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!

1,090km of Flinders and Barkly Highway, from the coast at Townsville to the NT border at Camooweal. Gold rush towns, dinosaur country and the birthplace of the RFDS, all on sealed road.

Blistering heat, long roads, and a sense of humour carried us from Julia Creek to Hughenden. Between dusty stops, cool lakes, and cranky tyre alarms, we found that real travel isn’t always picture perfect.

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.

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.

Lava tubes are formed when flowing lava cools on the surface while molten lava continues beneath, draining away to leave hollow tunnels. The Undara system in Queensland is one of the world’s best preserved examples

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.

You smell Tully before you see it: steam and sweet sugar from the mill. This is Australia’s wettest town by record, marked by a 7.9m Golden Gumboot, exactly the height of the rain that fell in 1950.

Most people drive through Cardwell. We stayed and found a milky-blue swimming hole in the hills, a calm upgraded foreshore, and the quiet gateway to Hinchinbrook Island. Just time your Spa Pool visit for rain.

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.

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.