Pre-Event

Arrive early to explore the museums, galleries, bars and beaches of Sydney, allowing you time to overcome your jetlag and regulate your pace to a more healthy holiday mood. The world famous Sydney Opera House with its resemblance to the vast sails of ships from a previous century, the gigantic harbour bridge with the option to take a walk to its summit, or the glorious Botanic Gardens all offer further distractions to help you adjust your rhythm. Formalities should be brief for those hiring a 4x4, if you have supplied us with the correct documentation in advance, and if your imported vehicle arrives CLEAN you will simply need to tick the various boxes prior to accepting your keys.

Day 1 - Sydney - Katoomba 251km (3:45hrs driving time)

2 September

You will have recovered from your flight, taken possession of your vehicle and, by now, I hope, you will be ready to see a part of this vast island. Our first day is not a long haul, but we leave the metropolis of Sydney at a reasonable hour to venture directly west into the Blue Mountains, named for the haze of eucalyptus mist rising from the forests. This range effectively separates the palm-fringed golden beaches from the notoriously harsh interior, and was a substantial barrier to the early colonial explorers. A very scenic road leads us to the townships of Leura and Katoomba where, clinging to the edge of the Jamieson Valley, they offer unrivalled views of the Three Sisters, the rock formation so often found on classic Australian postcards. Walking tracks abound, with variations from a five-minute stroll to 'hard yakka' treks lasting several days. The area is riddled with cafes, bars and restaurants, being so close to Sydney's large population. On the western side of the Krungle Bungle Range lie the Jenolan Caves, a mighty series of caverns housing a fine display of limestone stalagmites and stalactites. We will stay in a comfortable colonial hotel for our first night on the road.

Day 2 - Katoomba - Tamworth 486km (6:05hrs driving time)

3 September

We begin our route north today through Wollemi and Yengo National Parks, a wild area of steep gorges and rocky ridges, forming part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Mt Yengo is of cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities and the historic Great North Road is an intact example of early 19th century convict road-building. There are many Aboriginal sites within these national parks including cave paintings, axe-grinding grooves, and rock carvings. In 2003, the discovery of Eagle's Reach cave was publicly announced-the art within this small cave is estimated to be 4,000 years old. The Hunter Valley and its multitude of quality wineries will make a great lunch halt before we climb on to the tablelands, which stretch the entire length of New South Wales. We pass Gowrie to overnight in Tamworth, two towns supporting a thriving local economy based on sheep and cattle farming. Various side-trips offer an insight into the once prosperous gold-mining industry and Nundle, in particular, has that outback ghost-town atmosphere.

Day 3 - Tamworth - Coffs Harbour 325km (4:25hrs driving time)

4 September

90km down the 'track' this morning will bring you to Uralla, another gold-town with the grave of Captain Thunderbolt, a notorious bushranger of the 1860s. The term bushranger referred to a runaway convict in the early years of the British settlement who had the survival skills necessary to hide from the authorities. A scenic side-road then leads via Gostwyck to Armidale, the surroundings of which bear a striking resemblance to 'the old country' with its tree-lined streets, parks, gardens and university. Now we start eastward toward the coast but aiming instead for our first taste of rainforest. Dorrigo National Park has a series of walkways including one stretched high above the canopy, giving a different perspective of the forest. Passing Bellingen makes an ideal pause to feel the relaxed way of life and to browse the 'time-warp' Hammond and Wheatley Emporium. We rest for the night in Coffs Harbour overlooking the South Pacific.

Day 4 - Coffs Harbour - Lamington Nat. Park 298km (4:00hrs driving time)

5 September

Moving inland, Grafton is a lovely old town with gorgeous Jacaranda trees lining the streets, which of course, bloom a mellow mauve in the spring; I hope we shall see this spectacle beginning to appear. The roads as we travel north begin to enter flood-prone country and you will notice the tropical-style houses on stilts, some raised such that the car can be parked beneath! Fields of sugarcane are the predominant crop as we continue north, with rambling old homesteads reminding us of more affluent days. There will be an option to take your first 4x4 road today in the Border Ranges, although as we enter the tropics in a few days the 4x4 options become limitless. We cross the border into Queensland this afternoon heading for Lamington National Park, a vast and very dramatic reserve on the side of an extinct ancient volcano; it offers some fabulous bushwalks through rainforest. You will be staying at a luxury lodge deep inside the national park.

