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.

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.

White Station Healing Circle sits quietly near Lake Dunn. We visited without expectations, walked the stone ring, and reflected on similar spaces we’ve seen elsewhere. A grounded look at a place designed simply to pause and feel.

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.

Planning the Aramac Sculpture Trail? These traveller’s notes outline road conditions, timing and what to expect on the 200-kilometre loop from Aramac, including practical tips for motorhome travellers.

We camped among locusts and legends in Muttaburra, the Home of the Muttaburrasaurus. A tiny town with a big story. Dinosaurs, country hospitality, and that unmistakable Outback sense of humour.