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.

This is the result - Our take on traveling and camping from the Outback to the Coast.

Itineraries

Places

Preparation

Pete Johnson

Apr 8, 20203 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Dec 17, 20195 min read

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...

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Cylinder Beach - a glorious juxtaposition

Pete Johnson

Oct 8, 20193 min read

Cylinder Beach - a glorious juxtaposition

Whales breaching 100m from shore. Powder white sand fringing crystal clear island water. Kangaroos hopping languidly past your tent. ...

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Pete Johnson

Sep 24, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Sep 23, 20193 min read

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...

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Birdsville - Back to an old stomping ground

Pete Johnson

Jul 13, 20194 min read

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...

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The Simpson Desert - bushwalking on wheels

Pete Johnson

Jul 12, 20196 min read

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...

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The Simpson and Surrounds - Our Itinerary

Pete Johnson

Jul 12, 20192 min read

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...

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The Track to Dalhousie Springs - our "lucky day"!

Pete Johnson

Jul 8, 20194 min read

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...

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Uluru to Chambers Pillar - a punishing day

Pete Johnson

Jul 7, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jul 7, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jul 6, 20194 min read

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...

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Tjoritja (Western Macs) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon)

Pete Johnson

Jul 5, 20194 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jul 2, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jul 1, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jul 1, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jun 30, 20193 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jun 29, 20194 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jun 26, 20195 min read

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...

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Pete Johnson

Jun 23, 20194 min read

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...

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pete@offthebeaten.com.au

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

Off The Beaten...

view from our campsite at Wiligi outstation, Arnhem Land NT, June 28, 2019

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