Stories Worth Revisiting
We’re always moving forward, rolling into new towns and following new roads, but sometimes it feels right to pause and look back. Not at the biggest places or the latest posts, but at the stories that seem to carry their own weight. The ones we keep returning to ourselves, and that readers still find long after we’ve packed up and driven on.
Snake Creek is one of those places. It caught us by surprise the first time, tucked away and almost overlooked, and it continues to surprise us still. People stumble across the post and linger. Lightning Ridge offered a very different memory. There we found scones and shenanigans, a dash of poetry, and the kind of humour that belongs only to the Ridge. It was chaotic and warm-hearted and wonderfully, stubbornly Australian.
Further north, Robin Falls brought its own kind of magic. Just a turn off the Stuart Highway and suddenly you’re in a pocket of cool water and rising rock. We spent the evening camped beneath the stars, and we’ve recently added a video of the falls to capture some of that restless movement and stillness combined. And then there are the RFDS airstrips, scattered like lifelines across the Outback. Writing about them was a quieter moment for us, a reflection on scale, distance, and the everyday heroes who keep communities connected. We’ve given that post a fresh update, but the feeling at its heart remains unchanged.
They’re different places, but together they tell something of what this road has given us — surprise, laughter, stillness, and connection. Looking back reminds us how rich the journey already is, even as the road ahead keeps calling.
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RFDS Airstrips
Stretching across the Outback, these airstrips are lifelines for remote communities. A quiet reflection on distance, scale, and connection.
Snake Creek
A quiet outback stop that surprised us with its stillness and charm — the kind of place you don’t plan for but never forget.
LIghtning RIdge
Only Lightning Ridge could serve up scones alongside poetry and playful chaos. Quirky, warm-hearted, and stubbornly Australian.
Final Reflections
Looking back at these posts reminds us why we started sharing our travels in the first place. They’re simple stories from the road, but they still feel relevant — and worth another read.
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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.
We spent three days in Cloncurry, exploring its history, murals, aviation heritage, and dam. From the first Qantas hangar to the birthplace of the RFDS, this outback town surprised us with stories and charm.
Whether you’re dreaming of hitting the road or already knee-deep in maps and overdue laundry, we hope these tips resonate. Here's to many more years of life off the main road.
Croydon, Normanton, and Karumba gave us history, character, and Gulf Coast charm. From welcoming the Gulflander to cold drinks at the Purple Pub and sunsets in Karumba, this stretch of the Savannah Way was unforgettable.
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.
Exploring the Undara Lava Tubes was like stepping into another world…towering underground tunnels carved by ancient lava flows, part history, part geology, and all awe. A side quest well worth the detour.
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).
Cooktown charmed us with laid-back days, sunset cruises, museums, and even a cheeky paddle for Zoe. We wrapped it all up at the iconic Lions Den Hotel—live music, hearty meals, and full hearts.
Camping at Newell Beach set the scene for exploring Mossman. We browsed markets, braved Mossman Gorge, detoured back to Cairns on a stunning coastal drive (with a giggle at Yorky’s Knob), before heading inland towards Cooktown.
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.
From a tense river crossing and a surprise snake encounter to a crowded Airlie Beach and a quiet roadside camp in Home Hill — our journey north was full of unexpected turns and memorable stops.
A quick coastal stop turned into seven relaxing days camped beneath palms in Seaforth. Beach swims for Zoe, fresh scones, friendly neighbours, and a kangaroo tourism reality check made this one of our favourite unexpected stays.
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.
We spent a week in Mackay with family, exploring art galleries, sugar tours, vibrant laneway murals, and orchid-filled gardens. While the city didn’t charm us completely, the time together made it memorable.
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.
From hot cuppas to shared sunsets, the best part of road life is the people. The travellers we've met have become our community… open, generous, and unforgettable, even if only for a night or two.
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.
Travelling full-time isn’t just sunsets and scenery. It’s dishes in a tiny sink, missing family, and finding space for your own head and heart. Here's how we stay balanced when the road feels long.
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.
From red cliffs to waterfall gullies, these are our top five Northern Territory favourites! A mixed of big names and quiet corners that made us stop, stay longer, and fall a little bit in love with the NT.