We are a family of 3; Brad, Kristy & Maddie + our dog Lexi. Follow along as we make family memories through life adventures & turn our dreams into reality.
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Helping others along the way to also achieve their goals!
We took a short 300-metre walk to Burke’s Grave near Innamincka. Lexi was allowed to come too, which was great.
*Burke, along with William Wills, led an expedition in 1860 to cross Australia. Unfortunately, both men died on the way back. Burke’s Grave is right near Cooper Creek, where he passed away.
Our next stop took us up to the famous Burke & Wills Dig Tree. The drive offered some amazing views, reminding us just how vast and beautiful this country is.
We set up camp by the river for two nights, but with the temperature hitting 39 degrees, it made for a couple of hot, sticky nights—and let's not forget the million flies that kept us company!
The Burke & Wills Dig Tree is a significant piece of Australian history. It marks the site where the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition of 1860-61 set up a depot. Burke, Wills, and their party were on a mission to cross Australia from south to north, but things didn't go as planned. The Dig Tree was where supplies were buried for them to retrieve, but in a tragic twist, they returned to find the party that left the supplies had departed just hours earlier.
Did You Know? The Dig Tree, a Coolibah tree, still stands today and is over 250 years old. It bears the initials "B LXV" carved by the expedition's party, marking the spot where the supplies were buried.
The Burke and Wills expedition is one of Australia’s most famous and tragic stories, highlighting both the spirit of exploration and the unforgiving nature of the Australian outback.
After a solid 5 ½ - 6-hour drive (thanks to a few detours), we finally arrived at Cameron Corner! The van held up well for the most part, though we did have a couple of minor issues—like the inverter falling off the wall, a few screws coming loose from the table and a tiny bit of dust sneaking in under the fridge due to another loose screw. But overall, not too bad.
We stayed at the pub for two nights ($12.50 each per night), and it was well worth it! We enjoyed a delicious dinner there and soaked in the outback vibes (even added our own hat to the many already on the walls).
During our stay, we checked out the 'Big Bilby' and the 'Big Bandicoot'—both quirky and fun stops—and, of course, the famous Cameron Corner post where three states meet: Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
We had plans to get some drone footage, but the weather had other ideas! Unfortunately, the winds were too strong for flying.
Did You Know? Cameron Corner is named after John Cameron, who surveyed the border between New South Wales and Queensland in 1880. This remote spot is not only a geographical curiosity but also a place where you can truly feel the vastness of the Australian outback. Standing at the corner post, you're literally at the intersection of three states—something pretty special!
Had this cute little guy come and say hello on our last night in Thargo.
Back in Thargomindah for a couple of nights while we wait for some packages to arrive. Brad managed to break our tables cable — kind of annoying, but we’ll manage! On top of that, our UHF decided it no longer wanted to work, so we’re replacing it. With the remote roads we’ll be traveling over the next month or two, having that extra backup for communication is a must.
*On the drive back to Thargo, we saw a wedge-tailed eagle on the road and decided to test our luck, hoping it wouldn’t fly off before we could stop. (I keep telling Brad that a zoom lens would make a world of difference, but he's not exactly rushing to make that happen! 🤨🤣)
Being out this way (South West Queensland), we felt we couldn't miss a visit to Eromanga. We stayed at a donation camp in town, which was a great spot to base ourselves for a couple of days. We also enjoyed a meal at the local pub—such a classic outback experience isn't it?!
The main reason for our visit though was to check out the Eromanga Natural History Museum and see "Cooper," Australia's largest dinosaur! Discovered in 2007, Cooper is a massive Titanosaur, estimated to be around 95 million years old. This incredible find put Eromanga on the map as a significant paleontological site.
We were absolutely impressed with the museum and the 1-hour tour we took. What made it special was how close you could get to the dinosaur bones—not behind glass, but right there in front of you. The tour also gives you a unique chance to see how these ancient fossils are meticulously worked on and preserved. If you’re even remotely interested in natural history or dinosaurs, this place is an absolute must-see!
Eromanga also holds the title of being the furthest town from the sea in Australia, which adds to its charm as a remote outback destination. The town is also known for its connection to the oil and gas industry, with IOR operating a refinery nearby, playing a significant role in supporting the local economy.
We spent a few nights at a free camp on the Bulloo River in Quilpie, and we were honestly surprised at how busy it was every night—17 campers on our last night, yet there was still plenty of room for everyone.
