Episodes

  • On the road down under family fun

    On the road down under family fun
    Dec 31 2025

    The ultimate road trip game show for kids! Enjoy upbeat Australian fun facts, lively multiple choice quizzes, and interactive pauses for answers-guaranteed to entertain curious minds of all ages wherever your wheels take you.
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    10 mins
  • Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Armidale

    Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Armidale
    Dec 19 2025
    An Inland Australian Road Trip Through Country Towns & Cool TablelandsThe Traveler's Guide | On the Road Down UnderLeave the coast behind and head inland on a classic Australian road trip — from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Armidale, travelling through Queensland’s agricultural heartland and up onto the cool New England Tablelands.In this episode of The Traveller’s Guide, we journey town by town through Kilcoy, Goomeri, Murgon, Kingaroy, Nanango, Yarraman, Blackbutt, Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Glen Innes, and finish in Armidale — noticing how the land changes, why these towns were founded, and what makes each place worth stopping for.Along the way, we explore:Why these towns exist — from cattle, peanuts and timber to railways and educationIndigenous history and the Traditional Custodians of the landWhat you’ll see driving through — paddocks, silos, forests, granite highlands and tablelandsFamily-friendly things to do and worthwhile detoursWhere to stay — including caravan parks, motels and country pubsWhere to eat — bakeries, cafés and classic Australian pub mealsFun Australian facts, light quizzes, and stories that bring the road to lifeThis episode is relaxed, upbeat and immersive — like travelling with a mate who knows the road, knows when to stop, and knows why these places matter.You can find website links for all the places mentioned in this episode in the notes below.If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow, give it a like, and share it with your travel mates — it really helps others discover On the Road Down Under.And if you’re new here, be sure to check out our other journeys, including:Gympie to RockhamptonRockhampton to TownsvilleTownsville to Port DouglasPort Douglas to BamagaNSW Border to Coffs HarbourSafe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story.(Not read aloud)Sunshine Coast Hinterland: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.comSouth Burnett Region: https://www.southburnett.com.auDarling Downs: https://www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.auGranite Belt: https://www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.auNew England High Country: https://www.newenglandhighlands.com.auKilcoy Visitor Info: https://www.somerset.qld.gov.auKingaroy & South Burnett: https://www.kingaroyshowground.com.auToowoomba Region: https://www.tr.qld.gov.auWarwick Visitor Info: https://www.southerndowns.qld.gov.auStanthorpe Visitor Centre: https://www.stanthorpe.qld.gov.auGlen Innes Highlands: https://www.gleninneshighlands.comArmidale Region: https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.auBunya Mountains National Park: https://parks.des.qld.gov.auGirraween National Park: https://parks.des.qld.gov.auNew England National Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.auQueensland Traffic: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.auLive Traffic NSW: https://www.livetraffic.com🔗 EPISODE NOTES / LINKSVisitor Information & RegionsTown & Travel InformationNational Parks & DetoursRoad Conditions & Planning
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    24 mins
  • Tweed Heads to Coffs Harbour and some of the towns in between| Pacific Coast Road Trip

    Tweed Heads to Coffs Harbour and some of the towns in between| Pacific Coast Road Trip
    Dec 17 2025

    On the Road Down Under – The Traveller’s


    Tweed Heads to Coffs Harbour | Pacific Coast Road Trip


    Starting right on the Queensland–New South Wales border, this episode of On the Road Down Under – The Traveller’s Guide heads south along the Pacific Coast, deliberately skipping the Gold Coast and slowing things down to explore the towns, beaches and river ports that make northern NSW such a classic road-trip destination.


    This stretch is all about getting off the M1, following the coast where it matters, and discovering the places that grew because of rivers, fishing, timber, farming and safe harbours — long before highways existed.


