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Two cassowaries on the Cassowary Coast
We spotted two cassowaries, on The Cassowary Coast.
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A friendly 10 A outlet, near Mission Beach
Staying at a BnB tonight, near Mission Beach, QLD. I tried to book one listed in PlugShare with a 7kW EV charger, but I chose the wrong one in Airbnb. Fortunately the host very kindly allowed us to plug into the normal 10A power outlet in the garage. It’s only 2kW, but it will get us mostly charged up by morning. Unfortunately, I made a bit of a mess when trying to do a three point turn at the top of the sloped loose gravel driveway, to reverse into the garage. Rear wheel drive is great for going forward up a hill, but not so good for reversing up a loose surface slope.
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An Audi e-tron meet, with Linda and Louis
We waited for another Tesla Model 3, which was at 99% for ages when we got there, not checked in, in PlugShare. Then had a chat with Linda and Louis who arrived a while later, in their Audi e-tron. They had travelled from Wollongong, passing through Port Douglas. We agreed that we need more than one RACQ Chargefox fast charger in these locations. The layout of this charger is great: easy to park; can charge from either side; near shopping and toilets.
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Mossman Gorge in the Daintree
Visitors have to park at the center, then catch a shuttle bus to the gorge, then walk a nice 640m boardwalk to the popular river spot. The centre includes a cafe, toilets, gift shop and ticket counter. It’s pretty but seems to be a large overhead for a fairly standard river view, with room at the gorge for a limited number of visitors. There is a longer 2km walk, but we didn’t try it. They advise not to swim, but half the people do. We found out later that a couple of tourists were swept away by the river, prompting a search.
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Made it to Cape Tribulation
We made it to the northernmost point of our road trip: Cape Tribulation. Lush vegetation, lots of wildlife if you look closely. The ocean is eerie – it’s hard to tell where it ends and the sky begins. It’s so very humid in summer. Great little cafe/kiosk where we were staying. But we also cooked our meals in the camp kitchen. There’s no grid power here, north of the Daintree River, so the Safari Lodge and Campground (our accommodation) and other places all run on diesel generators. The generator supplies the electricity for the powered sites, cabins, lights, kiosk, washing machines, everything. A few places have solar panels. There are plans for a micro-grid to get rid of the diesel generators. I'm surprised that they don't have more solar here, but it is coming
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Crossing the Daintree River ferry
We crossed the Daintree River on the ferry. Notice on the other side of the river the toddler that seems to be driving a car from the sunroof.
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Charging in Cairns, plus an AQUA Lagoon coffee
Charged up for the trip to Daintree. Managed to beat Kylie and Aaron this time, who resorted to the slow 11kW charger next to us, until we finished. Enjoyed a delicious coffee and an ice block with fruit in it at AQUA Cairns Lagoon cafe. Tried to block a photo of me in portrait 🤪.
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Queueing at the Cardwell charger
We charged up at Cardwell (south of Cairns). We initially queued behind Aaron and Kylie in their Tesla Model 3 (Mackay to Cairns). While waiting, we drove up the road to buy lunch from a cafe, under “The Big Crab”. When we returned, we queued behind Vijay and his family in their MG (Port Douglas to Brisbane). We ate our lunch the pretty park next to the charger, whilst avoiding swimming and being eaten ourselves by crocodiles.
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Mango pancakes at the Frosty Mango
On our way from Townsville to Cairns, along the Bruce Highway, we stumbled across the Frosty Mango. They sell a while range of frozen fruity goodness, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We cooled down with some mango pancakes and ice cream 🥭 🥞 🍨😋 .
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Up Castle Hill (Cutheringa), Townsville
We drove up to the top of Cutheringa (English name "Castle Hill"), for amazing views all around Townsville and over to Magnetic Island. It’s just short of the 300m height required for it to be classed as a mountain. Dozens of people were _walking_ up the hill!
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Power-point parking at Oaks Gateway Townsville
We checked in at Oaks Gateway Townsville and discovered that some parking spots have power points. Very convenient for overnight charging. Thank you Oaks!
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An awkward Ayr charger, between bollards
We charged the car and our bellies (thanks Ayr Woolworths) in Ayr, just south of Townsville. Really awkwardly positioned Chargefox charger, requiring a wide turn to avoid the bollards, while holding up traffic behind coming through a roundabout. The towns that have chargers, like Ayr, will get a lot more passing visitors as EVs increase in number. Other towns are missing out and need to get sorted.
