After jumping on the must-do tourist attractions in Cairns, like the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, you might be chasing more of a slow-paced nature vibe. Base yourself in Mareeba in Queensland’s far north while you take in the beauty of the nearby Crystal Cascades, Davies Creek and Emerald Creek Falls.

https://ringersrest.weebly.com/rv-park.html offers low-cost country style camping with a personalised touch. They put on a communal campfire each night where you can swap stories with fellow travellers. Their RV park is also a landing point for the Cairns https://www.hotair.com.au/cairns/balloon-rides/ballooning-self-drive-mareeba-atherton-tablelands service, so you can grab a great deal on ballooning yourself when staying here.

https://www.fullrangecamping.com.au/directory/item/archers-creek-rest-area-fc/ on the Kennedy Highway has a lovely grassy area overlooking the flowing creek water, which provides a peaceful spot to roll out your swag – for free.

https://www.aircamp.com.au/campsite/routh-creek-camp-site along the Gulf Developmental Road just outside of Georgetown offers one of the few croc-free waterholes to cool off in along the Savannah Way route, but don’t just take our word for it, as we all know crocs can move around in the higher water levels of a decent wet season.

Normanton offers travellers a 48-hour free camp just across the bridge on the edge of town. Visit the http://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/visitor-information-centres-libraries in town to grab your permit. Flick a line and catch a killer sunset over the Norman River, just remember to be croc safe by the water’s edge.

https://sunsetcp.com.au/ offers campsites or villas and cabins if you’re over ‘roughing it’ in your swag. Every second Wednesday they crank up the wood-fire pizza oven for a mouth-watering feed.

North of https://myrigadventures.com/flinders-river-free-camping-normanton-qld/ you’ll find a great little free camp off the side of the Burke Developmental Road. Watch the moon rise and the stars come out over the water before turning in for the night yourself.

https://nomadsofaustralia-thebestbits.com.au/2018/06/10/gregory-river-qld/ has the most incredible camping atmosphere. And with croc-free clear and fresh running water, I’d be willing to bet it’ll fast track to the top of your favourite campsites list by the end of your first night!

https://www.burketowncaravanpark.net.au/ is a great base to explore the beautiful surrounding areas while having all the necessary facilities and a convenient stress-free stay.

https://www.hellsgateroadhouse.com.au/ on the Savannah Way has a range of accommodation options to suit each traveller’s needs, and a decent menu if you’re searching for some food and beverages.

https://www.fullrangecamping.com.au/directory/item/calvert-river-crossing-fc/ is another remote camp spot luring travellers who like the picturesque backdrop of pandanus-fringed rivers with the water cascading off into clear, shallow pools during full flow.

https://www.aircamp.com.au/campsite/robinson-river-kangaroo-creek is an off-road free camp down by the creek. There are some tight tracks to get down to the site – but it is oh so worth it.

Driving such long distances will require multiple fuel stops and you’re about to need another one. This time, after packing up camp, swing through the little town of https://www.google.com/maps/dir/-12.4596144,130.9687836/BP,+Robinson+Rd,+Borroloola+NT+0854/@-16.0713896,136.2769264,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x69f92eedbcb72709:0x3f0bf6b628785b73!2m2!1d136.3076361!2d-16.0734857 along the Carpentaria Highway, and while you’re filling the tank, grab a coffee to go and some hot food from the servo before continuing on to your final destination.