Squashed down and ready to roll… for a 4,000km+ round trip
Nerrell, our 1984 Mazda 323, looked good to burst; even a sturdy bum slam onto the boot struggled to keep her closed at the seams. Water, snacks, a tent, a tarp ready for some shade in far North Queensland, an outback first aid kid, two feather pillows, a bulky tool kit, parasols and two lightsabers.
What were we thinking?
I mean food and drink, all good, but it made me wonder: with knees to chins at the start of this mission, would the early smiles and whoops soon dissipate into a thick air of frustration, the three of us sworn enemies before the initial 2,397km leg up past Cairns was even complete?
And no map. Seriously. We did have a National Park camping book, balanced on top of the picnic basket, but other than that just a Cairns Google Maps print out shoved somewhere beneath the front passenger seat. It would be a while until we needed that print out, no need to worry. Hours of driving and discovery ahead.
And with one main road up the north east coast of Australia, how hard could it be to navigate?
It was Wednesday 7th November 2012, I’d finished work midday and quickly packed up too many socks and undies and heavy tops. Squished into the car, we set off, three friends on an Aussie adventure, heads filled with bubbly lightness brought on by the promise of two weeks of freedom and adventuring up ahead.
travelola 
This sounds like the beginning of a great adventure. Have fun!
Lots of roadtime… and plenty of beautiful adventures along the way. Thanks for commenting… stick around!
so exciting!!
Yep yep! Posting this is bringing it all back to me… I look forward to sharing some magic Aussie travel moments with you.
I love the beige interior. So 80s! Shame it’s not a Mk2 Golf –
but I guess cars aren’t as cheap as the UK. Have fun!
Trust you to notice the car details! The interior is indeed pretty special – not that we got to see much of it… But in amongst the chaos, it was comfortable. All good. Hope to catch you in the UK when I head back for a homecoming adventure in a few months time.
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At least there are plenty of signs to cairns. As long as you don’t venture off the highway you are fine without a map 😛
That’s what we figured 🙂 Worked out pretty alright!
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