-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Arriving early at Ayers Rock Campground
We arrived a day ahead of schedule at Ayers Rock Campground. We had booked a powered site, starting from tomorrow, but none were available tonight. The staff offered us the unpowered overflow campground area. Our original plan was to charge the car at our powered site, while also running the air conditioning and accessories. Without a powered site tonight, we had to charge up the car a bit first, so we could just run it off the giant battery. We used the auto inflate button on our Snuuzu mattress, added pillows and doona. We moved the baggage to the front seats, so the bed wasn’t obstructed. While car camping in Coober Pedy a few days ago, we discovered that even with our portable wheel ramps the car’s bed floor still leans backwards too much. So, we backed the car up a small hill as well. We used our fold up spade to fill in a couple of holes from previous campers. We set the Tesla to “camp mode”, so we could sleep in the back of the car at 20°, while it was 3° outside, overnight.…
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Charging at the centre of the centre of Australia
Charging our EV in "the centre of the centre of Australia". After driving 1500km north along the Stuart Highway, we reached “the centre of the centre of Australia”., with a turn left/west towards Yulara and Uluru. First we stopped at the intersection’s Erldunda Roadhouse, in the town of Ghan (well, that’s all there is in Ghan). We grabbed some lunch, laughed at the banners for sale, and visited the emus. No cell reception for our Belong phone SIMs (which it seems doesn’t quite give us the whole Telstra network), so we made use of the free wifi. Petrol here is about a dollar per litre more expensive (about 50%) 😮. The fast charger is also about 50% more expensive than typical. At the EV charging station, we chatted to Jigar. He bought his EV in Darwin, then later started working at Uluru and I think Alice Springs. This charger is perfectly positioned for EVs passing through.
-
HQ
Almost there… to Uluru
Almost… there… to Uluru.
-
HQ
HQ
FB
Sharing the Stuart Highway with a solar-powered prototype
So, there we were, cruising along the Stuart Highway, in outback Australia, feeling like pioneers in our electric vehicle. Then we came across true pioneers, driving a solar powered prototype car. They were practicing for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which runs from Darwin to Adelaide. They told us that they are only allowed to practice in South Australia, and not in the Northern Territory, so they had to travel south this far for a few weeks, then go all the way back to the start of the race. We ran into a few teams, including support vehicles with a StarLink dish on the roof, along the way, from various countries and universities. It seems that they test during the day, then typically set up camp overnight just off the highway. Big commitment to spend a few weeks in the Australian outback. Thank you for your research and development that filters through to a more sustainable future for transport.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A ute with a 200 L extra fuel tank, vs our EV
Chatted with Dan, at one of the rest stops along the Stuart Highway, heading towards Uluru. His ute has a range of about 430km, similar to a Tesla EV long range. To solve his range anxiety, and the high cost of fuel further north, he carries an additional 200L tank in the ute’s tray, along with a nozzle and electric pump. He pulled over here to top up the main tank. We chatted about EVs, including the BYD Shark ute that has an EV only drive, along with a battery and petrol generator, and new EV models that are approaching 1000km range. Interesting times ahead.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
The toughest range leg: Pimba to Coober Pedy
In terms of range, this was the toughest leg of our trip, from Pimba to Coober Pedy, along the Stuart Highway. Arid, but beautiful landscape, which just goes on and on. We spotted a few emus, passed a road train or two, and drove along a section of highway designated as an emergency runway for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We knew we were close to Coober Pedy when we saw signs warning that wanderers might fall down one of a million random holes, never to be seen again. We parked, plugged in, and walked across the road for a meal.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A couple of days exploring Coober Pedy
July 29-31: Grabbing some photo ops. More specific sites and posts to come.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
On our way to Coober Pedy — first Glendambo stop
On our way to Coober Pedy, the plan was to stop here at the Glendambo Roadhouse for lunch and top up “fuel” for the car. Glendambo seems to consist of three main buildings: on the left, an old run down, decommissioned service station. In the middle, a roadhouse/pub, with access to motel rooms and camp ground behind. On the right, a newer service station with simple hot food options. I heard the service station staff saying that they had run out of diesel fuel, awaiting a delivery in an hour or two. A truckie reported to say he had thousands of litres parked outside, but he couldn’t give it up, since it was bound for Coober Pedy. If there’s no fuel, there’s no plan B. You just have to wait and hope. We chatted to one of the guys towing the rally car with skulls, appropriately named “Numb Skulls”. They’re headed from home in Katherine, NT south for the Variety Bash near Adelaide, then back home. That’s a lot of towing.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Lake Hart and orange dunes, on the way to Coober Pedy