Day 5 - REST DAY - Lamington National Park

6 September

Today, take your first rest day to explore Lamington National Park. Situated in the McPherson Ranges, this park is huge and covered in lush subtropical rainforest, waterfalls, and beautiful gorges; whether walking or driving, this national park is a treat for everyone. For those who need manmade stimulation, the Gold Coast is just 60km away with its outstanding beaches, shopping malls, bars and quality restaurants.

Day 6 - Lamington Nat. Park - Tin Can Bay 382km (6:10hrs driving time)

7 September

Our route takes us directly north today, skirting the west of Brisbane and taking in the Darling Downs and the old railway town of Ipswich, an area largely ignored by tourists and all the nicer for that. North of Brisbane we will deviate from the main road to take in the Glass House Mountains, a wonderful series of volcanic cornices with some strenuous hikes for those who choose. The gorgeous Sunshine Coast is our second glimpse of this picture-postcard coastline, beaches as far as the eye can see of pure bleached golden sand, azure oceans, cloudless skies with endless cafes and restaurants to service your appetite. Hump-backed whales are often seen along this coast, as they form 'migrating pods' at this time of year. Although you don't get to see the trashy theme parks and tacky resorts in any of the brochures and holiday adverts, this is also Australia's family holiday park. Limitless options to detour from rally route will be rewarded with yet more stunning panoramas. Just north of Noosa Heads there is the option to drive up the Cooloola Coast on 50km of glorious beach. Our hotel of choice will be on the beautiful Rainbow Beach, overlooking the Coral Sea.

Day 7 - Tin Can Bay - Rockhampton 525km (6:20hrs driving time)

8 September

Before you leave today, take a look out to the eastern horizon, if you didn't see them yesterday, you may spot migrating whales forming pods before their journey to far-off oceans. Continuing north, we pass deeper and deeper into sugar country with endless tracts of sugarcane lining the roadside. Bundaberg is in the heart of sugar country, made famous by the rum factory that produces varying strengths of 'Bundy' including OP (over-proof). We persevere on the main highway, skirting to the west of Bundaberg itself, before officially crossing into the tropics at Rockhampton, a beautifully preserved old town of colonial hotels and quayside warehouses. Pause in a shady bar to take in this quaint cattlemen's town, which still services the farming hinterland to the west. Our lodgings for tonight are again close to the ocean with a tropical breeze billowing in off the water.

Day 8 - Rockhampton - Whitsunday Islands 517km (5:50hrs driving time)

9 September

Now the scenery and the pace of life change; this is tropical country. As we leave town, the Capricorn Caves are an impressive interruption before pressing on to Mackay. Mackay, fanned by tropical breezes and surrounded by a rustling sea of sugarcane, is a pleasant, no-nonsense town of charming colonial hotels and wide graceful streets. From here it's just 160km to our water taxi and comfortable lodge in the Whitsunday Islands, named by Captain Cook as he passed this way on Whitsunday in 1770. Nestled conveniently inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, our hotel for the next two days is a five-star paradise with easy access to the startling underwater world, literally, on our doorstep.

Day 9 - REST DAY - Whitsunday Islands

10 September

One of the undoubted highlights of our journey is the world's largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef. Our first contact with the reef will be at this southern end with a rest day to explore this outrageously vivid underwater world. Because the reef is so close to the surface, the water so warm and clear, it is perfectly satisfactory to snorkel, sending your senses into visionary overload; however, scuba-diving is offered to those with experience. Otherwise, take a scenic flight to appreciate the scale and diversity of the life surrounding you. There seems to be a plethora of poisonous creatures to take advantage of the unwary in Australia and the Great Barrier Reef is no exception with starfish, sea cucumbers, bluebox (jelly-fish) and stingray amongst others to avoid.

Day 10 - Whitsunday Islands - Cairns 635km (7:20hrs driving time)

11 September

Returning to the mainland, for a long day's drive, we keep on northward plunging deeper into the tropics with the promise of more fine beaches, quaint towns, and inspiring views. We pass Townsville, with its vibrant mix of 'watering holes' and gourmet eateries, moving towards that deep ochre dirt for which Australia is so famous; this is where rainforest meets outback meets reef! The road from here holds endless stunning vistas from rainforest bluffs overlooking expansive perfect beaches across to the Great Barrier Reef as it closes into the shore and where we approach Cairns for our next opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is the last major town to the north and, as such, it has a comprehensive range of shopping malls, restaurants, bars and even an international airport.

