Charters Towers caught us off guard — a planned two-night stop turned into four days of gold-rush history, quirky landmarks, tyre trouble and small surprises!

Every now and then, you meet people on the road who feel like old friends. Mel and Susie’s bush poetry, humour, and warm-heartedness made us instant fans — and lifelong mates.

A couple of days in Cobar gave us history, quiet station camping and a steady outback pace. From the museum to Glenhope’s big skies, it’s a relaxed stop between the central west and the far west.

Mount Isa kept us longer than planned with its underground tours, wartime history and warm community feel. A gritty and fascinating outback city that rewards travellers who give it more than a quick overnight stop.

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

We planned three nights in Quilpie but left a day early to dodge the rain and the black-soil roads that come with it. Still, between the opal history, big skies, and easygoing locals, it’s a town well worth another visit.

For us, Leigh Creek was a fascinating and slightly eerie stop. It’s a town that tells a story of industry, change, and resilience—worth visiting for anyone wanting to see a different side of the outback.

We rolled into Moonta with good friends and found history, sandstone charm, and a camp full of laughs. Exploring the old copper mine and eerie slime pits gave us a glimpse into South Australia’s mining past.