Today we’re heading from Spud's Roadhouse, in Pimba, through Glendambo, to Coober Pedy. Quite a few wide shallow lakes along the way, which I imagine are often dry. This was the biggest we saw – Lake Hart, a salt lake. We wandered down the walking track, to Orange sand dunes, and discovered a train track – the rail to Ghan. A long load train wrapped its way past, far into the distance. Beautiful spot.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A scenery stop along the Stuart Highway
Stopped along the Stuart Highway to take in the surrounds.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Charging confusion at Spud's Roadhouse
Although it’s in the middle of nowhere, Spud's Roadhouse is a great place to stop on the way to Uluru. For one, it has a few EV charging options. Now, charging should be simple, like it was for the two EVs that were here when I arrived. They each plugged into one of the two DC charging cables, walked over to get some food at the roadhouse while their cars charged. Then off they went – one towards Adelaide and the other to Roxbury. But life isn’t always so simple. I plugged into the remaining charger, which is a slower AC station. It’s only 7kW, compared to the faster DC adjacent chargers at 80-150kW. But, that’s fine – I’m staying here overnight, so I have the time, or I could have just used a fast charger when one of the other drivers disconnected. This AC charger requires your own “Type 2” (technically “Mennekes”) cable, which we have, so I plugged it into the car and EV charger. To my surprise, it immediately started charging, without using an app or tap card. I left it connected…
-
HQ
HQ
Spotting my old gambling-help app in the outback
My chances of consistently winning at gambling are tiny. Perhaps equally unlikely is stumbling into a roadhouse in the middle of Australia which displays the poster of an app that I built about 12 years ago. But that just happened! We built the “Stay on Track” app, for Gambling Helpline, as a reality check for gamblers to check their actual ongoing winnings and losses, set their maximum spend, and receive warnings if they were going over budget. Unfortunately, the app is no longer on the App Store, despite that poster’s advertisement. Most of the old media releases are also gone, but this link remains: https://www.facebook.com/share/16n5F48YqN/
-
HQ
About halfway to Uluru
About halfway, on our way to Uluru.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
An EV-friendly overnight at Spud's Roadhouse
Halfway to Uluru, we stopped at Spuds' Roadhouse for the night. We picked this place because, well, it’s the only place for a few hundred kilometers, and because it has EV charging. We thought we’d be the only EV around, but two others were already charging when we arrived. They were using the two fast DC charging connectors, which only takes about 30 minutes to top them up, while they visited the roadhouse. I plugged into the adjacent slow AC 7kW charger, mainly for the photo opp, since I would be there all night with access to all the chargers. Robert and his partner were returning from a trip to Alice Springs (and a bit beyond), in their Tesla Model Y standard range (like ours, but the previous model). They had slept in the car a few nights under the stars, on their Tesla branded mattress. I asked how they coped with the kink behind the folded down seats, but they seemed unphased. Robert is bigger and older than me, so now I feel like a wuss. He has been travelling with just the…
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Arriving at Spud's, where the roadhouse is the town
Halfway on our trip to Uluru, we arrived at Spuds' Roadhouse in Pimba, SA. Like a lot of places out here, the roadhouse _is_ the town. There’s not much else for hundreds of kilometers. We had booked a budget accommodation. After we chatted a bit with motel reception (which is also the servo counter, the restaurant desk, gaming desk, and, well, you get it) they kindly upgraded us to standard accommodation. I asked if that came with a spa. They laughed and said, “Yes, and a butler” 😉. Fun staff. A steady stream of travellers passed through, some also staying the night. Road trains, a couple on motorbikes, grey nomads, non grey holiday trippers, and a couple of other EVs – the only others we’ve seen so far this far north. More on them in a separate post. The motel room is basically a rectangular container. It has all that you need and a comfy bed. I imagine these huts also being brought on a road train a few years ago. The older cabins sit just outside the rear windows of the new ones. I…
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Sharing the Stuart Highway with road trains and emus
On the Stuart Highway, along with road trains, a giant mining truck that takes up the whole road, livestock with no fenced road, cattle grids, plateau mountains, red dirt, emus, kangaroos, and wide open spaces. CB radios set to channel 40 and scanning, to keep an ear out for any road warnings (thanks for the tip and loan, DebbieandMark).
