What a fantastic ride, over the last three months Tourism Queensland have had some surprises locked away for us candidates and the viewing public, but their last little treat experiencing Queensland was the icing to an incredible three month cake baking competition.

Westwing's bug-smasher Piloted by Sally, Mount Isa, Queensland - Copyright James Hill 2009

TQ paired us up in what suspiciously looked like a match making exercise and shipped us all off to experience what Queensland had on offer. Mirjam (from Germany) and myself were sent to the earthy red tones of the Queensland Outback. We were flown out to Mount ISA one of the world's largest mining towns and were greeted with a smiling RM Williams wearing regional tourism representative. Matt was a fantastic host, and immediately held true of his relaxed schedule by driving us to Lake Moodarra to soak in the serenity while knocking back a few tinnies.

The beers doubled as a sedative for our upcoming twin prop flight to Lawn Hill, approximately 180 Nautical miles north-west of Mount Isa, Matt and I shared light aircraft stories while slowly numbing the fear of any turbulence we would encounter, fantastically though Sally from westwing had already quashed the anxiety with her funky aviators and bravado attitude.

Sedatives, Matt & James, Queensland - Copyright James Hill 2009

We exchanged Sal for the ever so lovely and accommodating Rod & Michelle of Adels Grove. These guys really know hospitality! The grounds of Adels Grove conjure images from the beach, castaway or some other equally gorgeous filmset, semi-permanent tents line the beds of Lawn Hill creek, the small cascade of water is within earshot and emotes a tranquility second to none.

The inherent Australian in me screamed not to swim in this creek, with lilly pads lining the banks and Mirjam walking down to the water, the iconic scene from dundee flashed in through my mind (you know the one where she fills up her water flask only to be attacked by an animatronic croc). Croc sightings would be reserved for Sunday so rest assured we swam in relative assurance and enjoyed an afternoon of schedule free activities.

Full moon rising over the savannah, Lawn Hill, Queensland - Copyright James Hill 2009