Day 11 - REST DAY - Cairns

12 September

The offerings in this city of 125,000 are limitless. A vast tourism trade to service the Atherton Tablelands and the Great Barrier Reef, the sugar and cattle industry to support, and the Cape York Peninsula to sustain makes Cairns incredibly diverse. The esplanade is a wonderful spot to relax, drink and people watch but you maybe more interested in taking another trip out to the reef, so close to the shore. A Greenpeace comment, "...see it while it's here..." may ring true if ocean currents continue to shift. The Atherton Tablelands less than one hour inland make for a change from the perfect beaches and topaz-blue ocean. Waterfalls, dense forests, lush green pastures, a violent volcanic past and a host of small service towns make this area ideal to discover on your rest day. Otherwise, find last-minute provisions for your rugged journey north from here.

Day 12 - Cairns - Cooktown 259km (4:35 driving time)

13 September

Heading north from Cairns the townships of Mossman and Daintree provide the final services until Cooktown, and our lodgings tonight. The country starts to get rugged as we leave behind the last of the sugar properties to cross the croc-infested Daintree River; here is where I worked during the sugar harvest of 1987. You may notice signs warning of errant crocodiles finding their way into private swimming pools! Cape Tribulation, named by Captain Cook who ran aground here in 1770, is the end of the sealed road before we embark on some tougher roads, travelling to Cooktown. Heavy virgin rainforest, tidal rivers, steep river exits, very little in the way of habitation and ferocious native wildlife keep this road unspoilt and challenging. The Lion's Den pub at Helenvale has as reputation as a watering hole not to be missed! Cooktown is our base for two days as we explore this far northern corner of Queensland, its native flora and fauna, Aboriginal culture, European history and rugged infrastructure.

Day 13 - LOOP/REST DAY Cooktown 286km (4:00 driving time)

14 September

Use today to wander the sleepy town itself, the botanic gardens and Nature's Powerhouse with interesting galleries, talk with the indigenous locals, watch out for crocodiles in the Endeavour River, or take time to step inside the James Cook Historical Museum with some very interesting features. Cooktown cemetery just outside town has some appeal, full of stories of the old pioneers. The lookout north of the township has a wonderful 360-degree panoramic view and walk to the beach at Cherry Tree Bay. Otherwise, take an outback trail west and north to the tiny township of Laura to visit an Aboriginal community living on the edge of nowhere; it's worth the trip just to see some fabulous rock art. There are many creepy-crawlies in the abundant bush and rainforest of this area, therefore, you should keep to formed roads and let others know of your intentions. We overnight again in the comfortable Sovereign Hotel.

Day 14 - Cooktown - Tarzali 367km (6:20 driving time)

15 September

On the journey south today, we will take the main Mulligan Highway, a good sealed road for the first 175km. We then set out on rural roads towards the Atherton Tablelands, a picturesque country inland from Cairns and a respite from the tropical heat of the coast. Made up of attractive townships, waterfalls and inviting lakes, its elevation and rainfall make it prime dairy-farming country, having been cleared by early Chinese immigrants. Yungaburra is where you may get the chance to spot one of Australia's less-well-known marsupials, the duck-billed platypus. The waterfalls of this area are famed throughout the country with an easy circuit to view the most impressive; the Millstream falls have been measured at 150 metres wide while in flood and are the widest in the country. It would be easy to spend weeks exploring this charming World Heritage-listed region. We will stay in an eco rainforest resort, blending luxury accommodation with regard for the environment.

Day 15 - Tarzali - Undara Nat. Park 401km (6:05 driving time)

16 September

We venture east again towards the coast to enjoy the roads and national park of Tully Gorge; officially the wettest place in the country, Tully received a whooping 7.9 metres (25' 8") of rain in one year! Some of these roads are blindingly scenic though twisty and slow. Passing through the last of the delightful Atherton Tablelands, we make our way west to the amazing phenomenon of Undara National Park. About 190,000 years ago, when volcanic activity was shaping and re-shaping this part of northern Queensland, the gently sloping plains were flooded in places by massive amounts of lava. The incredible volume along with the terrain, not too steep and not too flat, allowed the lava to flow at a rate such that tubes were formed. The lava's surface, in contact with cool air, solidified. Now like a thick, insulated underground river, the lava beneath forged a path downstream, the longest arm extending 160 kilometres north-west. Once eruptions ceased, the insulated lava drained away, leaving pipelines over 100 kilometres long. We overnight in restored railway carriages inside the national park.