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A Tardis-style auto loo in Port Augusta
Stopped for a stretch in Port Augusta, by the river and park. Nice spot. I stepped into one of those automated loos, that reminds me of a Tardis. They all seem to play the same tune “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love…”
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Wind and solar farms south of Port Augusta
Just south of Port Augusta, we passed another wind and solar farm, generating power for local communities. No noise, smell, or breathing hazards. Of course, it would be great if we could avoid any environmental impact. But this is way better than a giant coal mine and power station, or oil drilling.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A waterfront picnic in Port Pirie
Arrived in Port Pirie, on our way north to Uluru. Most lunch outlets were closing, so we had a “picnic lunch” from our car fridge and food bag, by the waterfront. The giant silos backdropped the inlet with the wharf, bridge and black swans. The southern Flinders ranges in the distance might be the last mountains we see for a while. We stayed at the Comfort Inn. Basic continental breakfast included, at the on site Serenity Restaurant. Simple hot options also available.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Cloudy summit at Mount Lofty, brilliant regen down
With naive hope, we drove to the summit of Mount Lofty, in the Adelaide Hills. No luck, the cloud covered the view of Adelaide and surrounds. We said hello to some of the furry locals. On the trip back down the hill, we managed to charge the car with a reported 123Wh per km, a new regenerating record for this trip 😉.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Spotting the Lochiel Monster
We spotted the Lochiel Monster, on our way towards Port Pirie. Very flat landscape, then a few rolling hills. Currently very green, despite the long drought. Nothing but farms, a few home made junk yards, some wind turbines, and road trains.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Hunting for a Starlink 12 V cable in Mount Barker
We checked out some shops in Mount Barker. I had hoped to buy a Starlink mini from JB Hi-Fi, but they only sell the dish and not the 12V car adapter, so not really useful. Next door, BCF has a few Starlink accessories, but they don’t stock the 12V cable either. Oh well. Fortunately, Ayers Rock Resort Campground is supposed to have good cellular coverage.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Avoiding highways from Hahndorf to Port Pirie
This morning we left Hahndorf, heading north west towards Port Pirie, on our way to Uluru. The shortest distance between two points is… often boring. So, we turned on “Avoid Highways” in the Tesla navigation. We were treated to a couple of scenic routes through the Adelaide Hills.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Two nights in historic Hahndorf
July 25-27 We stayed two nights in Hahndorf, SA. As you might have guessed, it’s an historic German town, with lots of character. We grabbed one of the last rooms at The Stables Boutique Motel which, unsurprisingly, is a converted stables that used to provide transport for the adjacent bakery.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Weet-Bix vs Vita Brits on the road
Breakfast on the road. Living the dream 😉. The keen eyed among you might have noticed that we can’t agree on Weet-Bix vs Vita Brits, so we have both. Heading north through South Australia, towards Uluru. Staying in Port Pirie tonight.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Autopilot through Dukes Highway rain
Cruising along the Dukes Highway, from The Grampians, Victoria, towards Adelaide, the rain rolled in. Each passing semi trailer sent up a wall of water to blind us for a couple of seconds. We drove most of the way on Autopilot, which handled the spray with ease. There were a couple of times where it slowed and messaged “due to reduced visibility”. Such a great asset to have on a long trip.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Forgetting about quarantine at the SA border
We crossed into South Australia, and realised we had forgotten about quarantine when we packed the fruit. We quickly devoured two mandarins and half an Apple before ditching the rest in the bins near the border. Stopped for lunch in nearby Bordertown. Subway was an unexpectedly good option. Can I just take a minute with a “one job” rant: Whoever designs electronic menus in takeaway restaurants (not limited to Subway): Your job is to show a list of the food buying options so customers can read them. If you make the lists cycle and disappear every few seconds, then we can’t read them! Don’t do that. You had one job! I saw at least one other couple photographing the menu so they had long enough to read it. After three years of EV road tripping, Tom finally convinced Francis that having a thermos is a good idea. The staff at the servo were kind enough to fill it up with hot water for us.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Kaniva silo art, and our first dirt road
The silo art is spectacular. This one in Kaniva. Unfortunately, difficult to get a photo with the “No Entry” fence. There is an Evie Networks charger just around the corner, but we didn’t stay long enough to use it. Our first dirt road so far this trip, just north of The Grampians, thanks to the Tesla Navigation’s inability to specify tar only. But we’re no stranger to dirt roads.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Cockatoos farewell us from Halls Gap
