Guess what....we slept a full night! But payback was still on our minds as we had an early start to pick the camper up.

When we first signed up to the $1 campervan, we decided that we would take the risk with no insurance and just put a $3000 bond down incase of accident. However after the thoughts of losing $3000 at this stage in our trip we bottled in and paid $30 per day for stress free insurance.

1750km to go....
Plan of Day 1 = Cairns to Townsville

350km down should have been our stop for the night but with things going well and the town looking like a murder scene from a vintage slasher movie, we decided to try and get another hour under our belts....

Bad move....

This created a few problems...

1. We had nowhere to stay
2. We had no wifi to find anywhere to stay
3. We had no detailed map of the area
4. We needed somewhere to cook
5. Being told by locals that we are in the main area of Townsville

This is the first time that we have felt like 'proper' travelers in Australia, no clue just winging it! But nothing really matters as we have got everything we need in this van....a good feeling!

The opportunity to correct these problems doesn't come very often driving around remote areas of Australia. A sign of civilisation appeared... The Golden Arches. Logging quickly into the free wifi whilst parked as close to the door as possible allowed up to find a parking ground in the next 150km. Using Google maps, We also found out that we were actually 40minutes out of Townsville (these people must not get out much!)

We decided to head to HomeHill Comfort Stop with a view to stop anywhere closer if it became available. It was now pitch black. 10 minutes in we see a campsite. Turning up the dirt track, dodging wallabies and possums, we arrived at Alligator Creek Campsite. Not the most comforting name. On arrival we approached signs stating that it was for permit holders only but on investigation we found a phone that could be used to purchase a permit. Stood in the dark, in a rainforest, on hold! After 10 minutes we gave up and returned to the original plan. We are starting to realise that a well thought out plan should always be followed!

We made it....
HomeHill Comfort Stop.... 500km....11hours....toilet stops....BBQ....numerous petrol stops....a rainforest phone call....and a lot of dodging kangaroos.

The facilities were amazing, council run, FREE toilets, showers, kitchen and overnight parking. And it was all cleaned on a daily basis!!

Things we found out today:
* The van uses A LOT of fuel
* Especially when using aircon
* Always follow a plan you have spent time on
* The local BBQs don't get hot (1hr to cook burgers!)

Bring on tomorrow's trip!

M & C xxxx