While in town, we explored the little free museums - the Quilpie Shire Museum, Military History Museum, and Rail Museum, along with the Art Gallery. Each spot offered a unique glimpse into the rich history of this small town.
We also took a drive out to Baldy Top Lookout for some incredible views, though we didn't manage to get any pics from the top this time around. We did capture the sunset around the back though.
*Quilpie, originally established in 1917 as a railhead for the Western Railway line, is an outback town known for its opal fields and rich heritage.
Lunch stopover at the Toompine Hotel! Toompine, often referred to as the “The Pub Without a Town,” has a rich history despite its small size.
Originally established as a mining settlement in the late 1800s, Toompine was once a bustling hub for opal mining. Though the population has dwindled over the years, the Toompine Hotel remains a key spot for travelers exploring the outback.
It’s not just a great place for a meal but also a slice of history, preserving the spirit of the region’s past. Definitely worth the visit if you’re passing through!
This place will always hold a special place in my Heart because driving into Thargomindah still feels like coming home (even after being away for over 20 years). We couldn’t help but admire the wildflowers in full bloom on the drive into town. They are absolutely beautiful and smell amazing, adding a splash of colour and life to the landscape.
It was such a special moment being able to show Madz around the town where I grew up. We even visited the house I lived in—it’s changed a lot, but the memories are still strong.
It’s also great to see how much the town has changed. A lot of new buildings have gone up since I was last here. It’s nice to see Thargo expanding little by little, growing while still keeping its unique charm.
While here we found a great free camp spot down on the Bulloo River. A lot of work has gone into this area, with fire pits, rubbish bins, and even lights. It’s the perfect little spot to spend a few nights, taking in the beauty of the outback.
We couldn’t resist doing some of the touristy things while we were here. Make sure you stop into the info centre to see the girls and grab yourself a swipe card ($8/adult). This card will get you access into the Old Hospital, the Old Jail, and the Hydro Bore. It’s well worth it to dive into the history of this special place! (All attractions are Dog Friendly too 🐾)
*The Old Hospital was a fascinating stop, with its history as one of the first hospitals in the region. It’s amazing to think about how healthcare was provided in such a remote area back then.
*The Old Jail was another interesting visit. It’s a relic of the past, reminding us of the town’s rough and ready days when law and order had to be maintained in the outback.
*Leahy House is a beautifully preserved piece of history. It gives a glimpse into what life was like in Thargomindah over a century ago, with its classic architecture and historical artifacts. This one is unlocked, so you can walk right in and explore!
*And of course, we couldn’t miss the Hydro Bore. Thargomindah was one of the first towns in the world to use hydroelectric power, becoming the third place globally to have street lighting powered by a bore-driven generator in 1898, after London and Paris. The bore is still flowing, and you can take a tour to see how this pioneering technology was used to bring power to this remote outback town. The ingenuity and forward-thinking of those early settlers is really something to admire.
There’s also a lovely path, the River Walk, which you can take to explore all these attractions, plus Pelican Point and Cobb & Co Crossing. It’s a beautiful way to take in the natural scenery and learn more about the history of Thargomindah.
Coming back to Thargomindah has been a wonderful experience, blending old memories with new ones. Make sure to check it out if you are in the Area.
We had an amazing few days at Charlotte Plains, where our good friends, Tom & Sharna from In Pursuit Of Our Top Five (plus their puppy, Murphy), came out from Brisbane to join us for a 3-night stay. Lexi 🐾 and Murphy🐾 had an absolute ball playing together, off-leash most of the time, with plenty of space to swim, run, and play around our campsite. The main campsite at the bore is all unpowered, but with amenities and a bar for that afternoon drink 🥂
One of the highlights was our private bath experience one morning—100% recommend doing this for sunrise if you can. There are also multiple baths around the bore at the campground if you want to try your luck at sunset or sunrise. During the day, you can pretty much have your pick, and with the water running at about 46°C, it's a perfect way to unwind.
Brad and Tom had a go on the greasy barrel ride, and while neither of them got very far, it was hilarious watching them both give it a crack. Tom however showed a fair bit better balance than Brad, but it was all in good fun!
On our last night, we had the excitement of the Variety - the Children's Charity of Queensland rally spending the night at the campground with around 300 people. One guy even turned up in his plane (landing right near the bore) and while it was busy, there was still plenty of room to not feel too crowded.
We’ll definitely be stopping here again on our next trip through!
Next we passed through Cunnamulla, just stopping for fuel and a quick look around. Had to show Madz the iconic Cunnamulla Fella.