There is a possible extra Rest Day here in Undara National Park, depending on Route Survey results.

Day 16 - Undara Nat. Park - Hughenden 368km (4:50 driving time)

17 September

Now begins our true outback journey. Lonely Planet quotes, "It's out here, past the Great Dividing Range, that the sky opens wide and the sun beats down on tough country, both relentless and beautiful..." A large proportion of the day is on dirt roads heading directly south passing Porcupine National Park, where towering sandstone cliffs and lush vine-forest fringe Porcupine Creek, providing a striking contrast with surrounding flat plains. This impressive canyon reveals layers of sedimentary rock with the creek gliding between the cool walls. Our stable for tonight is standard outback accommodation; no frills but I guarantee the beer is cold!

Day 17 - Hughenden - Barcaldine 500km (5:15 driving time)

18 September

Our second day across the never-never is a simple 206 kilometres to Winton where Banjo Paterson, Australia's most famous bard, allegedly wrote 'Waltzing Matilda'. The town, with not much else, plays on this and even has an annual Bush Poetry Festival. We turn south-west from here on the Capricorn Highway to Longreach situated right on the Tropic of Capricorn, a service town for the farming community. They say more than a million sheep and cattle pass through this town on trucks every year. Barcaldine is a more colourful little town where we spend the night. Wide tree-lined streets dotted with pubs that give us a true rural feel are well worth visiting; meet some of the local characters including liars, larrikins and legends.......You decide which!

Day 18 - Barcaldine - Carnarvon Nat. Park 486km (6:20hrs driving time)

19 September

It is a blast west for 300km from here to Emerald, literally a gem-town. Tales of fortune abound but with only a grain of truth. However, emerald, sapphire, zircon, topaz, and ruby are all found within this district. These are purported to be the largest sapphire-producing fields in the world. Now turning south, we leave the tropics heading for one of Queensland's land-based highlights. Lonely Planet states, "Carnarvon Gorge is a dramatic rendition of Australian natural beauty." Indeed, I have visited this park on a previous Jaunt to Australia and would describe it as a lush oasis in an arid land. The outstanding gorge runs for more than 30 kilometres at up to 200 metres in depth.

There is a possible extra Rest Day here in Carnarvon National Park, depending on Route Survey results.

Day 20 - Carnarvon Nat. Park - Charleville 587km (7:20 driving time)

21 September

We have two possible routes today, one with plenty of 4x4 action, the other a more settled bitumen alternative; forthcoming surveys will give us more details. This is true outback Australia and no place for gung-ho bravado; with respect is the only way to treat this desolate land. This is nothing more than a link-day; we experience more lonely country on our way south to temperate climates. A long, hot highway brings us to the town of Charleville. Hotel Corones is a restored majestic country pub where we will lay our heads after 'a long day in the saddle'.

Day 21 - Charleville - Bourke 447km (4:45hrs driving time)

22 September

Continuing south today with the railroad beside us, we pass Wyandra. So many towns of the outback can claim their existence directly to the laying of the great inland railway systems; Wyandra is such a town. If you are interested in outback architecture, this town retains some great old buildings. A heritage trail guides us past old and unusual buildings, offering many photographic opportunities. Cunnamulla is next on the list, "where the handshake's stronger and the smile lasts longer." So they say! Follow the Matilda Highway right into the heart of the town, where you will be greeted by a colourful show of roses, petunias and a lush green park-a stark contrast to the surrounding countryside! Cunnamulla is the name everyone has heard when conjuring up nostalgic images of stockmen, shearing and days when everyone had time for a 'yarn'.

