Though Coober Pedy airport is an IFR airport, it is operated without control tower. Andreas Kaufmann of German air traffic control gave us the advise that all approach/departure charts can be down loaded free of charge from the online Australian AIP (Jeppesen has all controlled airports in its database). The VFR takeoff (without control tower – you only announce your intentions to other air traffic) is no problem at prevailing CAVOK conditions. After a short time we have contact with Melbourne Centre. The radar controller gives us a maximum climb out of FL 180 and advises to remain VMC, because our IFR clearance is available only after 30 minutes. The only traffic in our vicinity is a regional carrier with destination Coober Pedy.

During climb we notice it is not easy to say good bye to the bizarre "mole hills" of Coober Pedy. However, short time later the gigantic salt lakes provide a new spectacular scenery. From Adelaide on the picture changes completely again and presents itself in autumnal colors.
Unfortunaly we have only the afternoon and evening for the fashionable Melbourne. We decided to visit the “12 Apostles” national park on Sunday.

Early fog, ground frost and autumn leaves - once again we are up fairly early. We have to drive nearly 300 km to get to the famous rock formations. Winding roads lead us through forest country and pastureland. Only the eucalyptus trees and the llamas on the pastures irritate somehow –else we could be somewhere in northern Germany.  All in a sudden the magnificent cliffs appear in front of us. We enjoy the sea rushing and the fantastic views.

Fresh air makes hungry. After a quick lunch and in a good mood are on the way back and turn right from the parking area of the just visited restaurant. Big mistake!!! At this point a left turn is mandatory. With sirens and blue light we are stopped like dangerous criminals. After the driving license has been checked and the alcohol test is negative, the local police officer allows to get away with a fine of 146 AUS $ - no mercy for innocent tourists. Mood significantly sunk and Australia really received many minus points on our scale.