Take the Long Way Around

You’ve found us Off the Main Road. Welcome to the slower side of travel.
Out here, it’s about quiet roads, small towns, and the kind of places worth stopping for.

We’re Neil, Cameron, and Zoe, a couple of Aussie travellers (and one very patient old Staffy) exploring Australia one dusty road at a time.

We write and photograph from the road itself. Every distance, detour, and roadhouse pie tested along the way. Off the Main Road is where we share it all: the practical bits, the funny bits, and the quiet moments that make travel what it is.

Travel Guides Built on the Road

Our guides aren’t written from desks; they’re built on the road. Every stop, every distance, every bit of dust comes from real travel.

They’re made for travellers who like it quiet: caravanners, motorhomers, campers — anyone who’d rather wander than rush.

Use code ZINE10 for 10% off any guide.

Latest
Tough Aussie Towns
Tough Aussie Towns

Everyone has a list of towns to avoid. We’ve got one too, except we went anyway. From Alice Springs to Port Augusta, these “tough” towns prove reputation isn’t always reality.

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Offbeat Australia
Offbeat Australia

From chicken races to jetty-less jetties, Australia’s full of surprises. These offbeat stops are the ones that made us laugh, pull over, and remember why we love the road.

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Detours and Side Quests
Detours and Side Quests

We’ve racked up a few extra kilometres chasing curiosity through Queensland. Side quests that started as quick detours and turned into full-blown adventures. A few wrong turns we’d happily make again.

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Our Top Five Coastal Favourites
Our Top Five Coastal Favourites

From Dundee Beach to the Sapphire Caost, these five Australian beaches made us stop for a while. Real coastal favourites that are relaxed and worth the drive every time.

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Hidden Gems of Outback Queensland
Hidden Gems of Outback Queensland

From drive-in towns to riverside camps, these are our hidden gems of Outback Queensland. Small places with big character, strung along quiet highways where the days stretch long.

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Our Top Five Northern Territory Favourites
Our Top Five Northern Territory Favourites

From red cliffs to waterfall gullies, these are our top five Northern Territory favourites! A mixed of big names and quiet corners that made us stop, stay longer, and fall a little bit in love with the NT.

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Stories From the Road

Between the maps and the miles, we share the stories that bring each place to life.

Discover the lesser-known wonders of Australia with our latest updates.

We’re delving into the unbeaten paths of our vast landscape, uncovering hidden gems and embracing the thrill of adventure. Join us as we navigate rugged terrains and explore offbeat destinations that showcase the beauty and diversity of Australia.

Follow our journey and experience the excitement of stepping off the main road, one adventure at a time.

Yellow diamond-shaped road sign with the word "ALL" in black letters against a bright blue sky with a few clouds.
Yellow diamond-shaped road sign with black letters 'SA' against a clear blue sky.
Yellow diamond road sign with 'QLD' text against blue sky background.
Yellow diamond-shaped road sign with black letters spelling 'VIC' against a blue sky.
Yellow warning road sign with black text 'NT' against a blue sky background.
Yellow road sign with black letters 'WA' against a blue sky background.
Yellow diamond-shaped warning sign with the text 'TAS' in black against a blue sky background.
Beach scene with umbrella, sun, and waves, labeled 'Coastal'.
Icon of a person hiking with a backpack, walking on a trail with a location pin, labeled 'Hiking'.
Illustration of a rainforest scene with trees, birds, rain cloud, and rain, labeled 'Rainforest'.
National Parks logo with a stylized tree and the words 'National Parks' beneath it.
Icon of a mountain, clouds, sun, and water with the word 'Outback' underneath.
Logo with a diamond illustration and the words 'Hidden Gems' underneath, set against a green circular background.

Subscriber-only stories from somewhere between the outback and the next servo. Join the inner circle!

If you enjoy slow travel, open skies, and the kind of stories best told around a campfire, you’ll fit right in here.

Subscribe below to get our Travel Dispatches, with behind-the-scenes updates from the road, new blog posts, and the occasional Top Secret Dispatch you won’t find anywhere else.

We’ll share the good camps, the odd mishap, and a few dusty truths from life on the road.
All straight to your inbox, no algorithms, no noise.

We promise not to share your email with anyone (we hate that too!) and we won’t flood your inbox — honestly, we’re not that organised.

Newsletter titled 'Travel Dispatch' featuring a sunset over water with a sailboat, and a yellow road sign reading 'Off The Main Road'.
A photograph of a smiling man with a beard, dressed as a chef, placed inside a polaroid-style frame. The background is a textured metal wall. In front of the photo, there is a folder labeled 'Travel Dispatch' with a 'Top Secret' stamp, and the text 'SUBSCRIBERS ONLY!'
Smartphone screen displaying a map with a search for a camping reserve, showing a photo of a campground area with trees and picnic tables, and two red circles highlighting the photo and location details.

Before You Go

However you travel, tent, van, or caravan, take your time. The best roads rarely rush.

See you somewhere out there,
Neil, Cam & Zoe