Where heat shimmers on the horizon and every dirt road holds a story worth chasing.
The Outback gets under your skin with it’s red dust, the endless space, the quiet that stretches for miles.
Out here, the map fades and the journey takes over. We’ve spent months on roads that barely count as roads, met characters tougher than the corrugated tracks, and learned that patience and a good sense of humour are as essential as water and diesel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charleville gave us two slow weeks of outback charm, filled with friendly faces, hearty meals, and quiet mornings. From historic pubs to bilbies and bombers, there’s more here than first meets the eye.
St George keeps pulling us back — and it’s easy to see why. Big skies, flowing rivers, great food and country charm make this town the perfect launchpad for exploring Queensland’s quiet, beautiful southwest.
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.
We rolled into Lightning Ridge for the third time — this visit a little muddier than usual. After dodging puddles and slick backroads, both the moho and Jimny looked rally-ready and well-travelled.
A quick stop in Coober Pedy revealed a town unlike anywhere else. Homes carved from rock, sunsets over the Breakaways, and a lesson in how far people will go to outsmart the desert.
We arrived dusty and travel-worn, but Alice Springs greeted us with warmth, colour and comfort. From quirky cafes to red desert sunsets — don’t believe everything you read about Alice.
What started as a pebble-eating mishap near Uluru turned into a race across the outback to save our girl, Zoe. With expert care and plenty of love, she’s now on the mend in Adelaide.
Often, when travelling together, it’s great to visit places individually so we can each have a different point of view. Neil’s quieter view of Ormiston Gorge. Red walls, soft light, and the sound of wind through the ranges.
Cameron’s take on Ormiston Gorge. A cool desert waterhole framed by red cliffs and silence. A refreshing swim, a perfect view, and a reminder of how still the Outback can be.
Hidden in the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ochre Pits reveal layers of colour and culture. Once used by the Arrernte people for ceremony and trade, they remain a sacred reminder of Australia’s enduring connection to land.
A short, bright walk through one of the Red Centre’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Standley Chasm glows with midday light and cultural depth, cared for by the Western Arrernte people of Central Australia.
Among the giant granite boulders of Karlu Karlu, the desert feels timeless. Sunrise and sunset light up the Devil’s Marbles in colour and silence, revealing a sacred landscape shaped by both nature and Dreaming.
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.
Carrieton and nearby Johnburg are quiet country towns in South Australia with a strong sense of history. There’s not much happening, but that’s what makes them worth the stop.
Just outside Port Augusta, we pulled into Nutbush Retreat, a working sheep station offering a unique outback stay.
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.