On the Road Down Under

On the road down under family fun

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.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Armidale

An Inland Australian Road Trip Through Country Towns & Cool Tablelands The Traveler's Guide | On the Road Down Under Leave 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 education * Indigenous history and the Traditional Custodians of the land * What you’ll see driving through — paddocks, silos, forests, granite highlands and tablelands * Family-friendly things to do and worthwhile detours * Where to stay — including caravan parks, motels and country pubs * Where to eat — bakeries, cafés and classic Australian pub meals * Fun Australian facts, light quizzes, and stories that bring the road to life This 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 Rockhampton * Rockhampton to Townsville * Townsville to Port Douglas * Port Douglas to Bamaga * NSW Border to Coffs Harbour Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story. (Not read aloud) * Sunshine Coast Hinterland: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com [https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com] * South Burnett Region: https://www.southburnett.com.au * Darling Downs: https://www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au * Granite Belt: https://www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au * New England High Country: https://www.newenglandhighlands.com.au [https://www.newenglandhighlands.com.au] * Kilcoy Visitor Info: https://www.somerset.qld.gov.au [https://www.somerset.qld.gov.au] * Kingaroy & South Burnett: https://www.kingaroyshowground.com.au * Toowoomba Region: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au [https://www.tr.qld.gov.au] * Warwick Visitor Info: https://www.southerndowns.qld.gov.au * Stanthorpe Visitor Centre: https://www.stanthorpe.qld.gov.au * Glen Innes Highlands: https://www.gleninneshighlands.com * Armidale Region: https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au [https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au] * Bunya Mountains National Park: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au [https://parks.des.qld.gov.au] * Girraween National Park: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au [https://parks.des.qld.gov.au] * New England National Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au] * Queensland Traffic: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au [https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au] * Live Traffic NSW: https://www.livetraffic.com [https://www.livetraffic.com] 🔗 EPISODE NOTES / LINKSVisitor Information & RegionsTown & Travel InformationNational Parks & DetoursRoad Conditions & Planning

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

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

Townsville to Port Douglas- QLD and some of the Towns in Between - Bruce Highway

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 Information Townsville – https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/ [https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Hinchinbrook/Ingham – https://www.hinchinbrookway.com.au/ [https://www.hinchinbrookway.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Cassowary Coast (Cardwell/Tully/Mission Beach) – https://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/visit-us Cairns – https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/ [https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/] Port Douglas & Daintree – https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/ [https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Major Stops & Detours Crystal Creek (Mutarnee) – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/paluma-range [https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/paluma-range] TYTO Wetlands (Ingham) – https://www.tytowetlands.com.au/ Wallaman Falls – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girringun [https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girringun] Cardwell Foreshore – https://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/cardwell Tully Gorge – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/tully-gorge [https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/tully-gorge] Mission Beach – https://www.missionbeachtourism.com/ Paronella Park – https://www.paronellapark.com.au/ [https://www.paronellapark.com.au/] Mamu Tropical Skywalk – https://mamuskywalk.com.au/ Babinda Boulders – https://www.wettropics.gov.au/babinda-boulders Walsh’s Pyramid – https://www.visitcairns.com.au/tours/tpyramid.html Mossman Gorge – https://www.mossmangorge.com.au/ [https://www.mossmangorge.com.au/] Four Mile Beach (Port Douglas) – https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/four-mile-beach Food & Drink Highlights Townsville: C-Bar – https://www.cbar.com.au/ [https://www.cbar.com.au/] Ingham: JK’s Deli – https://www.facebook.com/jksdeli/ Cairns: Salt House – https://salthouse.com.au/ [https://salthouse.com.au/] Port Douglas: Salsa Bar & Grill – https://www.salsaportdouglas.com.au/ [https://www.salsaportdouglas.com.au/] Accommodation Townsville: The Ville – https://www.the-ville.com.au/ [https://www.the-ville.com.au/] Mission Beach: EcoVillage – https://www.ecovillageresort.com/ Cairns: Crystalbrook Hotels – https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/ [https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/] Port Douglas: Sheraton Grand Mirage – https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pdosi-sheraton-grand-mirage-resort-port-douglas Safety & Wildlife Croc Safety – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with-wildlife/crocodiles Stinger Safety – https://www.queensland.com/en-au/places-to-go/tropical-north-queensland/stinger-safety Cassowary Info – https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/cassowaries

Pet-Friendly Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast

Pet-Friendly Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast In 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 rentals * Featured accommodation including Sunshine Glades Holiday House, Coolum Waves Pet Retreat, Maroochy River Cabin Park, Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park, and Mudjimba Beach Pet-Friendly Stays * Dog-friendly cafés and restaurants like The Velo Project, Café SISKA, and Stalactites Espresso Bar * Off-leash beaches, coastal walks, shady parks, and pet-friendly activities * Indigenous connections to dingoes and why they’re such an important part of Australia’s canine story * Trivia and Eye Spy moments to keep families and fur-families entertained on the drive It’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 Water Gympie to Rockhampton Rockhampton to Townsville Fraser Island Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story. Sunshine Glades Holiday House — Buderim https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/plus/11223344 (example—replace with actual if needed) Coolum Waves Pet Retreat — Coolum Beach https://www.coolumwavespetretreat.com.au/ Maroochy River Cabin Park — Maroochy River https://www.rivergardensholidaypark.com.au/ Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park — Caloundra https://www.caloundrawaterfrontholidaypark.com.au/ Mudjimba Beach Pet-Friendly Stays https://www.mudjimbabeachholidayrentals.com.au/pet-friendly The Velo Project — Mooloolaba https://www.theveloproject.com.au/ Café SISKA — Caloundra https://www.facebook.com/cafesiska/ Stalactites Espresso Bar — Sunshine Beach https://www.sunshinebeachcoffee.com.au/ Sunshine Coast Pet-Friendly Travel Guide https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/pet-friendly Sunshine Coast Council — Dog Off-Leash Areas https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/animals-and-pets/dogs/dog-off-leash-areas Stayz Pet-Friendly Sunshine Coast Listings https://www.stayz.com.au/d/pet-friendly/414769/sunshine-coast Airbnb — 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