    Along the way, we travel through and past:


    Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and Pottsville


    Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay (history before hype)


    Ballina, Lennox Head and Evans Head


    Yamba, Maclean, Iluka, Grafton and Ulmarra


    Woolgoolga, Red Rock and Moonee Beach


    Finishing in Coffs Harbour


    We talk about why these towns exist, early settlers, Indigenous history on Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Country, and how rivers like the Clarence shaped the entire region. You’ll also get practical road-trip advice, including average drive times between towns, worthwhile detours, caravan parks, places to stay, beaches to walk, and spots worth stopping for food or a break.


    Peppered throughout the journey are fun Australian facts, light-hearted quizzes (with answers revealed later), and pause points to help you plan the drive at your own pace. The tone is upbeat, family-friendly and relaxed — like travelling with a mate who knows when to take the better road.


    If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow, give it a like, and share it with your travel mates — it really helps others discover the show.


    And if you’re new here, check out our other journeys, including:


    Gympie to Rockhampton


    Rockhampton to Townsville


    Townsville to Port Douglas


    Port Douglas to Bamaga (Cape York)


    All the places mentioned in this episode — towns, detours, parks and planning resources — are linked below so you can explore further.


    Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story.


    🔗 Episode Notes & Useful Links


    (Not read aloud)


    Destination & Planning


    NSW North Coast travel guide: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast


    Destination NSW – North Coast region: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/regions/north-coast


    Indigenous Culture


    Bundjalung Nation: https://www.bundjalungpeople.org.au/


    Aboriginal cultural experiences NSW: https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/aboriginal-culture


    Indigenous Australia map (AIATSIS): https://www.aiatsis.gov.au/explore/indigenous-australia-map


    Towns & Regions


    The Tweed & Kingscliff: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/the-tweed-area


    Byron Bay area: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/byron-bay-area


    Ballina & Lennox Head: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/ballina-area


    Clarence Valley (Yamba, Maclean, Iluka, Grafton): https://www.myclarencevalley.com/


    Coffs Harbour region: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area


    Caravan Parks & Stays


    Reflections Holiday Parks: https://reflectionsholidays.com.au/


    BIG4 Holiday Parks: https://www.big4.com.au/


    NRMA Parks & Resorts: https://www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/


    Nature & Detours


    NSW National Parks – North Coast: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/regions/north-coast


    Solitary Islands Marine Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/solitary-islands-marine-park


    Road Conditions & Safety


    Live Traffic NSW: https://www.livetraffic.com/


    NSW Road Safety: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety
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    45 mins
  • Townsville to Port Douglas- QLD and some of the Towns in Between - Bruce Highway

    Townsville to Port Douglas- QLD and some of the Towns in Between - Bruce Highway
    Nov 21 2025
    Join us on The Traveller’s Guide as we drive from Townsville to Port Douglas along the tropical Bruce Highway, passing through sugar country, waterfall country, cyclone country and ancient rainforest. We explore Townsville, Rollingstone, Bluewater, Mutarnee, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Mission Beach, Innisfail, Babinda, Gordonvale, Cairns, Mossman and Port Douglas — sharing history, Dreaming stories, classic attractions, wildlife encounters, fun Aussie facts, and great family-friendly stops for food, walks and swims. Enjoy quizzes throughout the episode, local legends, cultural insights and the best detours worth the drive.Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story.Visitor InformationTownsville – https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/Hinchinbrook/Ingham – https://www.hinchinbrookway.com.au/Cassowary Coast (Cardwell/Tully/Mission Beach) – https://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/visit-usCairns – https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/Port Douglas & Daintree – https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/Major Stops & DetoursCrystal Creek (Mutarnee) – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/paluma-rangeTYTO Wetlands (Ingham) – https://www.tytowetlands.com.au/Wallaman Falls – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girringunCardwell Foreshore – https://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/cardwellTully Gorge – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/tully-gorgeMission Beach – https://www.missionbeachtourism.com/Paronella Park – https://www.paronellapark.com.au/Mamu Tropical Skywalk – https://mamuskywalk.com.au/Babinda Boulders – https://www.wettropics.gov.au/babinda-bouldersWalsh’s Pyramid – https://www.visitcairns.com.au/tours/tpyramid.htmlMossman Gorge – https://www.mossmangorge.com.au/Four Mile Beach (Port Douglas) – https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/four-mile-beachFood & Drink HighlightsTownsville: C-Bar – https://www.cbar.com.au/Ingham: JK’s Deli – https://www.facebook.com/jksdeli/Cairns: Salt House – https://salthouse.com.au/Port Douglas: Salsa Bar & Grill – https://www.salsaportdouglas.com.au/AccommodationTownsville: The Ville – https://www.the-ville.com.au/Mission Beach: EcoVillage – https://www.ecovillageresort.com/Cairns: Crystalbrook Hotels – https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/Port Douglas: Sheraton Grand Mirage – https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pdosi-sheraton-grand-mirage-resort-port-douglasSafety & WildlifeCroc Safety – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with-wildlife/crocodilesStinger Safety – https://www.queensland.com/en-au/places-to-go/tropical-north-queensland/stinger-safetyCassowary Info – https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/cassowaries
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    28 mins
  • Pet-Friendly Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast

    Pet-Friendly Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast
    Nov 17 2025
    Pet-Friendly Accommodation on the Sunshine CoastIn this detour episode of The Traveller’s Guide, we explore one of Queensland’s most popular holiday questions — where to stay on the Sunshine Coast when you’re travelling with pets. From fenced holiday homes and dog-friendly caravan parks to cafés that welcome sandy paws and wagging tails, this episode takes you through real, practical, pet-friendly options across the region.We’ll talk:The types of pet-friendly stays on the Coast — holiday houses, cabins, motels, caravan parks, and beachside rentalsFeatured accommodation including Sunshine Glades Holiday House, Coolum Waves Pet Retreat, Maroochy River Cabin Park, Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park, and Mudjimba Beach Pet-Friendly StaysDog-friendly cafés and restaurants like The Velo Project, Café SISKA, and Stalactites Espresso BarOff-leash beaches, coastal walks, shady parks, and pet-friendly activitiesIndigenous connections to dingoes and why they’re such an important part of Australia’s canine storyTrivia and Eye Spy moments to keep families and fur-families entertained on the driveIt’s relaxed and friendly — like travelling with a mate who knows every dog beach and coffee stop on the Sunshine Coast.Below are all the website links for every place mentioned in this episode so you can explore them further.Hit follow, give the episode a like, and share it with your travel mates — it really helps others discover The Traveller’s Guide.If you’re new here, check out our other trips, including:Buderim to Agnes WaterGympie to RockhamptonRockhampton to TownsvilleFraser IslandSafe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story.Sunshine Glades Holiday House — Buderimhttps://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/plus/11223344 (example—replace with actual if needed)Coolum Waves Pet Retreat — Coolum Beachhttps://www.coolumwavespetretreat.com.au/Maroochy River Cabin Park — Maroochy Riverhttps://www.rivergardensholidaypark.com.au/Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park — Caloundrahttps://www.caloundrawaterfrontholidaypark.com.au/Mudjimba Beach Pet-Friendly Stayshttps://www.mudjimbabeachholidayrentals.com.au/pet-friendlyThe Velo Project — Mooloolabahttps://www.theveloproject.com.au/Café SISKA — Caloundrahttps://www.facebook.com/cafesiska/Stalactites Espresso Bar — Sunshine Beachhttps://www.sunshinebeachcoffee.com.au/Sunshine Coast Pet-Friendly Travel Guidehttps://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/pet-friendlySunshine Coast Council — Dog Off-Leash Areashttps://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/animals-and-pets/dogs/dog-off-leash-areasStayz Pet-Friendly Sunshine Coast Listingshttps://www.stayz.com.au/d/pet-friendly/414769/sunshine-coastAirbnb — Pet-Friendly Filter (Sunshine Coast)https://www.airbnb.com.au/s/Sunshine-Coast--Australia/pets_allowed🔗 Episode Notes / Links (Not read aloud)PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONDOG-FRIENDLY CAFÉS / RESTAURANTSPARKS / BEACHES / GENERAL GUIDES
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    31 mins
  • Rockhampton to Townsville - QLD and some of the Towns in Between Bruce Highway

    Rockhampton to Townsville - QLD and some of the Towns in Between Bruce Highway
    Nov 16 2025

    Rockhampton to Townsville – Traveling the Bruce Highway

    On today’s journey, we continue north along Queensland’s iconic Bruce Highway — leaving the beef capital of Rockhampton and rolling through open cattle country, seaside lookouts, sugar towns, and the warm tropical coastline on our way to Townsville.

