A Rested Start to the Day, After nearly 20 hours of on-and-off sleep, my body finally felt restored. By lunchtime, my thoughts were already shifting to the next leg of the journey. Today claim – Isla Gorge National Park. The forecast predicted temperatures of 35–38°C (95–100°F) for the coming days, making it clear that cycling in the midday heat wasn’t an option.
Finding a decent spot for a break on these endless roads, though, is a challenge. Back home, there’s a village around every other corner. Here, there are no corners—and no villages.
The Plan: Isla Gorge National Park
I’d read about a free campsite in Isla Gorge National Park. Perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, it seemed like the perfect place to spend the night. The only downside? No water supply.
It was supposed to be a 30 mile drive from my current campsite. (Spoiler: It wasn’t. It turned out to be 42 kilometers.) Google also claimed that the route was mostly flat. (Another spoiler: It wasn’t.)
Still, the plan sounded reasonable: I could cover the 30 km (or so I thought) this afternoon, leaving 70 km to the next town tomorrow. That way, I wouldn’t have to worry too much about water. Feeling refreshed, I decided to go for it—even though I’d initially promised myself I wouldn’t ride today.
Misleading “Flat” Terrain
The ride itself started well enough. I took it slow since I wasn’t in a rush. But let me clarify something: when Google says a route is “mostly flat,” what it really means is that the start and end points are roughly at the same elevation. Flat terrain, however, was nowhere to be found.
On top of that, the route was mysteriously 10 kilometers longer than expected. Somewhere along the way, I must have miscalculated. Logic told me that the final stretch would involve a climb—after all, the campsite is on a cliff overlooking a gorge. I just hoped most of the journey would be paved, with only the final gravel segment requiring extra effort.
A Rewarding Destination
Fortunately, everything worked out in the end. The campsite and its surroundings were even better than I’d imagined. The panoramic views were spectacular, and I quickly forgot about the struggles of the previous day.
Sleeping Under the Stars
That Australian night, I pitched my tent without the rainfly, leaving only the mosquito net. Above me, the full moon and a sky filled with stars created an unforgettable experience.
I wish I could fully capture the magic of that moment in words. All I can say is that it was one of the most emotional highlights of my entire journey—a memory I’ll carry with me forever.
