Journey of the Gulf Savannah

You will be met by your Savannah Guides Operator driver and host at Longreach Airport or the Train Station and transferred to your accommodation.

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast cruise aboard the M.V. Longreach Explorer. Discover the sacred scar trees and the magic of being on the water in the heart of the Outback. Explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and enjoy the Stockman’s Live Show, showcasing outstanding horsemanship in action.

After lunch, visit the Qantas Founders Museum to uncover the remarkable story of Australia’s national airline. In the late afternoon, step aboard the Silver-Tails Rail Sunset experience and soak in sweeping views of the floodplains at sunset while enjoying signature canapés, drinks, and warm Outback hospitality aboard a beautifully restored heritage rail motor. Following the journey, you’ll be transferred to the unforgettable Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show for an evening of delicious dining and entertainment.

After a relaxed breakfast, we follow the Matilda Way to Kynuna and the iconic Blue Heeler Hotel for a slice of Australian folklore. It was here that Banjo Paterson is said to have brokered a truce with the shearers responsible for burning down the Dagworth Woolshed and 143 jumbucks. Rather than continue their conflict, the swagmen and squatters reportedly raised a final glass together and sang Waltzing Matilda at the bar.

Enjoy lunch at the legendary Walkabout Creek Hotel, made famous by the blockbuster film Crocodile Dundee. Later this afternoon, arrive in Cloncurry to explore one of Australia’s most comprehensive gem and mineral collections at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre. Continue with a visit to John Flynn Place Museum, where you’ll discover the remarkable story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, one of the world’s largest and most respected aeromedical organisations.

After checking in to your accommodation, join your fellow travellers for a relaxed pre-dinner drink, followed by dinner at the onsite Gidgee Inn Restaurant.

We drive north this morning along the Burke Developmental Road to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse where we stop for morning tea. 

You will be travelling through mostly cattle country along this road.  See the contrasting colours of this rugged landscape, the black trunks of the gidgee scrub, golden Mitchell grass, and enormous rust red termite mounds. 

Arriving into Normanton, take time to wander the streets and take a selfie with Krys the life-size statue of the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught, before enjoying lunch at the iconic Purple Pub. 

We arrive in Karumba to enjoy a relaxing dinner at your accommodation.

This morning enjoy a nostalgic rail journey on the famous Gulflander, affectionately called the ‘Tin Hare’ from Normanton to Critters Camp.  Originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton to the gold fields of Croydon. 

Lunch will be served at the historic Croydon Club Hotel.  Built in 1887 it’s the last remaining hotel from an original 37! 

Next stop is another gold mining township – Georgetown.  Here we’ll see the impressive mineral collection display at the TerrEstial Centre. 

After a big day, we’ll arive at the hidden outback oasis Cobbold Gorge in time for a sunset drink overlooking the tranquil infinity pool.  Dinner tonight will be at the Cobbold Gorge Resort Restaurant.

This morning enjoy a cruise of the magnificent sandstone gorge on this privately owned cattle station.  The gorge is stocked with a variety of native fish and freshwater crocodiles.  You’ll glide silently between towering cliffs in a specially designed battery powered punt. 

Join an optional guided walk to the top of the escarpment for impressive views from the remarkable Glass Bridge. 

After lunch the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.  Choose to relax by the impressive infinity pool, join an optional scenic helicopter flight or follow one of the marked bushwalking trails to spot local wildlife and birds. 

Dinner tonight is at the Cobbold Gorge Resort Restaurant.

This morning we visit one of Queenslands most extraordinary geological wonders set in the heart of Gulf Savannah country, Tallaroo Hot Springs. Take a guided tour on the elevated boardwalk and enjoy a delicious morning tea. 

Leaving Tallaroo Hot Springs, we take a scenic drive to Mount Surprise before heading on to the Undara Experience for lunch and check in.  This afternoon we join a guided tour of the incredible Undara Lava Tubes, part of the world’s longest lava flows from a single volcanic crater.  These tubes were created when the Undara Volcano erupted over 190,000 years ago, pouring out enough lava to fill Sydney Harbour three times over.  Enjoy learning about the environmental geological and historical features pointed out and explained by your Savannah Tour Guide. 

Dine tonight amongst the unique setting of antique railway carriages at the Fettler’s Irom Pot Bistro.

This morning we board the famous Savannahlander on an adventurous journey from Spring Creek to Mount Surprise.  Travel through contrasting landscapes and Forty Mile Scrub National Park to Woodleigh Station.  Relax with lunch in view of the 100-year-old bougainvillea, then take a stroll around the expansive gardens. 

Continue to Atherton Tablelands for a short stop at Lake Barrine, an enchanting natural lake hidden in World Heritage Rainforest. 

Late afternoon, we arrive into Cairns, where we enjoy a farewell dinner at your accommodation. 

Your tour concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade Resort. Please make your own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home.