Hahndorf gave us a relaxed day of wandering, snacks and a few too many condiments from Beerenberg. Between gin tastings, strudel and leafy streets, this Adelaide Hills favourite is an easy, enjoyable stop with plenty to explore.

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.

After braving Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Mullumbimby was an exhale. A leafy hinterland town of markets, vintage shops, and slow mornings at the showgrounds. Proof that the best stops aren’t always planned.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From Burren Junction’s steaming thermal pool to Rowena’s country pub, this stretch of Northern NSW delivered good food, warm water, and muddy roads—proof that slow travel still brings the best surprises.

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

Stonehenge might be small, but its welcoming pub, peaceful free camp and big outback skies make it a memorable stop. A simple, friendly Queensland town that slows you down in all the right ways.

We spent several days between Chinchilla Weir and Charley’s Creek, soaking up quiet camps, water views, and time in town. From the Big Melon to lazy creek walks, Chinchilla made an easy, relaxed base on the road.

Parachilna is a small outback stop anchored by the Prairie Hotel. We pulled in for lunch, tried the feral mixed grill, wandered the old railway siding, and enjoyed a quiet pause beneath the wide Flinders skies.

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.

Tumby Bay gave us quiet streets, bold murals and a calm start to the Eyre Peninsula. From jetty views to Yeldulknie Weir, it’s a slow, creative coastal stop worth pausing for along the way.

From the stillness of the Capricorn Caves to the sea breeze at Emu Park, Yeppoon offered a quiet stretch of coast, strong coffee, and a few days to slow down and breathe.

Castlemaine sits at the centre of Victoria’s quieter goldfields. We explored Maldon, Chewton and Malmsbury, wandered historic diggings, found forgotten machinery and spent time under the Malmsbury Viaduct. A grounded, slow-travel look at the region’s gold rush past.