An extraordinary effort is underway to protect one of Australia’s most beloved and endangered species: the bilby. Known for its large ears and delicate features, the bilby has become a symbol of hope in the fight against extinction.
Once thriving across much of Australia, bilbies have seen their numbers dwindle due to predators like foxes and feral cats, along with the loss of their natural habitat. As their numbers dropped, the need for a dedicated conservation effort became clear, leading to the creation of the Save the Bilby project in Charleville.
The project is centered at the Charleville Bilby Experience, a unique facility where education and conservation come together. Visitors can get up close to these fascinating creatures, learn about their behavior, the challenges they face, and the critical work being done to ensure their survival.
The facility hosts a breeding program, aimed at increasing bilby populations and reintroducing them into safe, protected environments. They are deeply committed to reversing the decline of this species, and their efforts have already seen success, with bilbies being reintroduced into predator-free sanctuaries.
In a world where so many species are under threat, the Save the Bilby project stands as a beacon of hope. Every donation, every visit, and every shared story helps raise awareness and brings us one step closer to securing a future for the bilby.
It shows that with dedication and community support, we can make a real difference for the wildlife that calls Australia home.
Addressing Common Questions About Our Journey: How We Make This Lifestyle Work! 🤙
Charleville might seem like a sleepy outback town today, but during World War II, it was the site of a top-secret allied airbase, hidden away from prying eyes. But why Charleville? The answer lies in its location and the strategic advantage it offered during the war.
In 1942, as the threat of Japanese invasion loomed over Australia, the military needed a location that was remote yet accessible, where they could build an airbase far from the coast and potential enemy sightlines. Charleville, nestled deep in the Queensland outback, was the perfect spot. Its isolation made it an ideal location to keep operations hidden from enemy forces while still being close enough to major transport routes.
The flat, expansive landscape provided plenty of room for the construction of airstrips and hangars, which were essential for housing and launching aircraft. The base was built quickly and quietly, with secrecy being a top priority. The goal was to create a fully operational airbase that could serve as a hub for reconnaissance and defense, without drawing any attention.
To maintain its secrecy, the base was camouflaged and blended into the surrounding environment. Even the local population was kept in the dark about the full extent of the activities happening just beyond their town. This covert setup allowed allied forces to conduct crucial operations, including the deployment of B-17 bombers and other aircraft, without fear of detection by enemy spies or reconnaissance missions.
The secrecy of Charleville's base was so well maintained that many details only came to light long after the war ended.
Today, visitors to Charleville can explore the remnants of this hidden base and learn about the significant role this small town played in protecting Australia during the war.
Back to Our Aussie Travels: First Stop, Charleville!
We're excited to be back on the road, and our first stop is the charming town of Charleville. We spent a few days out at the Rock Pool, which is a fantastic free camp spot. The peaceful surroundings and natural beauty made it the perfect place to unwind.
Charleville has a rich history, with the town dating back to the 1860s. It's known for its role in World War II as the location of a secret allied base (more on that in our next post).
The town is also famous for its connection to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which has been serving remote communities since 1928.
While you're in Charleville, don't miss the chance to visit the Save the Bilby project. This amazing initiative is dedicated to protecting one of Australia’s most iconic and endangered marsupials. It's a great opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and maybe even catch a glimpse of these adorable creatures (post on this to come)
Another highlight is the Cosmos Centre, where you can explore the wonders of the night sky. The centre offers an incredible stargazing experience, showcasing the beauty of the outback’s clear skies. It’s perfect for both kids and adults who are curious about the universe. (Unfortunately we didn't do this while in town as it was raining)
So....If you're passing through Queensland, Charleville has so much to offer.
We're excited to keep exploring this amazing country and sharing our journey with you!
We then headed to teamLab Planets for our last activity in Japan. This unique museum is sensory immersive, with rooms where you walk through water as koi appear to swim on the surface and a garden where you become one with the flowers.
The experience was so amazing that we had to go around twice! Each room offered something new and mesmerizing, with incredible visual and tactile elements that really engaged the senses.
If you’re planning to visit teamLab Planets, be sure to book ahead, as tickets sell out quickly. Also, keep in mind that it’s a temporary exhibit, currently scheduled to close at the end of 2027, so don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible art installation.
We then visited the Tokyo Skytree! This iconic tower is truly a marvel of modern engineering and offers some of the most breathtaking views of Tokyo.
