MONDAY 9 DECEMBER AYR TO MARLBOROUGH 540kms
We left Ayr in good time this morning, aiming to drive southwards until we’d had enough for the day.
Did not take many breaks from travel, but just had to stop near the Big Mango in Bowen, in order to take a photo!

The Big Mango at Bowen
The route as far as Mackay was familiar, since we’d driven it – both ways – recently. We passed through predominantly sugar cane country until around Clairview, about half way between Mackay and Rockhampton. There, we were briefly by the coast but could only catch a brief glimpse of the sea through trees. That marked the end of the cane country and we were then into grassland grazing land.
Filled Truck at a Mobil servo at Carmila – 81cpl.
By the time we reached the hamlet of Marlborough, had definitely had enough, so we booked into the Marlborough Caravan Park – $14.50. It was rather basic, but we just needed somewhere to prop for the night.

Overnighting at Marlborough
We were able to stay hitched up. too.
Slept soundly, despite the proximity of the highway.