This morning, we said goodbye to The Grampians and Halls Gap, after staying a couple of nights. The cockatoos came to say goodbye. The laundry bag has started to fill the frunk, along with our shoes, charging cables, water and windscreen squeegee. We repacked the car with the Snuuzu mattress in the subtrunk, replacing the fridge, which we moved to the boot. Much easier to access it now, and we can pack the whole boot. Next leg today, to Hahndorf in South Australia.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A surprise steam warning in Bridgewater
Brief stop in Bridgewater, on our way (sort of) to Hahndorf for a couple of nights. At one point, I think the car started heating, and it warned us thate might see steam eminating from the bonnet. I recall reading a year or so ago that a few people thought they saw smoke coming out of Teslas while charging, so I goes this is just to prevent worry.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Kangaroos and emus at Halls Gap Lakeside
We’re staying at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park for a couple of days, on our way to Uluru. Regular visits from a range of bird life, along with kangaroos across the property. Kangaroos and emus appear all along the roadside into town, which is both beautiful and scary when driving a car.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A clifftop lunch in the Grampians
The highest place we could find for a late lunch. Hummus, veggie sticks and crackers. Some slice and a sneaky shared coffee. BYO seats meant we had to assemble our chairs from KILOS GEAR, which always reminds me of bagpipes. They fold up into small bags, which is great for road tripping. So cold here. The slightest breeze cut through the layers to the bone. Thankful for puffer jackets. The Tesla regained 3% charge on our way back down the mountain. We’re staying at the bottom of that reservoir wall in the distance, at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Walking Halls Gap Zoo… in reverse
So many cute animals at Halls Gap Zoo. Many them free roam and are happy for a pat 🥺. There’s a path that winds its way through the whole zoo. Should be simple, but we managed to do it in reverse after walking straight past the “Entry” sign 🤦.
-
HQ
HQ
Distracted by The Greatest Doughman
We didn’t get far into our road trip (from Emerald to Uluru), when we were distracted by The Greatest Doughman 🍩.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
'No route found' to Uluru, says the Tesla
Heading off today on our next road trip, to Uluru, in the center of Australia. Tesla navigation says “no route found”. This could be interesting 🤔. Same result when trying to head to the campground nearby. And this is without Trip Planner enabled, to find charging stops.
-
HQ
Why our Tesla has no spare tyre
Tesla, and many other car manufacturers, don’t include a spare tyre, or a dedicated place to store one. Tesla encourages owners to just ask for help via the Tesla app, if they get stuck somewhere with a flat tyre. The response time and service is reportedly pretty good. But, what if you’re going to drive well off the beaten track, and want to keep a spare with you?
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Body-bag mode engaged
Body bag mode, engaged!
-
FB
FB
FB
Choosing our Kings camp fridge for the subtrunk
We bought a Kings camp fridge for about $208 from 4WDSupacentre.com.au. They seem to have a different sale on every 24 hours. The staff kindly brought a display model to the car so I could check the size. It just fits in the subtrunk. We opted for the 30L model. We already had the 50L version on previous trips, but it’s a bit too big to manage in the car. After trying the sub trunk and back seat, we eventually settled on the boot, since it’s easier to access, keeps the noise away from the passengers, and allows more packing space in boot, without worrying accessing the fridge in the sub trunk. We’ll probably move it to the subtrunk when we sleep in the car. The boot cover leaves ample opening in either side for ventilation, as long as we don’t block the side wells. And the 12V power supply is conveniently located in the boot.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Installing the Teraglide Pro in our Model Y
We installed a Teraglide Pro in our Tesla Model Y Juniper. It provides a flat elevated floor that expands when you lower the rear seats, a retractable drawer and table. Gas struts make it simple to access the sub trunk. Brilliant design. Stay tuned to see the assembly process, and how well it does or doesn’t work with the Snuuzu mattress.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
$10 + car-wash mode = clean
$10 + car wash mode = clean 👏
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
A new find: Ripe Cafe in Sassafras
In life you need goals. Today’s goal was to find a cafe we hadn’t yet tried 😉, in our home of the Dandenong Ranges. Ripe Cafe in Sassafras was a great find. Guacamole (avo toast) topped with thin sliced potato crisps, and zucchini slice. Lots of cyclists out today, including this giant Saint Bernard. The local park has interesting seating, or perhaps a one turn swing set 😳. I checked in on our parked car from the Tesla app, after some dodgy parking in front of us. We love driving through the fern trees and tall timbers of the Dandenong Ranges. Beautiful all year ‘round.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Rubberised mats finally fit our Model Y
