
Worth the Detour

Tucked behind road signs and dirt tracks, these are the finds worth slowing down for.
Some of the best places we’ve found weren’t in any guidebook.
They were down gravel tracks, behind rusty gates, or mentioned over a beer by someone who knew a bloke who’d been there once.
Hidden gems are what keep us wandering, the unexpected finds, the tiny towns with big stories, and the campsites that feel like they were waiting just for you. You can’t always plan for them, and that’s precisely why we love them.
We explored Cobbold Gorge after a rugged drive from Forsayth. Floating along the calm waters and hiking to the glass bridge, we were captivated by the towering cliffs, wildlife, and serene beauty of this Queensland outback gem.
Soaked in Mareeba, charmed by Herberton’s historic village, waterfall-hopped around Ravenshoe, and finished with cheesecake and live guitar—our journey through the Tablelands mixed history, nature, and indulgence in perfect balance (with Zoe happily in tow).
A roadside rescue, a closed pub, and a peaceful night in St Lawrence. Our trip from Rockhampton to Mackay was a reminder to slow down, lend a hand, and savour the road’s unexpected moments.
Carnarvon Gorge had been on our bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. Panoramic views, ancient rock art, dramatic cliffs, and lush pockets of green made this one of the most rewarding stops so far.
Our Carnarvon adventure kicked off with black bull “bears,” startled tourists and a stunning warm-up walk into Mickey Creek Gorge. A perfect taster before the main hike into the heart of the gorge.
Barcaldine blends rich history with small-town charm. We stayed at a peaceful local park, visited the famous Tree of Knowledge, admired the mighty Comet windmill, and soaked up the stories that shaped this resilient outback town.
A peaceful few days along the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail gave us quiet skies, curious art, and a dose of outback magic - including a visit to the healing circle that worked wonders for Zoe.
A night of chicken races, rain, and school holiday chaos had us making a quick dash through Tambo, Blackall and Barcaldine — chasing dry ground and peaceful camps before heading into Queensland’s quieter heart.
Charleville gave us two slow weeks of outback charm, filled with friendly faces, hearty meals, and quiet mornings. From historic pubs to bilbies and bombers, there’s more here than first meets the eye.
Peaceful riverside camping, outback sunsets, and a surprise burger stop. Not every stop has to dazzle. Sometimes, a full belly and a calm creek are just right.
Every now and then, you meet people on the road who feel like old friends. Mel and Susie’s bush poetry, humour, and warm-heartedness made us instant fans — and lifelong mates.
Without the usual cascade of water, the sheer basalt cliffs took centre stage, revealing the volcanic history that shaped this area.
A quick stop in Coober Pedy revealed a town unlike anywhere else. Homes carved from rock, sunsets over the Breakaways, and a lesson in how far people will go to outsmart the desert.
Hidden in the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ochre Pits reveal layers of colour and culture. Once used by the Arrernte people for ceremony and trade, they remain a sacred reminder of Australia’s enduring connection to land.
Robin Falls, tucked away near Adelaide River, is one of those places that feels like a secret waiting to be shared.
Stonehenge might not be on every traveller’s list, but it should be. It’s a true outback experience—laid-back, welcoming, and a reminder of why we love hitting the road.
Chinchilla Weir is an ideal stop if you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss camp with a beautiful setting.
At Lake Bonney in Barmera, we slowed down beside the water, swam, explored the ruins, and watched the sky melt into colour. A perfect Riverland stop where nothing much happens.. in the best way possible.
Farrell Flat might be small, but it packs in plenty. A friendly country pub, striking silo art, and that easy South Australian charm that makes every stop feel like it’s exactly where you should be.
Carrieton and nearby Johnburg are quiet country towns in South Australia with a strong sense of history. There’s not much happening, but that’s what makes them worth the stop.
Tilba Tilba cheese, Bermagui’s Blue Pool, and tall pub stories marked the moment we started finding our rhythm on the road — and learned that good cheese might just be worth every detour.
Our first motorhome trip from Geelong to Eden was equal parts chaos and discovery. We packed too much, sang off-key in a winery, and learned fast that the road has its own rhythm.
We’ve gathered a few favourite posts that still stand out on our travels — from Snake Creek and Robin Falls to Lightning Ridge and the RFDS airstrips. Simple stories, still worth revisiting.