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.

Back in Rockhampton after two years, we camped at peaceful Kershaw Gardens, revisited favourite spots by the river, soaked up local art, stocked up on fresh produce, and enjoyed a slice of city life before heading north.

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.

From railway tragedy in Bogantungan to the supermarket aisles of Emerald, this leg of our trip marked the shift from outback stillness to something closer to civilisation — with Carnarvon Gorge waiting just around the bend.

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.

We reached Muttaburra just behind the rain, camped close to town, and met the towering Muttaburrasaurus. From fossils to the Centre of Queensland sign, this quiet little town gave us plenty to smile about.

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.

St George keeps pulling us back — and it’s easy to see why. Big skies, flowing rivers, great food and country charm make this town the perfect launchpad for exploring Queensland’s quiet, beautiful southwest.

After some days of fairly hectic driving through outback Queensland, we were ready for a slower pace, and this spot delivered.

We planned to stay just one night, but Mount Isa turned out to be so much more than we expected. Four nights later, we left with a new appreciation for this unique outback town.

Located between Mount Isa and Cloncurry, this abandoned uranium mine and former township are steeped in history and surrounded by the striking outback landscape.

Stopping at the Walkabout Creek Hotel felt like stepping straight into Aussie film history.

We’d been here before, but this time, we remembered the most important rule—push the “I” down in the Winton sign for the classic photo. Small wins.

We hadn’t planned to rush, but when the forecast showed 25mm of rain heading for Souther Queensland, we knew we had to move.

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.

We rely on highways for travel, but for many people living remotely, these same roads double as runways that could save a life.