Not every adventure needs wheels. Some just need a good pair of boots.
Some of our favourite moments have happened far from the driver’s seat.
From short walks to long climbs, these are the tracks that remind us what the outback, the bush and the coast all have in common: wide open space and time to breathe.
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.
Exploring North Queensland took us from the busy streets of Townsville to the calm waters of Big Crystal Creek and the sheer power of Wallaman Falls. City views, creek swims, and unforgettable waterfalls in one stretch.
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.
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.
We returned to Uluru with fresh eyes, riding out for sunrise, circling the base, and watching rain turn the rock to copper. Quiet, powerful, and unforgettable—the red heart of Australia.
Massive, mysterious and far less crowded than Uluru, Kata Tjuṯa blew us away. We wandered among towering domes, soaked in the silence, and left feeling tiny, dusty, and full of quiet awe.
We hiked the Rim Walk at sunrise, cooled off in the Garden of Eden, and took to the skies for a birthday flight. Kings Canyon is vast, ancient, and one of the Territory’s true wonders.
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.
Coffin Bay is a slow, coastal stop built around seafood, still water, and calm days. We stayed at the campground, wandered the foreshore, tackled the oysters (well, Neil did), and explored the town at an easy pace.
Spear Creek gave us rugged trails, ancient rock formations and wide, empty skies on the edge of the Southern Flinders. Sunrise walks, quiet evenings and raw outback beauty made this remote station stay one to remember.
From rainforest pools to outback springs and shaded rockholes, these are the waterfalls and swimming spots that shaped our journey across Australia. Cool water, easy tracks, and quiet corners worth slowing down for.