Where to go
A vast untouched region stretching from the east coast right across the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Gulf Savannah is dotted with geological wonders, historic mining towns and legendary fishing spots.
As you travel here you start to slow down, to feel the heartbeat of the region and get a glimpse of just how amazing it is
Bram Collins – Undara Experience
The Savannah Way is one of Australia’s great road trips, an epic journey across the top of the country running 3700km through three states and territories from Cairns to Broome. On the way, it passes through 15 National Parks and five World Heritage Sites, across vast cattle stations and through historic mining towns. The section of the route from Cairns to Darwin is largely sealed, meaning it’s relatively easy to explore this vast region.
For a different take on the landscape, hop aboard a train. The legendary Gulflander is the train that goes “from nowhere to nowhere” on a one-of-a-kind line connecting Normanton and Croydon. The Savannahlander runs in a four-day loop from Cairns to the old goldfields town of Forsayth.
Ancient geological wonders create an extraordinary landscape. Be awed by the sheer walls of Copperfield Gorge near Einasleigh, walk through the world’s largest lava tubes at Undara or explore the rugged sandstone formations of Cobbold Gorge. Don’t miss the Riversleigh fossil deposits outside Mount Isa, which are some of the richest and most extensive in the world, dating back 15-25 million years, and the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, home to spectacular limestone caves and galleries of Indigenous art.
Miners were some of the first to settle this region, flocking here in search of gold, silver, tin and lead during the 19th century. The region is also rich in gems like agate, quartz, topaz and amethyst. Purchase a Fossickers License and head to one of the many fossicking sites in the region.
This is also the place to meet genuine Outback characters. Join them for a beer in a tiny country pub or chat about the journey ahead at a remote roadhouse on the Savannah Way. They’ll be able to recommend the best fishing spots around Normanton or the best place to buy fresh prawns straight from a trawler in Karumba. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.
Clear skies and few artificial lights make for some of the best stargazing in the country. From late September to early November, the incredible Morning Glory cloud formations – long straight lines of cloud – stretch for thousands of kilometres across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The fishing is incredible around the Gulf Savannah, with barramundi found all over the region. Catch bountiful blue salmon, grunter and bream around Karumba, and sweetlip, coral trout, parrot fish and red emperor off Sweers and Mornington islands.
Don’t forget your binoculars – it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially in the wet season. Some 20 wetlands across the Gulf Savannah attract thousands of migratory birds. Mutton Hole Wetland is home to brolgas, whistling ducks and sarus cranes.
In the Gulf Savannah region you can hop aboard two of Australia’s great train journeys, discover ancient fossils, fossick for gems and meet a host of authentic Outback characters.
From sculptural gorges, to bird-filled wetlands, experience 1,099kms of pure outback adventure as you drive Queensland’s Savannah Way.
Hit the road and explore these tiny towns on your next adventure west into the Gulf Savannah and Outback country of Tropical North Queensland.
Not all Big Things are cringe-worthy kitsch. The Big Wet makes our list thanks to its influence on Big Waterfalls while dust storm-creating Big Trucks are a part of everyday life in the outback. We’re also rather partial to seriously Big Trees in these parts.
Some adventures are off the beaten track and others, like the Undara Lava Tubes, are underneath it. You’ll need to dip below the earth’s surface, to explore these famous 190,000-year-old lava tunnels that point to an explosion when 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed for 160 kilometres, carving a natural playground south-west of Cairns.
Tropical North Queensland is the only region in Australia with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Connect with these ancient cultures 60,000 years in the making.
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip. Whether it’s a leisurely Sunday drive or an extended journey, hitting the road offers unbridled freedom. So fasten your seatbelt, shuffle your favourite playlist and settle back as you journey through Tropical North Queensland.
From cosy rainforest retreats to once-in-a-lifetime Great Barrier Reef reef events, epic waterfalls to spectacular outback scenery, this is why you should put the green light on your summer holiday.
From scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforest to flying to an ancient aboriginal rock art site or undertaking an epic helicopter pub crawl, take to the sky on your Tropical North Queensland adventure.
Stuck on inspiration on board for an outback road trip? Try these itineraries.
Cairns to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
The Savannah Way is an epic, two-state, one-territory, 3,700km journey across the top of Australia. You can take a section of the drive in Tropical North Queensland between Cairns on the coast and Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park close to the Northern Territory border – a distance of about 1,700km.
View itineraryUndara to The Lynd Junction
Discover real Australia and find a landscape shaped by ancient volcanoes and the powerful forces of nature as you travel from Undara to the Lynd Junction along the Savannah Way.
View itineraryCardwell to Undara
The Kirrama Range Road is stunning drive across the ranges from Cardwell to Undara, with plenty to see and do, and spectacular scenery including lookouts, waterfalls, heritage-listed rainforest and swimming holes.
View itinerarySelf-drive or hire a car and journey along the Savannah Way. The route is accessible with a two-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive vehicles can venture off the grid and discover the many loop roads of the Gulf Savannah and Outback region.
Queensland Rail’s, Savannahlander departs Cairns weekly for Forsayth with touring options available along the itinerary. The Gulflander famously travels from nowhere to nowhere, travelling from Normanton to Croydon once a week with a return fare also available.
REX Regional Express offers direct flights from Cairns to Normanton, Burketown, Doomadgee and Mornington Island. Charter flights are also available to Undara, Forsayth and several other locales.
By bus/coach
Trans North Bus & Coach Service operates the passenger and light freight service from Cairns to Karumba servicing many regional towns en route. They also provide bus links for the Gulflander and Savannahlander rail services.
The perfect spots for a little R&R.
There’s a full calendar of classic country events on in the Gulf Savannah, from barra fishing competitions and rodeos to a Bushman’s Ball and Opera in the Outback.
A fun-filled family weekend in Einasleigh – horse racing, rodeo, swimming, fishing and camping.
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