Well, I offered to drive, but my daughter and her friend Cassie (each in their own cars) decided they could make the drive themselves and take it slow over 4 days now that the Newell Hwy is re-opened.
You can imagine my fear. Jess only passed her driving test 2 weeks ago

but I was partially relieved that they were spreading the trip over 4 days.
Well, they left Ballarat on Tuesday morning. . .
and arrived at Mooloolaba on Wednesday afternoon!
and she sms messaged me tonight with Video of the massive storm they are in, and their street is flooded
All I could say back was: Welcome to Queensland

Her first day in QLD and their street is flooded
But the good news is that they made it safely. She said it was tiring, and a loooong way (do'oh).