The McLennans celebrate a major milestone — ticking over 20,000km on their all-electric big lap of Australia with their Kia EV and New Age camper.
Cruising down the sun-drenched east coast of Queensland, we hit a major milestone on our electric adventure around Australia: the 20,000km mark!
It’s been a thrilling journey, but for the first time, our luck ran out at a charging station. Someone had beat us to it — a P-plate Tesla driver who decided to leave his car plugged in and disappear into the unknown, even after his battery was fully charged. Usually, idle fees deter this kind of charger clogging, but this site didn’t have any penalties. Good EV etiquette suggests checking in on the PlugShare App when using public chargers to keep others informed, but it seems that this young driver hadn’t gotten the memo. Thankfully, we weren’t in a rush, and a nearby cafe and some quirky op shops provided enough entertainment until our friend finally returned, looking a tad sheepish.
After a few nights of being off-grid in some stunning national parks, we rolled into Townsville without a reservation as had been our custom throughout the trip until now. We soon learned that during Queensland’s winter months when southern grey nomads flock north in search of warmer weather this was no longer a viable option.
After a slew of phone calls, we landed a spot at a fantastic eco-camp on the outskirts of town. But first, a quick pit stop at a 350kW charger at the local Puma to power up in record time before heading out to our campsite. Townsville didn’t disappoint, offering a mix of free family fun at its beautiful beachfront, botanical gardens and Castle Hill. The gardens were a hit with the kids, who turned navigating the twin hedge mazes into a fierce competition. Magnetic Island, or Yunnan as it’s traditionally known, was another highlight. While our plans to snorkel at Nelly Bay were thwarted by choppy waters, spotting 11 koalas on the Forts Walk more than made up for it.
Castle Hill, Townsville
Next up was Airlie Beach, a bustling tourist hub that was a bit too crowded for our taste. But it served as the perfect launch pad for an exhilarating day of ocean rafting to the Whitsunday Islands. Picture this: racing across the open sea in a high-speed, semi-rigid inflatable, pristine snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, strolling along Whitehaven Beach, and hiking to jaw-dropping lookouts. To top it all off, a squadron of CH-47 Chinook helicopters roared overhead in a dramatic flyby, adding an unexpected thrill to our adventure.
Cape Hillsborough was next on the list, and we were there bright and early to witness the magical sight of kangaroos bouncing along the beach at dawn—a quintessential Aussie experience. Our journey continued through fields of sugar cane between Mackay and Rockhampton, with a sweet detour at the Sarina Sugar Shed for a tour and tastings, much to the delight of the kids.
Tesla Super Chargers in Rockhampton
As we headed further south, increasing complacency about our car’s battery levels nearly caught up with us. Rolling into Marlborough with a mere four per cent charge instead of the expected 25 per cent — thanks to unexpected elevation, headwinds and an undulating road — taught us a valuable lesson. We had to spend an unplanned hour at a 50kW charger, a delay that could have easily been avoided with a bit more attention to our range and charging needs. In Yeppoon, we were welcomed by the local EV community, eager to share their experiences in a region still dominated by coal mining. Malfunctioning chargers in the region is a frequent issue and the locals’ strategy of always planning for a backup charger proved wise. A scenic walk along the Bluff Point circuit offered breathtaking views and plenty of sea turtles just off the shore, while the kids got their wish of building rock cairns on the rocky coastline.
O’Reilly’s Birds of Prey Encounter, Gold Coast
Our eco-conscious hearts were warmed by the growing number of eco-camps prioritising sustainability. The 1770 Grass Trees Eco Camp, with its solar panels, rainwater systems, wildlife-friendly lighting, timers and recycling facilities, stood out as a fantastic example of environmentally responsible travel.
The awe-inspiring landscapes of Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, tucked close to the Gold Coast, were a delightful surprise. From mountaintop lookouts and subtropical rainforest hikes to treetop walks and glow worm night adventures, these parks were brimming with wonders. And just when we thought Queensland couldn’t delight us anymore, the bright lights and adrenaline rushes of Brisbane and the Gold Coast theme parks took us on a completely different kind of adventure.
Gingin, WA, to Gin Gin, Qld
Tree Top Walkway, Lamington National Park
Queensland had given us so many incredible experiences, but it was time to hit the road again, heading south across the border into New South Wales, where more adventures awaited.
If you missed the previous part, when the McLennan's explored Queensland's EV-friendly Electric Super Highway check it out here.
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The adventure will continue next month as the McLennan family continues exploring some of Australia's best rural areas during their all-electric Big Lap, this time heading into New South Wales and the ACT.
THE NEXT STEP
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