Days On The Road  :  108

Distance Travelled (Car)  :  9,311 Kms

Distance Travelled (Caravan)  :  5,870 Kms

Fuel Used (Ltrs)  :  1,688  (Costing $2,491)

Ltrs Fuel Used Per 100 Kms  :  18.13

Average Cost Per Night Stay (Powered Site + Free Camping)  :  $24.54

Aug 11 to 15  With one final stop at Agnes Waters and a free camp just north of Gympie, we finish this journey as we enter Pelican Waters. Now we start planning the big one which starts in October …

     

Aug 8 to 10  A stop for 3 days to free camp at St Lawrence was another good example of how enjoyable free camping can be. Our newly acquired generator performed admirably and full water tanks lasted the length of our stay. St Lawrence is approx 800 Kms north of Brisbane. At the 2006 census the town and the surrounding area had a population of 195. Once a prosperous port town, exporting cattle from the hinterland, most residents are now railway workers. 

        

One morning our quiet peace was shattered by the sound of an American police siren as the first of 85 (yes, 85!) loud vehicles shot into town. The 2012 Cane and Cotton Variety Bash had arrived. This is part of the Variety charity which raises funds for children and schools in the outback, all over Australia. Each vehicle in this rally had raised at least $8,000 for the charity – the minimum amount required for them to be able to take part. What a fantastic group of people with a great vision.

     

Aug 7  After a week at Groper Creek which has been great fun and has flown by our last evening is highlighted with a communal cooking and eating of a joint effort seafood paella. Contributions of seafood (and chorizo sausage) were fashioned into a tasty dish by Merv and Steve and anyone else who wanted to have a stir. A lovely evening to end our stay at Groper Creek. We will be back!!