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Off The Beaten...
from the Outback to the Coast
view from our campsite at Wiligi outstation, Arnhem Land NT, June 28, 2019
Australia - it's a big country. When we were researching our Australian Outback Roadtrip through the Top End, Red Centre and Simpson Desert we found there was either too much, or too little information on how to properly get Off The Beaten track. So, we built this site, including simple 4WD camping tips and tricks, self drive itineraries and honest "how to" information.
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This is the result - Our take on traveling and camping from the Outback to the Coast.





Camp Oven Lamb Shanks
Back when I was a kid, we used to almost go the knuckle over who would get the shank when dad was carving the roast. Once, my brother...
Pete Johnson
Apr 8, 20203 min read
977 views
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Moreton Island - as good as it gets
God I love Moreton Island. It's just an hour and a quarter ferry ride northeast of Brisbane, but you could be anywhere. Fiji, The Great...
Pete Johnson
Dec 17, 20195 min read
182 views
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Cylinder Beach - a glorious juxtaposition
Whales breaching 100m from shore. Powder white sand fringing crystal clear island water. Kangaroos hopping languidly past your tent. ...
Pete Johnson
Oct 8, 20193 min read
69 views
0 comments


What Should I Pack for a Camping Trip?
Working out what to pack for a camping trip will depend on the facilities where you are going, and how long you'll be there. If you are...
Pete Johnson
Sep 24, 20193 min read
304 views
0 comments


Building a Camp Kitchen
With the decision made to put a steel canopy on the back of the Hilux, the next challenge was to work out how best to fit it out. Number...
Pete Johnson
Sep 23, 20193 min read
1,191 views
0 comments


Birdsville - Back to an old stomping ground
Driving into Birdsville from the West brought the memories flooding back. Past the cemetery. Past the Police Station. Past the...
Pete Johnson
Jul 13, 20194 min read
69 views
0 comments


The Simpson Desert - bushwalking on wheels
To be honest, we weren't really sure just how much we'd enjoy crossing the Simpson. With four full days in the "desert proper" - and...
Pete Johnson
Jul 12, 20196 min read
304 views
0 comments


The Simpson and Surrounds - Our Itinerary
WOW. Just wow. Traveling the Simpson was an unforgettable experience. It was not easy, and took a lot of planning - but it is just one...
Pete Johnson
Jul 12, 20192 min read
115 views
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The Track to Dalhousie Springs - our "lucky day"!
Fancy taking a dip in a real desert oasis? How about slipping into a bath warm artesian pool in the frosty pre-dawn quiet, gazing up...
Pete Johnson
Jul 8, 20194 min read
106 views
0 comments


Uluru to Chambers Pillar - a punishing day
STRUTH - talk about a hectic pace. The 600 odd kilometre run from Uluru to Chambers Pillar - with a couple of hours to resupply in Alice...
Pete Johnson
Jul 7, 20193 min read
48 views
0 comments


The Red Centre - Our Itinerary
It's kind of hard not to think of the "Red Centre" as the beating heart of our nation - in both a geographical and spiritual sense. It...
Pete Johnson
Jul 7, 20193 min read
45 views
0 comments


Uluru and Kata Tjuta
There is so much that can be said about Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Awesome? Without a doubt. Beautiful? Absolutely. Culturally...
Pete Johnson
Jul 6, 20194 min read
60 views
0 comments


Tjoritja (Western Macs) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon)
RUGGED ranges, shaded gorges and deep water holes. The ancient landscape west of Alice Springs is unique and beautiful. Easily...
Pete Johnson
Jul 5, 20194 min read
20 views
0 comments


Stuart Highway......on a mission
Heading south from Daly Waters, the cold, hard reality was that we were on a bit of a mission to "get to the centre" or at least bloody...
Pete Johnson
Jul 2, 20193 min read
23 views
0 comments


The Top End (of the NT) - Our Itinerary
The "Top End" of Australia should be on everyone's "bucket list" - and still holds a place as our last real frontier. With European...
Pete Johnson
Jul 1, 20193 min read
35 views
0 comments


Bitter Springs / Daly Waters
Just a quick 110km stint down the Highway from Katherine had us at the Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park by mid morning - and what a...
Pete Johnson
Jul 1, 20193 min read
105 views
0 comments


Nitmiluk - Katherine Gorge
Even after one of the driest wet seasons in living memory - Katherine Gorge is awe inspiring. The sheer volume of water held in the 13...
Pete Johnson
Jun 30, 20193 min read
25 views
0 comments


Wiligi Outstation - West Arnhem Land
Ancient and special. Once across the infamous Cahill's Crossing, and travelling the floodplain below the rugged crags of the Arnhem Land...
Pete Johnson
Jun 29, 20194 min read
295 views
0 comments


Kakadu - It's big, and it's beautiful
Breathtaking scenery teeming with wildlife, living culture, strenuous walks and refreshing waterholes. Kakadu has it all...but it is a...
Pete Johnson
Jun 26, 20195 min read
45 views
0 comments


Darwin - a tropical melting pot
There's something special about Darwin. Sure it's hot - and bloody steamy in the summer - but if you can accept the sweat, and embrace...
Pete Johnson
Jun 23, 20194 min read
52 views
0 comments
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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