Day 22 - REST DAY - 'Out back o' Bourke'

23 September

The expression, 'out back o' Bourke' is an 'Australianism' for anything that's in the middle of nowhere, and here you can really get to know the outback. Our chosen accommodation is less than 10 kilometres from town and provides a welcome respite from the rigours of the road. Generations of Australians have talked about the 'back o' Bourke' as the edge of the great unknown, but Bourke itself is a fascinating inland town with a rich historical tradition. In the 1800s, the poet Henry Lawson wrote, "If you know Bourke, you know Australia", and there's still some truth to it. Once a major late-19th-century river port, Bourke retains much of its heritage. Whether the Darling River is at its lowest ebb or brimming with life, this is a fascinating place. Spend some time walking the streets and discover the many beautiful colonial buildings. Meander along the river aboard the paddle-boat Jandra to get another perspective of this fascinating town. Or hop in the 'ute' to explore the Aboriginal rock art at Mount Gundabooka National Park, 50 kilometres south-west.

Day 23 - Bourke - Broken Hill 539km (6:15hrs driving time)

24 September

Heading south-west on very primitive dirt roads, Louth, population 50, is a tiny community beside the Darling River with a cemetery that holds a monument to love. The small cemetery has the Matthews Monument, a tribute to love and tragedy, which projects an impressive beam of light during sunset each day; it really has to be seen to be believed. Sign your name on the bar wall at Tilpa's famous Royal Hotel, a real bush pub on the banks of the river. 100 years old and made of corrugated iron and timber, it's full of outback character-and characters, too! Tilpa itself was a busy river port in the era when bales of wool were transported by paddle-steamer, not road train. However, there is a Tarmacadam alternative taking approximately the same time but 80km longer in distance. The first sizeable community we come across today is Wilcannia, a largely undisturbed port on the mighty Darling River with a population of 688. As you enter the town from the east, you will be amazed at the richness of the architecture. Here are the remnants of a once-important inland port. Some of the town's historic treasures include the old centre-lift bridge which was built in 1896 and is now classified by the National Trust. The beautiful 1880 post office and its attached residence, the Athenaeum Library (1883), the impressive courthouse (1880), the police station (1881), and the police residence (1880), which were all built of locally quarried sandstone, make this town a welcome place to pause. The next overnight town on our itinerary is also entrenched in the Australian psyche, Broken Hill.

Day 24 - Broken Hill - Adelaide 548km (6:30hrs driving time)

25 September

Located on the edge of nowhere is the Australian outback town of Broken Hill; 'The Silver City' is noted for mining. In 1863, Charles Wasp discovered tin and soon followed with discoveries of silver, lead and zinc; once a major excavator of iron ore, zinc is again now the main metal mined here. However, Broken Hill is also noted for its rich cultural heritage with no less than 40 art galleries and exhibition houses displaying mostly Australian and Aboriginal art works. The surrounding stunning landscapes delight the art community and bring them from across the globe. This landscape has also served as a useful film set for iconic Australian movies such as Mad Max and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. Just 25 kilometres from Broken Hill is Silverton, a township with only 50 inhabitants but where you can rediscover the charm of the outback, in case you haven't had enough? On the 'sealed' highway again you can race Emu alongside the road but be warned they can change direction quicker than you! We make our way to the wine regions of the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills, reacquainting ourselves with cultures we left behind way back in Northern Queensland. Arriving in Adelaide feels like coming home-home away from home but a home no less.

Day 25 - REST DAY - Adelaide

26 September

This is a city where you can seriously unwind! Adelaide has a free and vibrant city centre along with wonderful beaches, interesting museums, and a hedonistic nightlife. The world-famous Birdwood Motor Museum is an outstanding display of truly world-class motorcars from the earliest inception of motive power. The Kaurna (pronounced Gar-na) people are the traditional owners and custodians of the Adelaide Plains, and this is an ideal place for you to be introduced to the rich culture and history of these people. Also the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum houses the world's largest collection of Australian Aboriginal antiquities. Otherwise, at the Botanic Gardens, learn about their traditional foods and culture. If you are suffering from a lack of beaches with the obligatory pretty girls, then head for Glenelg with summer temperatures averaging 27°C, it's great for sailing, diving, fishing, swimming or just strolling along the jetties, dining and relaxing. Adelaide has more than its share of great beaches; in fact, 60 kilometres of white sandy beachfront makes up the urban district coastline. Facing west, this makes the perfect spot for alfresco dining or evening drinks on the beach.

