. After almost 300 km, it got greener, with sugarcane fields on both sides of the road, and the small town of Sarina came into view. The town's image is shaped by the sugar factory. Here was our late lunch stop. We 'refueled' at Subway, and for the car, there was petrol for an incredible 1.75 Au$ per liter. That's 1.07 €. We've never filled up at such a low price. Usually, it’s more expensive in the towns than outside! After Sarina, the remaining 200 km were a bit easier, as we continued through green land, especially through sugarcane fields again. 'Airlie Beach Eco Cabins' is located in the woods, and the bungalows are very modern and comfortably furnished. The key was accessed via a code from the key safe. You can't hear anything from the neighbors. We were greeted by cockatoos and bush turkeys, but they've also disappeared by now. A very idyllic place!