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Where can I buy a Type 2 cable in QLD?
Is there anywhere north of Airlie Beach in Queensland where you can buy a type 2 charging cable? Over the counter, not mail order.
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A rainy electric-buggy island tour
Rainy day – Great time to tour the island in an electric buggy.
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Electric buggies everywhere on Hamilton Island
We left our Tesla Model 3 at Airlie Beach, to spend a few days on Hamilton Island. I was pleasantly surprised to see that most vehicles on the island are electric (golf buggies), with charging points at most parking spots and home garages. And no fumes as you walk along next to those vehicles ☺️. It seems so simple and logical when you see a place that has done it right.
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Merry Christmas from half our family
Love and miss the rest of you ♥️.
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Christmas Eve fireworks
Christmas Eve fireworks
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Christmas Eve picnic on Hamilton Island
Christmas Eve: Evening picnic at the beach, with half of Hamilton Island.
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Dinner and night lights with Erin
Erin took us out for dinner and to see the night lights.
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Animals around Hamilton Island
Spotted some animals at the wildlife park and just roaming around the island.
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Finally, a Whitsundays swim that won't kill you
Finally found a place to swim in the ocean in the Whitsundays where the jelly fish are not likely to kill you. Well, there are still warning signs.
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Cockatoos eye my breakfast at Bobs Bakery
Found coffee at Bobs Bakery - Hamilton Island. Cockatoos found my breakfast cereal and got very close, but I don't share.
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Buggy groceries on Hamilton Island
Driving the electric buggy, with groceries.
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Reunited on Hamilton Island
Finally on Hamilton Island, reunited with Erin and Ben.
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Ferry to Hamilton Island, for Christmas
We left our car near Airlie Beach and caught a ferry to Hamilton Island for a few days over Christmas. Two of our kids met us on the island. Erin works there and Ben flew in from the NSW Central Coast. We squeezed our bags onto the electric golf buggy and navigated the local traffic.
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Past Daydream Island, on the ferry
Passing by Daydream Island and other countless islands.
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Boarding the Whitsundays ferry
We boarded the ferry from Airlie Beach through the Whitsundays to Hamilton Island, to see our two youngest kids.
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The last mainland coffee, before the islands
I think Fran just had coffee from the last remaining place on the mainland. (She reviewed it as the “best in the area”.) So, now we’ll have to move to an island to find more.
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A very pumpkin-y lunch
Quick lunch between errands. The pumpkin came with pumpkin/hummus sauce. It was a lot of (too much) pumpkin!
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A washing-it-all-away swim in Yeppoon
Swimming in Yeppoon, on an isolated stretch of beach, washing away any responsibilities.
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A Mount Larcom charge, and a chat with Ben
A quick top up charge at the RACQ Chargefox charger in Mount Larcom, and a chat with Ben Chisholm. Ben recommended the Mount Larcom Cafe opposite, and I was tempted, but we had just eaten. We’re on our way north today to Rockhampton. Ben is on his way south, eventually to Brisbane. We chatted about living out of your car/van, solar panels and electric cars.
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Following EV-charger signs into Miriam Vale
We spotted a series of small blue EV charger signs along the road, and followed them into Miriam Vale. What a lovely spot. The EV parking is a little further down the road from town, but there’s a cafe, toilet, nice park. Oh, and bats. Fran is not a fan of bats 🦇
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Two tropical rainstorms, to Mount Larcom
Hit by two tropical rain storms between Bundaberg and Mount Larcom.
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A Hervey Bay swim, just before the storm
We went for a swim in Hervey Bay, shortly after arriving. We walked far from the car to find a good place to swim. We saw the giant black clouds rolling in. Then the heavens opened.
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Breakfast at The Edge Restaurant, Montville
Breakfast at The Edge Restaurant, Montvile QLD. Thank you, Helen ☺️
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An overnight charge at Maleny Tropical Retreat
Staying at Maleny Tropical Retreat. Host Ken and his sister Daphne were kind enough to allow us to plug in the Tesla overnight to charge. Great to chat and hear their stories. Beautiful location. Balinese style.
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Obi Obi Boardwalk, while the laundry runs
Walking along the Obi Obi Boardwalk, in Maleny. Great to have shade on a fairly hot day, and pass the time while waiting for the wash cycles at Maleny Laundrette.
