Take a Hike

North of Townsville, two faces of the wet tropics: Big Crystal Creek, a clear rainforest swimming hole, and Wallaman Falls, Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall, plunging 269 metres into a misty gorge.

A slow morning in the mist at Warrnambool's historic Botanic Gardens, a drive out to Hopkins Falls running at full strength, and an afternoon browsing Fletcher Jones Market.

Exploring the mouth of the Hopkins River near Warrnambool, from calm water and dog beaches to coastal walks, fishing spots, historic graves, and wide ocean views. A lived-in stretch of coast best discovered slowly.

Just offshore from Warrnambool, guardian dogs quietly protect a colony of little penguins. The Middle Island Maremma Project is a thoughtful conservation success, best understood from the mainland, where learning matters more than access.

Lava tubes are formed when flowing lava cools on the surface while molten lava continues beneath, draining away to leave hollow tunnels. The Undara system in Queensland is one of the world’s best preserved examples

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).

From swimming holes to rainforest tracks, our time between Babinda and Kuranda was a mix of sightseeing, family catch-ups, and a long-overdue crocodile feast.

We broke up the drive north with stops at coastal Cardwell, rainy Tully with its Golden Gumboot, and the atmospheric Paronella Park. Each stop offered its own charm before we pushed on towards Cairns.

You smell Tully before you see it: steam and sweet sugar from the mill. This is Australia’s wettest town by record, marked by a 7.9m Golden Gumboot, exactly the height of the rain that fell in 1950.

Most people drive through Cardwell. We stayed and found a milky-blue swimming hole in the hills, a calm upgraded foreshore, and the quiet gateway to Hinchinbrook Island. Just time your Spa Pool visit for rain.

Camping behind the Pinnacle Family Hotel gave us the perfect base to explore Hatton Finch and Eungella. Great hikes, homemade pies, and sugarcane trains rolling by—this little stop had charm and adventure in spades.

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.

Narrabri surprised us with its blend of geology, science and relaxed country charm — from Sawn Rocks to market scones and a slightly embarrassing moment at the Telescope Array. A simple, easy stop on the Newell Highway.

The Sandstone Caves in the Pilliga Forest offer a quiet, respectful walk to Aboriginal rock shelters. A short track that rewards slowing down and remembering that shared cultural places deserve the same care we give our own.

Baradine is a quiet country town on the edge of the Pilliga Forest. A practical base for slow travel, forest drives, and unhurried exploration, it’s the kind of place that rewards staying longer than planned.

Wannon Falls gave us a quiet pause west of Hamilton. Basalt cliffs, a deep gorge and short walks that fit neatly into a day on the road. A simple detour, but well worth the stop.

This stunning natural landmark feels like a hidden sanctuary, where the arid landscape meets the cool refuge of a dry creek bed nestled between towering cliffs.

Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs offers a relaxed way to explore Top End wildlife. We wandered open trails, watched birds in free flight, and learned how wetlands, forests, and savannahs shape life in the Northern Territory.

The Darwin Botanic Gardens gave us a quiet break from the city. Rainforest paths, tropical plants, a shady waterfall area and easy walking. A simple, relaxing morning in one of the NT’s best green spaces.

Litchfield’s waterfalls and swimming holes gave us three days of cool, easy walking and clear water. From Florence Falls to Buley and Wangi, this Top End park delivers exactly what hot travellers need.

Adelaide River blends wartime history, weekly markets, and Top End quiet. We wandered the War Cemetery, chatted with locals at the dry-season market, and found a town that carries both stillness and life with ease.

Robin Falls, tucked away near Adelaide River, is one of those places that feels like a secret waiting to be shared.

Nitmiluk Gorge gave us golden cliffs, a quiet sunset cruise and stories from Jawoyn Country that stayed with us. We barely scratched the surface, and it’s already high on our must-return list for next time.

After weeks in the dry, dusty outback, arriving at Bitter Springs and Mataranka felt like stepping into paradise. We decided to spend a full week here, giving ourselves the time to relax, recharge, and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

Banka Banka Station offers a peaceful slice of NT outback life. From the quiet waterhole walk to friendly donkeys and starry nights. A relaxed, red-dirt stop that invites slow travel and longer stays.