We finally fitted some rubberised mats in our Tesla Model Y Juniper. We waited a few weeks for Tessories Australia to have stock, but eventually just ordered through x-car.com.au. They were actually cheaper. The day after we ordered, Tessories emailed to say they have stock. The standard Tesla supplied carpet mats were actually pretty good, clean up okay and are comfortable. But we expect that the rubberised mats will be a bit more hard wearing, and easier to clean. We didn’t bother with a frunk liner, since it already has a hard lining (not carpeted), and a drain hole for washing it out.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Charge Next Door: AirBnB for EV chargers
We chatted to one of the guys at @Charge Next Door about their app to connect EV drivers with people that have an EV charger. He described it as like AirBnB for EV chargers. Make some cash from your home charger. Great idea. At Melbourne International EV AutoShow. Future Drive AutoShows.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Mobile EV Charging comes to your door at 60 kW
We chatted a bit with Daniel about their business Mobile EV Charging. At Melbourne International EV AutoShow. They come to you to charge up your EV at 60kW DC. It can be just enough to get you home, or a fully charged battery. Customers include those who found themselves stranded, but also “wealthy” customers who use them regularly rather than driving to an EV charger. I think it’s $240 for a call out.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Space-saver spare wheels for EVs, $395 to $900
A couple of “space saver” spare wheel/tyre options at Melbourne International EV AutoShow. Pricing ranging from $395 to about $900. We haven’t had a flat tyre during 100,000km of EV driving. If we do, we can contact Tesla via the Service option in the Tesla app. Or we can try out the pump and tyre goo we have in the car. But we’re planning to soon drive to Uluru, where a flat tyre could take quite a while for Tesla or The NRMA to sort out. So, we’re considering taking a spare.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
EVs that aren't cars, at Melbourne EV AutoShow
Some of the many EVs, other than cars, at Melbourne International EV AutoShow.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
MG S5 and the EV crowd at Melbourne EV AutoShow
Such a huge range of EV cars (battery electric and hybrid) at Melbourne International EV AutoShow. We were impressed with the newish MG S5 EV, at about $40k. Interior seemed improved over the previous model MG4. More posts from the show on our Tesla Tripping blog.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Travel-bed research at the Melbourne EV show
TOCA (Tesla Owners Club Australia) had a Tesla mattress on display in a Tesla Model Y Juniper (like ours). It looks fairly flat, but when we lay on it we realised that it was just hiding the dip at the base of the folded seat, by floating above it. It would be good to test it with a Teraglide flat base. But we think the Snuuzu is going to provide a noticeably more comfortable bed.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Stretching to match The Electric Viking
Stretching my shirt to match The Electric Viking (Sam Evans) was a losing battle. Great to listen to a few panel discussions, led by Sam and others, on EVs and V2G. Hopeful, based on some hints, that car companies like Tesla will soon allow us to use the massive battery in the cars to help power the grid (and our homes) during peak demand times.
-
HQ
HQ
HQ
Solar farm vs coal mine: a side-by-side
We took a slight detour off the Hume Highway at Glenrowan, to stop next to the huge solar farm at Winton. We have previously passed huge open cut coal mines, such as the one at Yallourn. Here are the differences we noticed: 1. The solar farm isn’t a big hole. It’s just a bunch of of posts that can be removed. 2. There’s no particles filling the air, causing respiratory issues. 3. At the coal mine, dozens of huge sprinklers kept pouring litres of water onto the coal face to suppress the dust. 4. There is no ongoing large machinery here, required to dig coal, and haul it. 5. Nothing gets burnt here. There’s no ongoing pollution or greenhouse effect. 6. The solar panels can work in harmony with agriculture. If you look closely at my photos, you can see sheep grazing in the grass around the panels. The panels provide shade that enhances vegetation growth. We didn’t see any sheep on the coal mine, or any living thing, actually 😞. Of course, there is an environmental impact of the solar…
Formerly: Tesla Tripping
Come along on our EV road trips around Australia and Europe, and follow as we progressively electrify our home in Emerald, Victoria.
Join us on the road. We set off in late 2022 and drove eastern Australia in our Tesla Model 3 — Sydney, Dubbo, Armidale, Brisbane, Cape Tribulation, then down through Queensland and back. We've since upgraded to a Model Y.
We've kept exploring — Uluru, the Snowy Mountains and Gippsland, and a longer run through Europe in 2024. There's plenty more on the map, so come along for the next leg.
At home in Emerald, in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges, we're progressively electrifying everything: rooftop solar, a home battery, a hot water heat pump, air conditioned heating and cooling, and EV charging straight from the sun. We're going fully electric, off the gas.
Got questions, or insights of your own? We'd love to hear them — please drop a comment on any post.