Standing at a staggering height of 634 meters (2,080 feet), Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan. It was completed in 2012 and serves as a broadcasting tower, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
The observation decks offer a panoramic view of the city that is absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day. We had a short time to take in the sights, snap photos, and enjoying the company of great friends.
It's amazing to see such a vast city from so high up, and the experience gave us a new perspective on Tokyo's incredible skyline.
With our friends Cliff & Laini, we headed to a sumo wrestling entertainment show. If you only have time for a few activities in Tokyo, make sure this is on your list!
We learned about the rules of sumo and how to practice it, and watched some incredible demonstrations. The show was a blast, full of humor, and the host kept the energy high throughout the event.
Brad even had the chance to step into the ring with the sumo wrestlers. Talk about a memorable experience! Although he lost 🤣, it was definitely an unforgettable moment.
We also got to enjoy Chanko-nabe, a delicious chicken hot pot that's served all you can eat. It was a hearty meal perfect for the occasion.
To top it all off, we had our photo taken with the sumo wrestlers and received a set of souvenirs to remember the day.
We highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and fun activity in Tokyo!
*(This is different from the serious practices & matches, it is simply just a fun sumo show)
We had the most amazing day touring Mt Fuji! Firstly....We finally got to meet our longtime online friends, Travis and Charns, in person. They are just as wonderful as we imagined, and we're so grateful to now call them true friends.
We then started our adventure with the bus stopping at the 5th Station, which sits 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level. The weather was perfect, giving us a stunning view of Mt Fuji in all its glory. It was breathtaking!
Our next stop was lunch, where we enjoyed a delicious Japanese-style meal. During lunch, we were treated to a wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance, a traditional Japanese art. The rhythms were captivating and added so much to the experience.
After lunch, we headed to the Hakone Ropeway. Maddie wasn't a fan of the cableway ride up to the mountaintop. The sulphur smell reminded us of Rotorua, though it was not as intense.
We finished our tour with a cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship. It was the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of the lake.
To wrap up our day, we took the Bullet train back to Tokyo, which was an experience in itself.
We went with JTB Sunrise tours & If you're ever in Japan, we highly recommend this tour!
Alternative Lifestyle
We had the most amazing day at Disneyland Tokyo celebrating Maddie's 15th birthday! From the moment we walked through the gates, the magic was everywhere.
A huge shoutout to Cliff, Laini, Charns, and Trav for joining us and making Maddie's day extra special. You guys were the best company, and the day wouldn't have been the same without you. Memories we'll cherish forever.
We think you need at least two days for Disneyland Tokyo, next time we will check out Disney Sea.
We had an amazing time exploring Osaka Castle! This beautiful structure is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful samurai and feudal lord, the castle has seen a lot of history. It was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the current structure dating back to 1931.
Osaka Castle is surrounded by stunning gardens, moats, and walls, making it a great place to wander and take in the scenery. Inside the castle, there's a museum with fascinating exhibits on its history and samurai culture.
One thing to note: there are a lot of stairs! If you're planning a visit, be ready for a good workout. The climb is worth it for the views from the top, where you can see the entire city of Osaka.
Spent the afternoon at Universal Studios, Maddie loved Harry Potter. So much fun
On the bullet train heading to Osaka 😁
Nomad
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Amazing!!! P!nk’s Summer Carnival tour at Marvel Stadium! 🫶🏼 What an unforgettable night filled with incredible performances and energy! Thanks for visiting #australia again P!nk - we Love you! ❤️🔥 #P!nk #SummerCarnivalTour #MarvelStadium #ConcertVibes #MemoriesMade #UnforgettableNight #MusicLovers #LiveMusic #ConcertExperience #SummerNights #GoodTimes #MelbourneEvents #MusicIsLife #LiveYourBestLife #FunNightOut #PositiveVibes #ExperienceLife #JoyfulMoments #ConcertFun #SummerConcerts #Entertainment
