We missed Cooper Pedy in the southwest of Australia. Not without blame was an overheated Holden Viva. Lightning Ridge is the place in the east to lose yourself in the shine of opals. In Geelong, Thea told us her unique story of Lightning Ridge and the opals. This makes us gladly accept the diversions into the interior of Australia. The Dubbo Zoo is also on the way.

From now on we are on foot again. But we realize right away that this is not a good idea. How are we supposed to drag all the camping equipment around? Buying another car is out of the question at these prices. So we have to rent a car.

A short stop-over in Bangkok and we land in Christmasy Perth. Our mission: to find a vehicle as quickly as possible to explore Downunder in a roundabout way.