    This stretch of road is classic Queensland driving — long horizons, big skies, coastal inlets, and the kind of country where roadhouses, bakeries, and quiet beach turn-offs become essential parts of the trip. From Marlborough’s wide pastoral landscapes to Clairview’s surprise ocean views, Carmila’s palms, Sarina’s sugar history, Mackay’s tropical city buzz, Bowen’s beaches, and the proud cane towns of Ayr and Home Hill — every stop has a story.

    We’ll talk:

    • How the landscape shifts as you head into the tropics — from dry cattle country to cane fields and coastal flats

    • Local stories, landmarks, and Indigenous connections that give meaning far beyond the road signs

    • The small-town stops that break up the drive (and why they matter)

    • A few trivia moments along the way to keep everyone in the car smiling

    It’s relaxed, friendly, and feels like travelling with a mate who knows the road well.

    You can find website links for all the places mentioned in this episode in the notes below.

    Hit follow, give the episode a like, and share it with your travel mates — it really helps others discover The Traveller’s Guide.

    And if you're new here, make sure to check out our other road series — including:
    1770 Agnes Water

    Bundaburg QLD




    Gympie to Rockhampton QLD

    Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story.

    https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

    https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/conditions/roadworks/bruce-highway

    🔗 Queensland Road Conditions (Live):🔗 Bruce Highway Route Map:Episode Notes / Links

    Visitor Information & Town GuidesTown / RegionOfficial / Useful LinkRockhampton Visitor Informationhttps://www.explorerockhampton.com.au/Marlborough (Livingstone Shire)https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/Clairview / Isaac Coasthttps://www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/destination-information/p-56b25f1eb042386245d45909-clairviewSarina / Mackay Regionhttps://www.mackayregion.com/sarinaMackay Visitor Informationhttps://www.mackayregion.com/Bowen Visitor Infohttps://www.tourismbowen.com.au/Ayr / Burdekin Visitor Centrehttps://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/community/tourismTownsville Visitor Informationhttps://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/
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    56 mins
  • Gympie to Rockhampton — and some of the Towns in Between

    Gympie to Rockhampton — and some of the Towns in Between
    Nov 6 2025

    Gympie to Rockhampton Traveling on the Bruce Highway

    On today’s journey, we roll north along Queensland’s iconic highway — from Gympie’s gold rush roots, through the sugar and citrus country of Childers and Gin Gin, past the quiet bushland charm of Miriam Vale, and on to the mighty Fitzroy River and the beef capital, Rockhampton.

    This stretch of road is more than just kilometres on the odometer — it’s where big landscapes open up, small-town bakeries become essential stops, and the history of First Nations culture and pioneering industry sits alongside the modern road trip reality.

    We’ll talk:

    • How the land shifts as you head north into warm cattle and cane country

    • Local stories and landmarks with meaning beyond the road signs

    • The small-town stops that break up the drive (and why they matter)

    • Some fun trivia along the way to keep everyone in the car involved

    It’s relaxed, friendly, like travelling with a mate who knows the road.

    You can find website links for the places mentioned in this episode in the notes below.

    Hit follow, give the episode a like, and share it with your travel mates — it really helps others discover The Traveller’s Guide.

    And if you're new here, make sure to check out our other road series — including:

    • Buderim to Agnes Water

    • Gympie to Rockhampton

    • Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story.

