A rough sail from Airlie Beach brought us to Hill Inlet, brilliant Whitehaven sand and an afternoon snorkelling stop. The day was beautiful but travel time left us wishing we had booked an overnight trip.
José Paronella's castle, gardens and hydroelectric dream survived floods, fire, cyclones and decades of neglect. We visited the restored Queensland park by day and after dark, learning the unusual family story behind its romantic ruins.
A day from Cairns took us to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for guided snorkelling, marine biology lessons and our first serious underwater wildlife spotting. We explain how the boat, safety briefing and tour experience worked.
Queenstown won us over on our second visit with a canyon swing, a long awaited Fergburger and time beside clear Lake Wakatipu. It is an energetic account of food, nerves and the town's adventurous side.
Returning to Wanaka meant lavender ice cream, the famous tree in the lake and a punishing climb up Roy's Peak. We also share easier walks, swimming spots and the playful indoor detour at Puzzling World.
Travelling through Arthur's Pass, Castle Hill and Lake Tekapo, we eventually reached Aoraki Mount Cook. Short alpine walks, icy blue water, glacier views and the Hooker Valley made this campervan route a memorable slice of New Zealand.
We tackled a 32-kilometre return section of the Heaphy Track from Kohaihai, walking through rainforest and along empty West Coast beaches. Ten hours later, sore feet came with a much better understanding of New Zealand's Great Walks.
A sandy self-drive across Chobe National Park brought elephants almost everywhere, including a huge group bathing in the river. An afternoon boat trip added hippos and close views of wildlife living on the islands.
Our detour through Zambia became a difficult mix of border fees, rough roads, tour changes and scarce cash before we finally reached Devil's Pool. This journal records both the extraordinary setting and our deep frustration with the journey.
This Namibian road trip moves from Swakopmund's coast through lunar desert landscapes, Spitzkoppe and Brandberg before reaching Etosha. Early starts and patient waterhole stops rewarded us with lions, giraffes and a large bathing elephant herd.
Our first Namibian camping days took us over rough gravel roads to Sesriem, up Dune 45 and across the hot sand to Dead Vlei. The article also covers park access, driving conditions and campsite choices.
We combine a self-drive through iSimangaliso, the Panorama Route and guided safari days in Kruger. Animal encounters, a mouse in our tent and lessons from our guide made this stretch full of wildlife, mishaps and useful detail.