Pies, Rum and Petrol

So, as we head up the coast I've noticed a couple of things worthy of mention:

1. Although many people will tell you that Yatala pies (between Brisbane and Gold Coast) are the best pies going around, they aren't. Don't misinterpret, they're good...but they're not the best. In my eyes the top 3 in order are Beefy's Pies (at Ettamogah Pub - on the way to the Sunshine Coast), Elaine's Pies (Canberra), Sam's Pies (Innisfail - NQ). Elaine's Steak and Mushroom gets a notable mention but the lack of mushy peas relegates it to second behind the Signature Steak with Mushy Peas at Beefy's. In the Beefy's picture below, you can see all the awards on the wall inside!

2. If you get the chance to go on the Bundaberg Rum distillery tour...do it, even if you don't like rum. $25 for 50 minute tour including 2 drinks at the end for tasters....on that topic, make sure one of them is the Royal Liqueur...its only available there (not sold anywhere else full stop) and is sensational. Maybe don't take the 10 a.m. tour as we did though, as its a little tough drinking 4 rums at 11 in the morning (Anita was on driving duties this day obviously!). I was hurting.

3. Buy petrol in QLD. Although theoretically petrol should get more expensive as the distance from distribution increases, it seems there are too many businessmen in Mexico. Cheapest petrol south of the border, 105.9c/l....cheapest north of the border (although Brisbane is suss) 93.9c/l, most expensive 98.9c/l. That's right, my litre numbers are bigger than my $$ numbers!