Where the air hangs heavy, the moss grows thick, and every track hums with life.
We’ve wound our way through misty ranges and down to creeks that never stop running, watched pademelons dart across mossy paths, and sweated it out under dripping ferns while waiting out the rain.
It’s wild, wet and unpredictable, but that’s the beauty of it.
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.
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.
Wannon Falls gave us a quiet pause west of Hamilton. Basalt cliffs, a deep gorge and short walks that fit neatly into a day on the road. A simple detour, but well worth the stop.
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.
From rainforest pools to outback springs and shaded rockholes, these are the waterfalls and swimming spots that shaped our journey across Australia. Cool water, easy tracks, and quiet corners worth slowing down for.