We hiked up to the heights of Hanging Rock, Victoria! An unforgettable day of learning history, climbing, exploring, and soaking up the breathtaking views! #HangingRockSummit #VictoriaAdventure #RockClimbing #ScenicHikes #NatureVibes #OutdoorExcursion #AdventureTime #ExploreOutdoors #HikingAdventures #NaturePhotography #ExploreVictoria #WildernessExploration #RockClimbingFun #NatureEscape #AdventureTravel #DiscoverAustralia #OutdoorLiving #NatureObsessed #Wanderlust #ExploreMore #natureiscalling @followers
#Anna, our faithful companion on wheels!For nearly 2 years, she’s been our cozy home away from home, accompanying us on countless adventures across Australia. From Brisbane to the outback, she’s traveled over 60,000km! 💖 #HomeOnWheels #CaravanLife #TravelCompanion #RoadTripReady #AdventureMobile #NomadicLife #Wanderlust #TravelGoals #ExploreAustralia #VanLife #LifeOnTheRoad #TinyHome #TravelAustralia #AdventureTime #ExploreMore #WheelsOfAdventure #VanLiving #OnTheMove #TravelLifestyle #AustralianAdventure #RoamingFree #australia Jawa Off Road Camper Trailers
Caught in the midst of nature’s fury! Over the Xmas period when we were up in Tara, QLD! Outta nowhere, an unexpected massive hail storm wreaked havoc on our caravan, ‘Anna’. This is the harsh reality of storm season down under. 🌩️ 🥺🤙🏼 #QLDStorm #HailDamage #NatureFury #StormSeason #AustraliaWeather #CaravanLife #australia #WeatherWatch #ClimateChange #ExtremeWeather #MotherNature #NaturalDisaster #StaySafe #HailStorm #UnexpectedTurn #ChallengingTimes #Adversity #ToughTimes #AustralianSummer #AdventureGoneWrong #ClimateCrisis #queensland #travellife Jawa Off Road Camper Trailers
Have you read The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy?🤯
Don’t wait for the perfect moment – create it! Whether it’s chasing your dreams, starting a new adventure or taking a leap into the unknown… the time is now! 💪 #JustDoIt #CarpeDiem #SeizeTheMoment #NoTimeLikeThePresent #StartNow #TakeAction #DreamBig #MakeItHappen #GoForIt #ChaseYourDreams #LiveBoldly #FearlessFriday #AdventureAwaits #EmbraceChange #DreamChasers #LifeGoals #MotivationMonday #SuccessMindset #BeCourageous #BoldMoves #caravaning #caravanlife #travel #explorepage #exploremore
The Importance of Goal Setting & Some of the goals we are working towards.
Thoughts…💭 Opinion time: What do you think about Daylight Savings?? 🤔
Relaxing Sunday! Connecting with great people 😁🤙
Transform that negative situation, into an education. 💪
6 Week Challenge- Day 2: The importance of community! 🤙💪
6 Week Challange - Day 1!
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How’s this little guy! Super cute Aussie Wildlife!! #australia #australianwildlife #aussiewildlife #wildlife #echidna #animals #aussieanimals #cute #watchoutforwildlife #IntoTheWild #wildanimals #toocute Kristy Small Brad Small
Living the Nomad Life! 😝🤙In September 2022 we packed up and hit the road to work remotely on the road as we travel Australia! We don’t have an end date and are just enjoying life as nomads! We have so much to see, learn and enjoy together as a family! #noregrets #nomad #nomadlife #nomads #workremotely #workonline #onlinebusiness #affiliatemarketing #highticketaffiliatemarketing #travel #travelaustralia #family #familymemories #together #liveandlaugh #smallaussieadventures #vanlife #caravanlife #caravaningaustralia #vanlifestyle
Wait till end… 🤣🤣Let go and be happy! 😃#travel #family #familytime #familygoals #exploremore #explore #comedy #travelaustralia #travelaustraliawithkids #travellingfamilies #tawk #seeaustralia #goexplorewander #thisislife #happymoment #roadtrippers #familyexplorers #livinglifetothefullest #creatingmemories #familyfun #biglapofoz Kristy Small Brad Small
Tasmania: First impressions 🤔 We are 2 weeks down on our adventures around Tazzie, 8 weeks to go 😝🤙! #tasmania #explore #smallaussieadventures #travel #travelaustralia #vanlifestyle #travelbloggerlife #vanlifeaustralia #exploremore #exploretasmania #australia #firstimpressions #foodie #chocolate #whisky #cheese
Day in the life of…. #smallaussieadventures Travelling full time around Australia in our caravan, operating 2 businesses remotely & homeschooling. What’s it really like? 🤯😁 #fulltimevanlife #fulltimetravel #fulltimetravelfamily #workingremotely #homeschooling #travellingaustralia #travellingaustraliawithkids #exploringaustralia #familyadventures #business #onlinebusiness #onlinebusinesstips #lifeontheroad #realitycheck Brad Small Kristy Small
Overcoming our struggles with starting a business in an industry deemed “unconventional“! 😳💪
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