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 2010 camping trip with my dad into the outback: Mungo’s Walls of China, the Birdsville Track cut by a flooded Cooper Creek, the government punt, and Lake Eyre holding water. The trip that started everything.

Our airboat trip with Northern Territory Airboats gave us a fast look at the Bynoe wetlands. Crocodiles on the banks, birdlife across the floodplains and a guide who knew the country well. A relaxed Top End wildlife experience.

We drove to Fogg Dam near Darwin expecting a few ducks and found hundreds of birds, three crocodiles, and two tourists we probably saved from becoming breakfast on the closed, croc-lined dam wall.

Back in Longreach for our third visit. Outback rail adventures, a sunset cruise on the Thomson River, the Longreach Races, new Akubras, and the friendliest welcome yet.

Blackall’s Historical Woolscour is the only surviving steam-powered woolscour in Australia, operating since 1908. Add Jackie Howe’s unbroken shearing record and a free camp on the Barcoo River, and you have one of outback Queensland’s best stops.

Five rain-soaked days at Nyngan Weir and then north to Bourke, the Darling River’s great port, Fred Hollows’ resting place, an Afghan mosque in the outback, and a town that rewards anyone who slows down.

From Melbourne via Warrnambool and St Arnaud to Hay, a town that keeps earning return visits. Free camping on the Murrumbidgee, a gaol with many lives, and one of regional NSW’s most joyful festivals.

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.

Two nights on the Barwon River at Winchelsea’s free camp, and a guided tour of Barwon Park Mansion, the bluestone homestead built to impress a duke, by the man who gave Australia its rabbit problem.

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.

Waikerie gave us ferry rides, silo art, bakery stops and an easy riverfront stay. A bright Riverland town with good food, calm paths and a few rituals we return to every time we pass through.

Renmark sits on the Murray with sandstone cliffs, impressive silo art and a historic lifting bridge. We came for a day trip from Barmera and found more than expected. A relaxed Riverland stop worth slowing down for.

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.

From Nyngan’s riverside calm to Cobar’s quiet bush camp and the long road to Broken Hill, this stretch of outback NSW is a reminder that sometimes, the in-between days are the best ones.

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.

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.

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.

While in town, we couldn’t skip a quick visit to the Big Bogan — cheeky as ever and just as good for a second round of photos.

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.