Unshackled Adventures

There was something satisfying about waking up knowing we were ready to roll. The tanks were full, the fuel was topped up, and after making sure every last scrap of rubbish had been disposed of responsibly, we were packed and ready for another day on the Great Central Road.

There are some days on the road that you know will stay with you forever.

After spending several unforgettable days based at Curtin Springs, using it as our base to explore both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, it was finally time to pack up camp and continue our journey west along the Outback Way. We had been looking forward to this stretch for months. The Great Central Road is one of Australia's most iconic outback drives, crossing some of the country's most remote landscapes, and today our adventure on this legendary road would officially begin.

Lessons Learned, Lowlights & Highlights – Our Round Up

There are some places that sit on your bucket list for years. You scroll past the photos, watch the documentaries, and imagine what they'll be like. Then one day, almost without warning, you're standing there in person... and nothing could have prepared you for it.

Some places are on every traveller's bucket list, and then there are the places you stumble across almost by accident that end up becoming the highlight of your trip. Rainbow Valley was exactly that for us.

Settling into Alice Springs for a few days gave us the perfect opportunity to clean up after our Plenty Highway adventure, restock supplies, and map out the next leg of our journey through the Red Centre.

Part two of our journey along the Outback Way saw us leave Boulia and head west along the iconic Plenty Highway.

From Longreach, we traversed vast Mitchell grass plains stretching endlessly to the horizon. After recent rains, the landscape was lush and thriving, with some properties even baling the abundant grass — something we’re told isn’t uncommon in a good year out here.

From Charleville, we continued north along the Matilda Way—an iconic stretch named after the legendary bush ballad Waltzing Matilda, penned near Winton. This drive captures the essence of outback Queensland, weaving together rich history, vast landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

From Roma, we made our way to Charleville—drawn in by glowing recommendations—and checked into the Evening Star Tourist Park. Located just 10 km west of town on the historic Thurlby Station, this 33,000-acre working cattle and sheep property set the tone for what would become an unforgettable stay.

After outrunning the rain along the Darling River Run, it finally caught up with us.