Wander Through the Wild

Travelling Australia with a dog means national parks require planning. Here’s how we responsibly visit parks while travelling full-time with Zoe, from splitting up visits to safe short stays and practical local dog-minding options.

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).

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.

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.

The Sandstone Caves in the Pilliga Forest offer a quiet, respectful walk to Aboriginal rock shelters. A short track that rewards slowing down and remembering that shared cultural places deserve the same care we give our own.

Baradine is a quiet country town on the edge of the Pilliga Forest. A practical base for slow travel, forest drives, and unhurried exploration, it’s the kind of place that rewards staying longer than planned.

Standley Chasm changes completely depending on the light. Here’s a quick guide covering the best time to see the glow, how long the walk takes, and what to expect when you arrive.

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.

Karlu Karlu rises from the desert floor in enormous rounded granite boulders, glowing red at sunset and pink at dawn. We stayed overnight and caught both. One of the Northern Territory's most striking stops.

Litchfield’s waterfalls and swimming holes gave us three days of cool, easy walking and clear water. From Florence Falls to Buley and Wangi, this Top End park delivers exactly what hot travellers need.

Robin Falls, tucked away near Adelaide River, is one of those places that feels like a secret waiting to be shared.

Nitmiluk Gorge gave us golden cliffs, a quiet sunset cruise and stories from Jawoyn Country that stayed with us. We barely scratched the surface, and it’s already high on our must-return list for next time.

Our time in Katherine gave us the chance to experience the heart of the Northern Territory. This charming town, rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty, offered plenty to explore.

An early start and the Ultimate Dinosaur Tour at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum near Winton. World-class fossils, a contested stampede mystery, and some of Australia's clearest night skies all on the one mesa.

A full day of riding through Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park took us from shipwrecks to cliff lookouts and steady ocean views. A simple, windswept stretch of coast perfect for slow exploring.

From freshwater lakes and towering rainforests to beach highways and shipwrecks, K’gari is the wild heart of Queensland’s coast. We toured, swam, floated, and flew, and left with sand in our souls.