As we crossed the range and headed south I smiled to myself as I reflected on some recent comments I've read from overseas friends on "distance" limiting what they could or could not do. Consider our journey. Seven hours of driving (550km) to see a specialist in Brisbane. You may also get a clue as to the amount of open space in Australia when I report that in the whole of that journey from Ubobo to Brisbane, we only passed through two towns and two tiny villages.
Both your image and description are amazing! This road is so inviting. We live in a place where things are spread out, but not like what you have described!