Today was spent back on the road (all sealed road) driving from Mareeba to the Undara Lava Tubes that mark the first real point of interest heading west along the Savannah Way (apologies to the small sleepy towns we passed through).
First stop was the Shell servo to get our 4c a litre off as we refuelled and topped up the jerry cans with possibly the cheapest fuel between Mareeba and Darwin. That theory came crashing down when we arrived in Atherton to find fuel a further 2c a litre cheaper!
Atherton has a smaller population but feels more like the regional hub – more so than Mareeba. It is also be located at the end of a very fertile valley – bananas, mangoes, coffee and avocado were being grown everywhere.
The road from Atherton soon began the climb over the Great Dividing Range, with Ravenshoe at one of the highest points credited with being the highest town in Queensland (possibly the only thing it can be credited with). The temperature also dropped to 18C – the coldest we have experienced for weeks.
The temperature situation was quickly rectified as we descended the range into undulating hills and eventually savannah country. The temperature returned to a pleasant 24C with little humidity.
We have now settled into our campsite at Undara Volcanic National Park, found the amenities block, the pool and the bar (although not necessarily in that order). Off bushwalking tomorrow.