Day 26 - Adelaide - Mt Gambier 477km (6:00hrs driving time)

27 September

Known as the Limestone Coast and to the casual observer nothing special, this coast is an engaging and interesting place. We take the coastal route through the Coorong National Park and the villages of Beachport, Robe, Kingston and Meningie to find surf beaches, sheltered lagoons, and sequestered bays. These fishing and agricultural towns are both sleepy and photogenic, but belowground is much more fascinating with a subterranean world of limestone caves, sinkholes and bottomless crater lakes. Take any of the minor roads to your right and experience a magical coast that will slow your path to our overnight halt. We head on to Mount Gambier where the small hotels available mean we may need to spilt our group for lodging purposes though we shall share a meal and conversation.

Day 27 - Mt Gambier - Melbourne 533km (7:20hrs driving time)

28 September

Today holds another of Australia's true highlights, the Great Ocean Road, stretching from Warrnambool in the west to Melbourne; this road must be one of Australia's most famous and, I think, it certainly lives up to the hype. The classic postcard beaches, the seaside towns, and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges on the landward side all combine to make this drive unforgettable. The Twelve Apostles standing just offshore with white sea-foam beneath make a spectacular photograph amid the deep blue waters of the Bass Strait. You will certainly need to use your mirrors to avoid slowing other road-users as you gawp across the perfect bays and inlets, but keep moving on this long and scenic day. Also known in the past as the Shipwreck Coast, the stretch from Cape Otway to Torquay was notorious in the days of sailing ships for its hidden reefs and frequent fog. At the end of this exciting road, we come to Melbourne and our day's end. We shall stay at the exquisite Park Hyatt Hotel and be fed on the rich Greek dishes of this multicultural city.

There is a possible extra Rest Day here in Melbourne, depending on Route Survey results.

Day 28 - Melbourne - Gippsland 357km (4:25hrs driving time)

29 September

A short driving day allows us to have a lazy start, perhaps visiting a museum or gallery in the heart of this dynamic, sophisticated city. We exit the city via the Dandenong Ranges National Park for stunning walks under a canopy of lush tree ferns, while the quaint villages of Belgrave or Olinda are nice places to wander among the antique shops and cafes at a leisurely pace. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is where romantic Aboriginal figures have been carved from wood and set among the forest which makes an interesting sight. Another option is to make an early start and take a side excursion to the outstanding Wilson's Promontory National Park, though you will be in for a long day with this alternative. Further east, we get the chance to visit the Gippsland Motor Museum in Maffra. This tiny town has long been a strong motoring centre, it boasts a local hill climb track run by the Maffra and District Car Club and a motocross track as well. The interior of St Mary's Church in Bairnsdale is truly worth visiting even if you're not remotely religious. We overnight in comfortable accommodation in the shadow of the Great Dividing Range.

Day 29 - Gippsland - Kosciuszko Nat. Park 460km (5:55hrs driving time)

30 September

Leaving the huge sand dunes and the ocean behind, we head inland through the Snowy River National Park made famous in Europe by the 1982 Australian film based on the Banjo Paterson poem of the same name. The limestone caves at Buchan hold fine stalagmites and stalactites but more interesting is the ancient chambers embedded with marsupial bones and rock engraving dating back 17,000 years. The road winds and twists through the mountains past the Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park. These caves, discovered to Europeans by a cattleman, include several independent caves formed over a vast time period from several million to a few hundred thousand years. Our lodgings tonight are on the boundary of the national park in quiet comfortable quarters.

Day 30 - Kosciuszko Nat. Park - Sydney 429km (4:35hrs driving time)

1 October

Leaving the high peaks and heavy forest of the national parks behind, our final day is a simple blast into Sydney for those who desire; however, there are more excursions and deviations for anyone wishing to savour their 'Australian Amble'. Recommended reading on this last section has to be Banjo Paterson and The Road to Gundagai, telling us the story of fleeting love or perhaps passion? Otherwise you should be listening to Slim Dusty's all-time classic Along the Road to Gundagai, which became very popular in World War II, a quite different tale recounting the story of a boy returning home to Gundagai; we pass this town as we skirt Canberra. One deviation is into the magnificent Moreton National Park; Bungonia Gorge holds a deep chasm carved in the limestone rocks, which themselves are full of limestone caves. Some of the rural country towns on our way to the metropolis of Sydney are worth the pause too. Tonight we dress for dinner and our "Hui" before farewells to friends old, new and reacquainted.