Ready for a Savannah Way Adventure?
5 August 2025The Savannah Way is an epic, two-state, one-territory, 3,700km journey across the top of Australia. Trust us, you’re in for quite an adventure.
As you make your way across the country, learn from expert Savannah Guides, a network of accredited guides with an in-depth knowledge of the natural and cultural assets of the area.
DAY 1
Cairns to Undara
Your journey begins in beautiful Cairns, the “capital” of Tropical North Queensland, a buzzing coastal city famous for its picturesque esplanade, lively bars, vibrant food scene and laid-back lifestyle.
Now kiss the coast goodbye and take the climb up into the cool of the Atherton Tablelands. This is the place to swim under a waterfall and sample fresh produce from a farmers’ market.
DAY 2
Undara
Today, you’re staying out of the car and heading underground. The Undara Volcanic National Park is home to one of the world’s longest flows of lava originating from a single volcano, dating back some 190,000 years. The flow has created a vast network of lava tubes and underground caves.
Access to the lava tubes are by guided tour only with multiple tours daily which must be booked. The Archway Explorer is a great introduction to the caves and, as it follows boardwalks, is suitable for all fitness levels.
DAY 3
Undara to Mount Surprise
Jump back behind the wheel and start heading west; today you’re bound for Mount Surprise. It’s only a short drive so you can focus on the most exciting part of the day – fossicking for semi-precious gemstones. (A driving tip for those using Google Maps: ignore its advice to go via Conjuboy and instead head back to Highway 1 from Undara).
Mount Surprise is a tiny historic railway town that sits on the edge of a giant lava flow. Prior to your arrival, purchase a Fossicking License online so that you can try your hand at treasure hunting.
DAY 4
Mt Surprise to Talaroo Hot Springs
Grab your treasures and hit the road to continue west towards Talaroo Hot Springs to see one of outback Queensland’s most unique geological wonders. Be welcomed by the Ewamian people and join an Indigenous guide for the Hot Springs Discovery Tour to learn about the hot springs and the incredible significance they hold for the Ewamian people.
DAY 5
Talaroo Hot Springs to Cobbold Gorge
Hit the highway to to Cobbold Gorge, Queensland’s “youngest” gorge, at about 10,000 years old. A guided tour is the only way you can explore this spectacular formation: daily tours, led by an extremely knowledgeable Savannah Guide, include both a walking component and a cruise through the gorge, where rugged sandstone walls soar up to 30m on either side.
DAY 6
Cobbold Gorge to Georgetown
Head to Georgetown, which was was established when gold was found around the Etheridge River in 1869, and is full of charming heritage buildings and surrounded by spectacular outback scenery. The 6km-long Georgetown River Walk – which follows both the Etheridge River and Sandy Creek – offers more insight to the township and its history.
DAY 7
Georgetown to Karumba
You’re heading for the coast today – the northern Queensland coast, that is.
Tonight, you’ll arrive in Karumba, a small town on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria, where anglers from around Australia and the world come to fish for the barramundi. Tasting wild-caught barramundi and local prawns is highly recommended, as is a cold beverage at the Sunset Tavern where you can, yes, watch the sun set spectacularly over the Gulf.
DAY 8
Karumba to Burketown
The remote Savannah land outpost of Burketown is made up of little more than a pub, a school, a couple of shops and the council office, but it’s famous for two things – as the “Barramundi Fishing Capital of the World” and the site of a spectacular annual cloud formation known as the Morning Glory (September to November).
DAY 9
Burketown to Gregory
Make way to Gregory, another isolated frontier town, set on the tranquil Gregory River (great for a canoe). Spend the night here at the Gregory Downs Hotel, originally a stop on the stagecoach run to Burketown, where publican Jo will make you feel especially welcome.
DAY 10
Gregory to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Today, you’re on the final stretch. Head out on the Gregory-Lawn Hill Road to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, one of Queensland’s most beautiful reserves. The area is a sacred place to the Indigenous Waanyi people, who believe the Rainbow Serpent (Boodjamulla) formed the gorge.
The Riversleigh World Heritage Site, one of the world’s richest fossil sites, sits within the park. Immerse yourself in 25 million years of history on the Riversleigh Fossil Trail, an 800m walk that passes the fossilised bones of towering flightless birds and the remains of the Earth’s largest freshwater crocodile.
Need accommodation?
Looking for somewhere to stay on your Tropical North Queensland adventure? Why not check into one of the many welcoming caravan parks in the region?