
Small Town Stories

Where the streets are wide, the pace is slow, and everyone’s got time for a yarn.
Long roads, local pubs and a quiet pride stitch together Australia’s small towns.
We’ve pulled up in plenty for a pie, a chat, or just a stretch of the legs, and somehow always ended up staying longer than planned.
From weatherboard main streets to murals that tell more than the history books, every town has its own way of saying welcome. These are the places that keep the kettle on and the stories rolling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mindil Beach Markets is more than just a market—it’s an experience that captures the spirit of Darwin.
Dundee Beach is a laid-back coastal escape where sunsets steal the show. With fishing boats bobbing offshore, soft sand underfoot, and that endless Territory sky, it’s the perfect spot to pause and breathe.
Farrell Flat might be small, but it packs in plenty. A friendly country pub, striking silo art, and that easy South Australian charm that makes every stop feel like it’s exactly where you should be.
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.
Riding through Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park gave us windswept cliffs, hidden coves, and open coastal roads — the kind of day that sticks with you. Our motorbikes made it even better.
Coastal charm, striking silo art, and a slice of history! Our loop through Stansbury, Edithburgh and Wool Bay gave us quiet beaches, quirky sculptures, and a deeper look at South Australia’s hardworking past.
Port Willunga gave us the perfect blend of beach time, wine country rides, and coastal charm. From vineyard-hopping on the bikes to salty swims and surreal art, this stay was all about slowing down and soaking in.
Beach strolls, market browsing and a breathtaking afternoon spotting whales off K’gari. Hervey Bay gave us sun, salt air and sea life in spades. It’s a relaxed spot that delivered more than we expected.
A few days around Yeppoon gave us time to reset with a cave tour, a solid brunch by the sea, and just enough space to slow down before rolling into the next leg of the journey.
Tilba Tilba cheese, Bermagui’s Blue Pool, and tall pub stories marked the moment we started finding our rhythm on the road — and learned that good cheese might just be worth every detour.
In Merimbula, we traded busy travel for slow days by the sea. We fixed our first flat tyre, ate oysters by the dozen, and learned that quiet time can be the best part of the trip.
Our first motorhome trip from Geelong to Eden was equal parts chaos and discovery. We packed too much, sang off-key in a winery, and learned fast that the road has its own rhythm.
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.