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The frunk: smelly-laundry storage
Since there’s no engine in the Tesla, it has a “frunk“ (front trunk). We’re using it to store the smelly laundry and shoes. We were starting to run out of clothes, so it’s time to do the laundry.
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A Balinese-style B&B in Maleny
Staying at a Balinese villa style B&B in Maleny.
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A drop-toilet stop at Heifer Creek
We stopped at Heifer Creek for the drop toilet and a sit in the nature with the magpies.
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Drive-through coffee at The Dairy Lounge, Warwick
Drive through coffee from The Dairy Lounge in Warwick, QLD. Then following the winding road to Gatton Qld.
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Why EVs make better motel neighbours
Something I hadn’t considered: EVs are friendlier to other guests at a motel. No noise or fumes ☺️. Thank you Buckeroo Motel 🤠.
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Our longest charger wait, in Tenterfield
Our longest wait at a charger so far. When we arrived at Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre, The NRMA charger, a grey Model 3 was already there charging (at the only charger). It was at 79%, so I figured they'll be back soon. They hadn't checked in using PlugShare, so I had no idea. We went for a walk through Tenterfield while I checked my Tesla Sentry Cam to see if they had moved. 30 minutes later, we came back to see they were at 99%. We waited in the car for another 20 minutes, while a red Tesla Model Y joined the queue behind us (we both check in as "waiting" in PlugShare). The grey model 3 owner returned saying that their app has just told them it had finished charging. I suggested/requested that they use PlugShare. Lessons learned: 1. The NRMA: We need more than one charger in these locations, please. The Model Y owner said they thought Tesla are adding some nearby, but not yet operational. 2. We need the chargers to request/facilitate checking in, so we can see whether it's…
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The truly important issue: jam or cream first
We discuss the truly important marriage issues, such as the order of topping of a scone with jam and cream.
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A U-turn for Stonehenge in NSW
On the way to Glenn Innes, we noticed some peculiar boulders off the side of the road. A quick U-turn and then we drove through Stonehenge Recreation Reserve.
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Breakfast in Armidale's Central Park
Breakfast in Central Park Armidale, supplied by Seesaw Coffee Co. A walk around St Peters Anglican cathedral, armidale and through St Mary's & St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral.
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Locking myself out for a software update
I outsmarted myself. I locked myself out of the car. The Tesla notified me that there was a software update available. Normally this is done via a wifi connection at home at midnight when you’re not using the car. But I thought I knew better and tethered the car through my iPhone, told the car to update, accepted the warning that I won’t be able to use the car for 25 minutes. But, 10 minutes later, I wanted to open the door. Yeah, I’m not so smart. Edit: Updated with getting back into the car.
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Our first other-EV chat: Ian and Heidi
This was the first other EV we had seen since leaving the coast. Ian and Heidi have had their Tesla Model 3 since 2019. They have a tow bar fitted to carry their bikes (one is a e-bike), but they also tow trailers. For their current road trip, they have temporarily removed their back seats, so the backs fold down flat, giving them a flat extended boot and more space. They also raved about their portable induction hotplate. Great to have a chat about Tesla Road Tripping.
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Adding 4 % charge, just from going downhill
Nerd alert: We managed to add 4% charge to the car, just from going downhill.
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A first night on the Tessories mattress
Fran's bed design parody followed by a fairly boring video of how the Tessories Australia mattress packs away. We had a terrible night's sleep, mainly due to needing better padding for our hips. But the air con worked a treat and we had ample head room.
Formerly: Tesla Tripping
Come along on our EV road trips around Australia and Europe, and follow as we progressively electrify our home in Emerald, Victoria.
Join us on the road. We set off in late 2022 and drove eastern Australia in our Tesla Model 3 — Sydney, Dubbo, Armidale, Brisbane, Cape Tribulation, then down through Queensland and back. We've since upgraded to a Model Y.
We've kept exploring — Uluru, the Snowy Mountains and Gippsland, and a longer run through Europe in 2024. There's plenty more on the map, so come along for the next leg.
At home in Emerald, in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges, we're progressively electrifying everything: rooftop solar, a home battery, a hot water heat pump, air conditioned heating and cooling, and EV charging straight from the sun. We're going fully electric, off the gas.
Got questions, or insights of your own? We'd love to hear them — please drop a comment on any post.