Boarding the Whitsundays ferry

We boarded the ferry from Airlie Beach through the Whitsundays to Hamilton Island, to see our two youngest kids.

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.

A very pumpkin-y lunch

Quick lunch between errands. The pumpkin came with pumpkin/hummus sauce. It was a lot of (too much) pumpkin!

A washing-it-all-away swim in Yeppoon

Swimming in Yeppoon, on an isolated stretch of beach, washing away any responsibilities.

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.

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 🦇

Two tropical rainstorms, to Mount Larcom

Hit by two tropical rain storms between Bundaberg and Mount Larcom.

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.

Breakfast at The Edge Restaurant, Montville

Breakfast at The Edge Restaurant, Montvile QLD. Thank you, Helen ☺️

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.

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.

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.

A Balinese-style B&B in Maleny

Staying at a Balinese villa style B&B in Maleny.

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.

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.

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 🤠.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adding 4 % charge, just from going downhill

Nerd alert: We managed to add 4% charge to the car, just from going downhill.

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.

First night car-camping, at Discovery Parks

Michelle at reception was very friendly and helpful, though a little puzzled when I mentioned that I wanted to plug in an electric car. We opted for a powered site with an ensuite (private toilet, shower and sink). We set up the MOGICS Carsule tent, moved the 50L Kings fridge and all our gear from the car into the tent and setup the Tessories bed in the Tesla. We had a swim in the pool, showered in the ensuite and walked up the road to dinner at Club Dubbo. We turned on “camp mode” in the Tesla which kept us in air conditioned comfort all night, using power from the battery, with no engine running. The bottom of the bed was slightly angled, putting too much weight in our hips, and kept us awake half the night.

How EVs charge: at home, and at a camp ground

Most of the time with an EV, we just plug it in overnight at home to get a full "tank" of battery charge ready to go in the morning. Any household powerpoint can charge the car at 10A (10 amps) (about 2.4kW). At a camp ground, you can usually get a 15A supply (about 3.6kW), which should have you charged and ready to go the next morning. This is a slightly technical video, of our first time trying to figure this out, for those interested.

Setting up our MOGICS Carsule tent

For those who asked for it, here is our amateur fumbling setup of our MOGICS Carsule Tent. The Mogics printed and video instructions suggest a different positioning for the tent when inserting the poles, but that didn't work for me when I tried. I definitely need to refine my technique. The Carsule tent is designed to be connected to a hatchback car, covering the hatch. But we set it up next to our Model 3 since the boot is too small to enter/exit (ie it's not a hatchback car) and we preferred it beside the car. We used a suction cup from Bunnings on the roof of the car, to which we tied one side of the tent, which worked well. We moved all of our gear from the Tesla into the tent, so we could set up the bed in the back of the car.

A safari feel at Western Plains Zoo

You really do get to feel like you’re on safari with the animals. Less fences, more space.

Swapping the Tesla for a zoo buggy

At Taronga Western Plains Zoo, swapping the Tesla for a somewhat slower electric vehicle, to drive around the zoo.

A phantom passenger, leaving Mudgee

We left Mudgee with a mysterious extra passenger who wouldn’t fasten their seatbelt. The bags in the passenger seat seemed to trick the Tesla into thinking someone was sitting there. We tried tapping the alert in the Tesla screen to mute it, but that didn’t work. According to a Google search, that’s not supported in Australia 🤦. In the end, we just pulled over and plugged in that seatbelt. Problem solved.

Gulgong's Holtermann Museum

Checking out the Gulgong Holtermann Museum, including huge detailed photos of Gulgong and Hillend from around 1870. The negatives were enormous glass sheets. Very thankful for my iPhone camera right now. Thanks to Phil for showing us around.

Driving through historic Gulgong

Driving through Gulgong. It’s full of historic buildings, like stepping back 100 years. Or like a movie set. Fortunately, for Francis, it does have modern coffee.

Last-minute Big W shopping, before the trip

We did some last minute shopping at Big W, just before our road trip. I was previously considering a water boiler (from Amazon) that would plug into the car's 12V supply, but would take 25 minutes to boil water for a cuppa or two. We ended up buying a couple of 470mL Thermoses. We can just fill them with ready made tea or coffee in the morning, and it stays hot into the night. Our Tesla car has a giant battery. It would be great to have V2L (vehicle to load) where we could plug in 240V appliances, such as a kettle or hot plate. In the mean time, a thermos at least gives me a hot cup of tea all day.

A Mudgee park lunch, before Dubbo Zoo

Back in Mudgee for lunch in the park. Beautiful place. Ready for our trip to Dubbo and Dubbo Zoo tomorrow 🦁 🐘 🦒

A simple Mudgee morning, before historic Gulgong

Toast and fruit. Simple breakfast and some washing before heading out to historic Gulgong today.

Driving from Mudgee to Gulgong

A few days at Rosewood Cottage, Mudgee

Settled in for a few days of rural bliss at Rosewood Cottage Mudgee.

Dinner at Club Mudgee (with three wise men)

We had dinner at Club Mudgee. The locals were very friendly. We even saw Jesus and what I think were three wise men. A few work Christmas parties, I think.

A glove-box solution to eating in the car

Eating in the car presents challenges. I hate crumbs dropping everywhere, and plates are difficult without a table. Francis is especially challenged in this area, but I have a solution ready in the glove box.

Coffee at Hollydene's Vines Restaurant, en route

On our way to Mudgee. Francis grabbed some coffee at the Vines Restaurant at Hollydene. The staff were lovely. Beautiful spot.

Heatherbrae Pies, then Fran's first road-trip nap

In Heatherbrae for a quick recharge for the car at the Tesla supercharger, and for us at Heatherbrae's Pies. Time to head west. The last few days have caught up with us. Exhausted. So, Francis takes the first road trip nap, later described as very comfy.

An afternoon at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Leisurely afternoon at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

Soldiers Point Marina chargers, ICE-blocked

Looking at PlugShare for nearby chargers, we tried the free Tesla destination chargers on-site at Soldiers Point Marina. We had to wait for ICE cars to vacate the spots (anyone can park there). One charger wasn’t working and one wasn’t full capacity, so it wasn’t really worth bothering. They need to fix that. While there, we had lunch at The Deck Cafe/Restaurant & Bar, which was delicious.

First stop: The Oaks Pacific Blue Resort

First stop Port Stephens, at The Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, courtesy of credits from our last app contract for Luxury Escapes.

Thanks to Adrian's, for the move into storage

Thanks to the boys at Adrian’s All Inclusive Transport Pty Ltd for moving all our remaining belongings into storage.

Last solar charge from our old roof

Car charged up one last time from the solar panels on the roof. “🎼 We’re driving on sunshine.” I’m gunna miss those solar panels.

Last night on the bedroom floor

Last night on our bedroom floor. We had already sold our bed frame by this stage. The less we have, the easier it is to fit what remains into storage.

Setting off on our east-coast EV adventure

We packed the essentials into our electric car (Tesla Model 3) and set out to explore the east coast of Australia, out to Dubbo, up through Queensland to Cape Tribulation, down from Mackay to Bega and along the south Victorian coast, Great Ocean Road, The Grampians and much more. Last lunch before we go, courtesy of Shelly's Cafe. Somehow we managed to fit all of that (including 50L fridge, bed, chairs, tent, food, clothes, computers) into the smallest car that Tesla make.