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.
With five artists and performers over three days, this is a weekend to suit fans of all music genres.
Come with us on an outback adventure to @cobboldgorge 🧡🌴 #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #gulfsavannahoutback
POV: you`re heading to a luxury lodge that`ll have you craving an outback adventure (aka Mt Mulligan Lodge) 🏜️✨
🎥 @ashleighbridget #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
We’re back in Gulf Country, because where else would you want to be in winter? 💁☀️ Located on Ewamian country, @cobboldgorge is certainly one gorgeous gorge. Once you’ve spent the day quietly flowing through ancient sandstone cliffs, settle in for the night at #CobboldVillage to really round off your outback experience 🏕️
Did you know ⁉️ Cobblold Gorge is eco certified, so you can rest assured that you’re doing good for the planet while you explore 🌱
📸 @cairnsdiver #exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #gulfsavannahoutback
Have you ever driven the #SavannahWay? This epic three state journey traverses Tropical North Queensland showcasing the rugged diversity of the outback with mesmerising stops like @UndaraExperience 🏜🌄
Don’t forget to tune into @thetodayshow this week to see some of the amazing experiences in the Gulf Savannah region 🧡
📸 @koffer.kind #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #gulfsavannahoutback
Family holidays are next level in Tropical North Queensland 🚙
Around here, you’ll find a wide array of waterfalls to explore, from hidden forest gems to an outback oasis 🦋🌴 Perhaps one of the best kept secret is that some of the most amazing waterfalls can only be found on a 4WD adventure along the rugged roads of #CapeYork 🙌🚘 Hidden along the Old Telegraph Track you`ll find some real stunners - #EliotFalls, #FruitBatFalls & #TwinFalls 💦✨
So who’s spending their holiday on a trip to the tip? 🙋
📸 @ouroutbackodyssey #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #capeyork
When you think of Tropical North Queensland, your first thought might not be red dirt and epic gorges, but it certainly should be! 🌵🌄 No outback trip is complete without a stop at the spectacular @cobboldgorge 🙌🌴 Carving its way through ancient sandstone cliffs & breathtaking landscapes, Cobbold Gorge is one not to be missed 😍✨ If you can’t get enough after the tour, stay a night or two at #CobboldVillage 🏕
📸 @koffer.kind #exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #gulfsavannahoutback
Ever wanted to explore the gem fields of the tropics? This is the place to do it! 💎 If the prized jewels aren`t enough to persuade you then the incredible sightseeing nearby might be 🌴🛶
📍 O`briens Creek Fossicking Area, Gulf Savannah Outback
📸 @phlipvids #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #gulfsavannah #outbackqueensland #drivenorthqueensland
It`s not every day you can explore the outback while it`s lush & green, but here in the tropics that`s just what you`ll get! 🌴🛶 The Gulf Savannah and outback is open and waiting for you to explore 💙🌿
⚠️ Some areas of the Gulf Savannah have been impacted by recent flooding events and may not be able to receive visitors at this stage. The best way to support the region is to start exploring the areas that are open and ready for you to visit. Please check traffic conditions before you travel.
📸 @slightlylostau #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #gulfsavannah #outbackqueensland #drivenorthqueensland
It`s not every day that you get to see the tropical outback looking a lush green like this & caves full of water, but right now that`s what you`ll get when you visit @undaraexperience! 🌴🏜
#exploreTNQ #exploreCairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@tropicalnorthqueensland, outback edition 🏜
This is just one of the incredible experiences that make up your time at @mountmulliganlodge - where rugged meets luxury just 150kms north-west of Cairns 🌾 The 18km escarpment dominates the landscape with the lodge perfectly positioned to enjoy views over their weir towards the sandstone range. The lodge`s fine attention to detail, breathtaking location & exceptional service has also helped to earn it a badge as a @luxurylodgesofaustralia 🥂📍
📸 @eleanor.scott #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #gulfsavannah
Are you visiting Tropical North Queensland soon? Take advantage of our Tropical Dollars and get $100 off tours and experiences* when you book through Experience Oz! Use code TNQ100
