On Monday we made a trip through the tablelands, a beautiful region in the west of cairns. We visited two tremendously big fig trees. The curtain fig tree and the cathedral fig tree. Nearby we did a walk to spot a platypus and we actually succeded. Eventhough it was very small we were still excited. Furthermore we spotted a wild turtle. After that walk along a small river, we drove to a volcanoe crater, filled with water. The throwing of smaller rocks into that crater was a lot of fun and produced very cool sounds. That was the only time so far, where I could convince Christian to bet with me about who could throw a stone the furthest away. After that, he said he wouldnt bet with me anymore on the entire journey. At dusk we had a look at the millstream falls, the widest waterfalls in australia. They were gorgous. Following that we started our trip to the world famous Australian outback.

On Tuesday Christian and I drove to Undara where we did a trip to the lava tubes. We felt like in a geography lesson at school. The guide giving us information about the rock formation and telling us the different names of the rocks. Basalt, granite etc. After that tour we went further inland which was a long drive but very picturesque.

When we arrived in the dark, we were surprised by a surprisingly good infrastructure, among others a swimming pool and hot showers that were both used by us the same night. A lot of fun and very relaxing.

We slept a long time the next morning, but the kajaks on the lake finally got us out of our bed. We explored the environment, did a short race and had a lot of fun. Before lunch we went on a hiking treck to a nearby lookout, where you could see nothing but nature. No houses, nothing. Just the bush. In the afternoon we went on a guided trip to a really cool gorge. A small canyon filled with water and in a way resembling Antelope Canyon in the states. This was marvelous since it was not only the gorge we could see, but also wildlife crocodiles and beautiful birds. In the evening we drove back.

On Thursday we started our grand road trip to Melbourne, about 3000 km south. This meant driving for many hours. But still there were some highlights on our way down. For example a mango tree at the side of the road in the middle of the outback with a sign on it which said: Please water me. So we did our part and went on driving.

On Friday we made a stop to visit the Carnarvon National Park, a former Aboriginee territory. This Park was stunning. A small river flowing through a very wide gorge with trees on the sides and beautiful rock formations. Some Aboriginees had left their marks on the huge stone walls resembling childrens paintings.

Saturday was another pure driving day with a total of 950 kilometres. The sunset and the unbelievable widths of the landscap were stunning.

On the 16th we finally arrived in Melbourne, where we attended a planetshakers service. One of the biggest churches in the town and being famous for its music. It was a very joyful service and I loved being among other christians again. To me it's always breathtaking to realize how faith can cross so many borders and that you can feel at home so easily on the other side of the globe by just sharing the same faith in praying and singing songs to our Saviour.