These were the signs that met us as we began our wedding anniversary stay at Rice’s Huts in the Bunya Mountains. The dingo notice was on the fridge in the cabin, the wild dog notice was at the start of nature walks in the national park. Although we saw (and photographed) many wallabies, kangaroos, parrots and cockatoos, we saw no dogs during our 4 day stay.
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
Our Tesla Model 3 handled the winding and steep roads in the mountains well. We took the longest path to avoid some dirt roads, going up through Toowoomba (150 km) then Dalby (84 km) to then arrive in the Bunyas (63 km). Most of it was uphill so we had to reload at Superchargers at City Golf Club in Toowoomba to avoid the yellow triangle of death.
The Bunya Mountains are named after the tall and majestic Bunya pines. These trees drop huge nuts at this time of year and some have been fenced off – dangerous trees. The native population used to travel from all over Queensland to feast on the nuts every year. Their climbing marks are still visible on the trunks of ancient trees.
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
The owner of the cabins is keen to install chargers because he is losing customers with electric vehicles. We had quite a discussion about the options, as Tess was hungrily drinking from a household power outlet. In this quiet location, we didn’t mind leaving the door open overnight to get a full charge. We had no visitors, even the local opossums didn’t come to taste our fruit.
The next day, after walks through the rainforest admiring the vegetation and waterfalls, we stopped for coffee and cake at Bunya Tavern. As usual, the Tesla sparked questions and we entertained the locals by rolling out the “light show”. I got in trouble because I set up the car as a bird feeder. It’s OK, the excess seeds have run out on the way back.
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
We returned to Brisbane via Blackbutt. It was all downhill so we knew we could do it with a full load. Just as well, because the free charger that was available was only set to a trickle charge (adds 10 km per hour). The local garage was available if we needed a faster charge (50 km per hour). But we decided to give it up.
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
We didn’t just ruin the weekend with an electric car, we ruined the wedding anniversary!
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth
Image courtesy of Majella and David Waterworth