Australian children steal stolen car over 1,000 kilometers

Queensland police said the car was seen early Sunday morning in Banana town

Four children stole a four-wheel drive while traveling on a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) road through the Australian hinterland before being stopped by police, have Monday announced officials.

A 14 year old boy, two 13 year old boys and a 10 year old girl started their epic journey Saturday by taking money and packing fishing rods into a vehicle belonging to one of their own. families in the coastal region of Queensland. city ​​of Rockhampton, police said.

One of the children left a message to his family to inform him of his plans.

Queensland police said the car was seen early Sunday morning in Banana town, where the children allegedly stole gasoline before heading south.

The car was found Sunday night near Grafton, in the neighboring state of New South Wales, about 11 hours drive from Rockhampton.

New South Wales police said the officers had to force their way into the vehicle after the children refused to go out.

"They locked themselves in the car and the police had to use a stick to stop them," said Coffs-Clarence district interim inspector Darren Williams.

It was not clear exactly which of the kids had driven, but Williams said it was likely that they had shared the driving.

"The distance between Rockhampton and Grafton is over 1,000 km," he said.

"I could not imagine a person driving this way in two days."

Police are investigating several alleged offenses while traveling on the road, Williams said.

The children, found safe and sound, were taken care of.

Williams explained that the reasons why the children made the trip were unclear, but one of the boys was from Grafton.