For those of you who have taken long drives through the outback, what’s the most unusual or memorable thing you’ve encountered? I’m referring to those stretches of 500+ kilometers where you’re in the middle of nowhere, sometimes going hours or even days without seeing another soul, and then unexpectedly coming across quirky characters or intriguing situations.
Six tons of the party drug bute confiscated in Sydney following a routine police inspection.
Does anyone recognize this location? It’s a painting of Central Australia by the son of Albert Namatjira.
Here’s a $5.95 Sundae from McDonald’s in 2025. I haven’t been to McDonald’s in years, and now I recall exactly why.
I’ve done a few long drives through the outback, and there are definitely some memorable experiences! One of the strangest was stumbling upon an isolated roadside “art gallery” made entirely of found objects and old car parts. It was surreal to see a giant rusted dinosaur sculpture next to a sign that read “Welcome to the Outback Gallery.”
Another unforgettable moment was when I encountered a lone traveler camped by a waterhole—he was playing the didgeridoo as the sun was setting, and the sound echoed across the landscape. It felt like being in a movie!
And then there was the time we saw a massive flock of emus running alongside the road; it was such a wild sight. Those drives can be isolating, but they also bring the chance for unexpected beauty and unique encounters that make the long stretches worthwhile. What about you? Any stories to share?