Bucket List Touring Guide

Inspired with our own plans for an extended trip in 2020, we’ve come up with the following bucket list to help you do the same. Here’s our top trips:

The Red Centre
There’re so many options around the Red Centre. One relatively easy route is the Mereenie Loop which traces the path of the West MacDonnell Ranges and further south to Kings Canyon. There’s water holes, bush walks and great bush camping. Some of the highlights include the Finke Gorge National Park (Palm Valley), Kings Canyon and more.

Exploring the gorges along the Mereenie Loop

East of Alice Springs traces the path of the southern leg of the Binns Track. It runs along the trough of the dunes of the western fringe of the Simpson Desert to Old Andado Station, so is relatively easy going, save for the bull dust sections. Alternatively, take the Old Ghan Heritage Trail from Alice to Finke, spending a night or two at Chambers Pillar. Travel via Dalhousie Springs and onto the Oodnadatta Track.

Old Andado Station flanked by the red dunes of the Simpson Desert

For more information on suggested trips around the Red Centre, click HERE.

WA South Coast
Western Australia is simply a gem! Blessed with white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and tall Karri forests, it’s a great touring destination with interesting contrasts.

Big Lap - Cape Le Grande NP
Bright white sand and crystal clear waters of Cape Le Grande NP

Some of the highlights include camping on the beach at Cape Le Grande, dining on freshwater crayfish at Pemberton and wandering through the tall Karri forests of Walpole.

For more information on the Karri forests around Walpole click HERE.

A massive karri tree near Walpole, WA

West Coast
So much to see and do, from the westernmost point of Australia at Steep Point, to Cape Range National Park on the Ningaloo Reef, to the tourist mecca of Coral Bay. Choose from station stays, national parks or caravan parks.

Allocated camp sites at the Cape Range National Park
Colourful reef fish abound
Colourful reef fish abound close to shore on the Ningaloo Reef

The Kimberley
The Gibb River Road is the magnet for many off road adventurers, dotted with freshwater billabongs and pristine bush camps. Crocodiles and other wildlife just up the ante to the next level. Favourite camps: El Questro and Mount Elizabeth Stations & Windjana Gorge National Park.

For more information on the Gibb River Road click HERE.

Our private camp at El Questro Station
The iconic Cockburn Ranges and Pentecost River Crossing River crossing
Floating our day visit provisions across Manning Gorge

Top End
You’ll never never know, if you never, never go! Or so the TV advert said. The Top End is just another great place to visit. With the massive water falls and swimming holes of the Litchfield National Park an easy day’s drive from Darwin, there’s no excuse not to visit. Kakadu is also amazing – make sure you visit Cahills Crossing and watch the big saltwater crocs basking in the sun. For 4WD enthusiasts, check out the Reynolds River Track entrance to Litchfield via the Daly River Road.

Admiring the view at Ubirr
Exploring the back blocks of Litchfield NP
Cahills Crossing in Kakadu
Big saltwater crocs ready for a feed

For more information on the Top End click HERE.

Gulf Explorer
The Savannah Way is an epic adventure tracing its way from Broome to Cairns. But it’s only when you leave the bitumen behind at Roper Bar that the fun cranks up another notch. The road is lumpy with plenty of creek crossings slowing progress; exactly the type of terrain we yearn for. Much of the area is pristine wilderness. Top destinations include the Limmen National Park (Roper Bar), Lawn Hill National Park, and Lorella Springs Wilderness Park (Borroloola).

Crossing a causeway in the Limmen National Park
Conical spires of The Lost City
Smoke drifts eerily across the road along the Savannah Way

Cape York
Considered by many as the last wild frontier, the Cape is an epic trip with plenty to see along the way. From pristine rainforests, to beautiful waterfalls and untamed wilderness. Accessible via the Peninsula Development Road or the Old Telegraph Track, there’s an access route to suit almost every off-road traveller. Favourite camps: Vrilya Point, Lakefield National Park, Iron Range National Park, and Seisa.

For more information on Cape York and surrounds, click HERE.

Cape York_5488
Another one off the bucket list!
Cape York_5214
Trekking through the Iron Range National Park towards the east coast
Cape York OTT7
The Old Telegraph Track is best suited to vehicles without trailers

East Coast
The coast is littered with beautiful national parks, there’s plenty to explore. Some of our favourites include: Byfield National Park (Yeppoon), Deep Water National Park (Seventeen Seventy), Crowdy Bay National Park (Port Macquarie) and Myall Lakes National Park (Newcastle).

For more information on:

  • Byfield National Park, click HERE
  • Seventeen Seventy & the Deepwater National Park , click HERE
  • Myall Lakes National Park , click HERE
Camping at Myall Lakes National Park
Exploring Byfield National Park
A plaque at the township of Seventeen Seventy commemorates Cook’s landing

NSW High Country
The Kosciuszko National Park abuts the Victorian border. It’s just a beautiful place to explore, with its wild brumbies, lakes, caves and wilderness areas. Favourite camps include Old Geehi and Three Mile Dam.

For more information on the Kosciuszko National Park, click HERE.

Exploring the sights in the high country
Our campsite at old Geehi

Victorian High Country
Challenging terrain, beautiful campsites and the prospect of snow are all key attractions of the high country. Better suited to base camping and exploring on day trips. Favourite locations: Dargo, Davies Plain, Wonnangatta.

For more information on the Victoria High Country, click HERE.

Davies Plain Hut
Pack your woollies for Alpine high country camping
Exploring high country trails

Guide Books
If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out our range of Touring Guides to help plan that next trip. Prices from $29.95 – they make an ideal Xmas present. Check them out in-store.