    • Queensland Road Conditions (Live): https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

    • Bruce Highway Route Map: https://www.QLD.gov.au/transport/conditions/roadworks/bruce-highway

    If you enjoyed this episode🔗 Episode Notes / Links (Not read aloud)Visitor Information & Town GuidesTown / RegionOfficial/Useful LinkGympie Visitor Centrehttps://www.visitgympieregion.com.au/Childers / Bundaberg Region Tourismhttps://www.bundabergregion.org/childersGin Gin Visitor Infohttps://www.bundabergregion.org/gin-ginMiriam Vale / Gladstone Region Travelhttps://www.gladstoneregion.info/miriam-valeRockhampton Visitor Informationhttps://www.explorerockhampton.com.au/Road Trip / PlanningPlaces Mentioned (Optional Add-Ons If Featured in Your Episode)
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    42 mins
  • The Traveler’s Guide to K’gari (Fraser Island)

    The Traveler’s Guide to K’gari (Fraser Island)
    Nov 4 2025

    Welcome to another episode of On the Road Down Under, the podcast that takes you across Australia’s most fascinating destinations — from iconic coastal towns to outback wonders — sharing history, local stories, and tips for the perfect family adventure.

    In this episode, we travel to K’gari (Fraser Island) — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed paradise where rainforest grows from sand, whales rest in calm bays, and four-wheel drives cruise golden beaches that double as highways.

    K’gari, meaning Paradise in the Butchulla language, is home to stories that stretch back thousands of years. The Butchulla people are the Traditional Custodians of this land, and their three laws — including “What’s good for the land comes first” — guide how visitors experience and respect this incredible island.

    🖥️ Visit Fraser Coast – K’gari Guide
    🖥️ Butchulla People and Cultural Heritage

    K’gari enjoys a warm, subtropical climate year-round.

    • Summer (Dec–Feb): 29°C and humid — great for swimming and lakes.

    • Winter (Jun–Aug): 22°C and dry — perfect for exploring and whale watching.

    • Best time: April to October.

    🖥️ Fraser Island Weather & Climate

    Reach K’gari via Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach by ferry, then explore the island by four-wheel drive — it’s the only way to travel here! There are no sealed roads, and the beaches are the highways.
    Don’t have a four-wheel drive? Guided tours are available from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach.

    🖥️ K’gari Explorer Tours
    🖥️ Fraser Island Barges & Ferries

    • Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora): Pure white sand and crystal-clear water.

    • Eli Creek: Float through freshwater streams straight to the ocean.

    • Maheno Shipwreck: The island’s most famous landmark.

    • Central Station Rainforest: Where trees grow directly from sand.

    • Indian Head & Champagne Pools: Ocean lookouts and natural bubbly pools.

    🖥️ Queensland Parks – K’gari Attractions

    See the island’s dingoes (Wongari) — among the purest in Australia — along with turtles, goannas, and migrating humpback whales between July and October.
    Remember: enjoy wildlife from a distance and never feed animals.

    🖥️ Fraser Coast Wildlife Experiences

    • Kingfisher Bay Resort: Eco-luxury accommodation on the western side.

    • Eurong Beach Resort: Great for families and easy beach access.

    • Cathedrals on Fraser: A friendly campground for adventurous travellers.

    • Eurong Bakery: Famous for its bread, pies, and coffee.

    🖥️ Kingfisher Bay Resort
    🖥️ Eurong Beach Resort

    Join a one-day or multi-day guided tour to discover the island’s highlights safely. Learn about K’gari’s ecology, drive across 75 Mile Beach, and cool off at Lake McKenzie.

    🖥️ Fraser Explorer Tours

    This episode of On the Road Down Under includes local history, travel tips, and a fun multiple-choice quiz and Eye Spy from the Road game for families to enjoy on the drive.

    🖥️ More from On the Road Down Under

    🌿 History & Culture☀️ When to Visit🚙 Getting There & Around🌊 Top Attractions🐨 Wildlife & Conservation🏕️ Stay & Eat🎉 Tours & Experiences🎧 Listen, Learn & Explore
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    35 mins