So the race was on to see how far we could make it down the Bruce Highway before dark - its not really safe to drive after dark as the kangaroos jump out on the road and hitting one of them would not be ideal.

The other problem is the flaming weather the wind is really bad and the rain is just on and off its not good . The Bruce highway is like an A class road in the uk so its hard work driving keeping our bus on the road and seeing as Marc doesn't drive its just left to me.  

We bought a sim card in cairns and lucky for us it comes with internet usage so we have good old google maps on the iphone to keep us right for directions. It was getting dark and the next closest town was a place called Bowen so that was where we headed for. We eventually go there around 7pm it had been dark for the last 45 mins of the drive along the windy road in high winds on kangaroo alert lol - it wasnt fun.

The place is pitch dark, they dont have many street lights in places so its a bit scary looking in the dark - we parked up on the esplanade on the sea front with not a soul in sight by this time it was a bit creepy but we settled down to watch a movie and get some sleep ready to head off early in the morning to 1770.

Around 10pm a car had pulled up right behind the van EEEEK we thought it was the Police cause it had a siren on top we had heard stories of ridiculous fines for illegally camping so we shit ourselves. I opened the door to a man and he said you cant sleep here - being all apologetic and polite as we are he said its ok if you want to follow me I will take you to a place where you can sleep for the night. Delighted we followed him down to a car park at the harbour where sure enough there were other campers - the guy said not to mention to anyone he sent us there or he would get in trouble, he then gave us directions to get back on the highway in the morning and he was on his way. Cannot believe how lovely he was so helpful and nice - loving Aus all the more for meeting people like that.

Distance 
Townsville to Bowen 203km - drive time 3 hours