THE LAKES are full. The birdlife is incredible. This is the year to find the explorer within you and follow the route known as the Adventure Way. Here are some of the fascinating sights in store.

Hungerford is located near the Paroo River on the Queensland/New South Wales border. The Royal Mail ­Hotel, which doubles as a post office, was originally a Cobb and Co staging post, and provides accommodation, meals and fuel. The Border Gate and Wild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence stand adjacent to the hotel. Several kilometres from Hungerford is Currawinya National Park, which features Lakes Wyara and Numalla as the centrepiece of a variety of habitats across the park. Explore the Woolshed, the Granites, and old Caiwarro Homestead. Bush camping is permitted.

Once back on the Adventure Way, see Lake Bindegolly National Park (pictured) 34km east of Thargomindah. It ­features the saline Lakes Bindegolly and Toomaroo, and freshwater Lake Hutchinson, which are all filled to capacity from the summer rains, making this year the perfect time to visit. The lake system is one of the most important wetland systems in southwest Queensland, serving as a feeding and breeding habitat for waterbirds. The park is home to more than 195 species of birds, 80 different animals and 300 species of plants. Bush camping is permitted.

Noccundra, west of Thargomindah across the Grey Range, lies on the banks of the Wilson River. The Noccundra Hotel, built of sandstone in 1882, provides accommodation, meals and fuel, and has an airstrip. Free camping is permitted nearby. Then travel to the iconic Burke and Wills Dig Tree on the northern bank of Cooper Creek on Nappa Merrie Station. Bush camping is permitted. Cameron Corner is where the States of Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales merge. Licensed accommodation, camping facilities and an airstrip are onsite. A survey marker, dedicated in 1969, marks the spot originally surveyed by John Cameron in 1882-1883.