Cairns to Darwin via Lost City & Gulf Savannah Way Tours  - Walk in the stunning Undara Lava Tubes, swim at Lawn Hill NP (2 nights), tour Riversleigh Fossils site, Burke & Wills last camp, Normanton, Karumba (sunset cruise), Hells Gate, Borroloola, Lost City

8 days  Accommodated or Camping or a combination available- select when booking

Gulf Savannah Tours include Lost City, Lawn Hill, Riversleigh Fossils / Dinosaurs tour, Undara Lava Tubes

Cairns to Darwin (Westbound) itinerary shown below.  This tour has 2 nights at Lawn Hill / Adel’s Grove and includes Riversleigh Dinosaurs / Fossils sites tour.

Day 1 – Gulf Savannah Way Tours  – Depart Cairns for the picturesque drive to the Atherton tablelands to tour through the Undara Lava Tubes. The Undara Lava Tubes were formed some 190,000 years ago when a major volcano erupted, its molten lava flowing down a dry river bed. As the top layer quickly cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the tubes taking it further and further from the volcano. The Undara tubes are the world’s longest lava flow. The word Undara means ‘a long way’ in Aboriginal language. One of the lava flows from Undara extends over 160 kilometres (or 100 miles). This makes it one of the longest lava flows from a single volcano on our planet in modern geological time. The original tube formed by the flow extended for approximately 100 kilometres, and several sections are accessible. After our 2 hour tour and tasty lunch, we pass by Mt Surprise (where Savannahlander train overnights) to Georgetown for overnight LD

Day 2 – Travel via Georgetown and the multi award winning, Terrestrial – the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, the largest minerals collection in the world. We follow the Gulflander Railway line via the Gulf Development Road through Croydon which in goldrush days had 7000 people and 122 pubs. On to Normanton, and view the old Burns Philp store, and the 1870 railway history from the goldrush days, plus the hot artesian bore. Arriving  Karumba on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria, we enjoy a sunset river cruise. Karumba is the base of the gulf Barramundi and prawning industry and home to many salt water crocodiles. Overnight Karumba BL – Dinner at own expense in local restaurant – great fresh fish and prawns here and very reasonable price !

Days 3 & 4  – Today we surely see flocks of Brolgas on our way to Burke and Wills last camp 119 near Burketown. Travelling westward and parallel to the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria in this spectacular savannah country, we cross numerous rivers including the Leichardt River, named after Ludwig Leichardt who walked this country in 1845. We check out the Leichardt Falls before travelling across the “Plains of Promise” named when H M Brig Beagle (the famous ship which had carried Charles Darwin on his voyage) visited here in 1841. Enjoy a break in the frontier town of Burketown, named after Burke of the Burke and Wills Expedition of 1860 who reached the gulf near here in February 1861. Burketown was established in 1865 to service new pastoral holdings established in the region.We arrive at  Lawn Hill National Park, (now Boodjamulla National Park) Adel’s Grove (2 nights), and walk, canoe or swim in the beautiful lagoon with waterfalls. Visit the amazing Riversleigh Dinosaur Fossil Field. Overnight Adels Grove BLD

Day 5.  We travel by the large Aboriginal community of Doomadgee, then Hells gate where police were stationed to provide escorts for settlers to the escarpments of Hell’s Gate, beyond which the Aboriginals were considered fierce. Hells Gate is the routes most western settlement in Queensland and now is a popular stopover with a grassy oasis and refreshments, nearby Aboriginal rock art and caves. We travel via Westmoreland (uranium deposits) and enter the Northern Territory, passing the Redbank (copper) Mine and arrive at Borroloola for overnight. BLD

Day 6. Borroloola is now a popular fishing destination. Population is around 800 (about 200 whitefellas and 600 Aboriginal), with Aborigines living in camps around the town. Borroloola has some very different Aboriginal cultures ie the Yanyuwa and Mara are ‘saltwater people’ from the nearby islands while the Kurdanji and Karawa people are ‘mainland people’. We visit Caranbirini Nature Reserve to walk amongst the Lost City through sandstone towers overlooking a billabong and across the escarpment country of the Gulf Region. Optional helicopter flight over the Lost City. The Lost City can this morning be explored by helicopter from base at the Heartbreak Hotel at Cape Crawford, with an amazing 15 or optional 30 minute flight over these ancient sandstone pillars, formed when all this area was underwater Arrive Daly Waters famous pub for overnight. BLD

Day 7 –  We take a short tour of the WWII airbase and aircraft hanger at Daly Waters – with a fascinating historic display of WWII equipment, aircraft images and life here at that time. Onwards for a swim at Mataranka Hot Springs and connect with the famous classic outback Australian story of “We of the Never Never” and Elsey’s homestead from the film. Onward via Katherine then Darwin for overnight BLD

Day 8 – A free day to celebrate your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the many sights or activities Darwin has to offer. Options include a trip to Kakadu or Litchfield National Parks, or simply shop or relax in Darwin’s balmy climate. Tour ends after breakfast. Home Flights depart from Darwin or consider travelling with us to Alice Springswith options including Kakadu, Katherine Gorge (optional), Lost City & Devils Marbles. B

Day 8 - Optionally tour by Kakadu National Park for 1 or 2 nights from Katherine, or do Kakadu in a day or more from Darwin. Ask for details.

8 days  Accommodated or Camping or a combination available- select when booking

BOOK HERE or Call 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600

Cape York Thursday Island Tours, with Horn Island, Weipa, Daintree, Quinkan Rock Art, Cairns to Cairns Tour - 8 day tour Cairns returning to Cairns overland, including Laura Rock Art, Weipa, & Billys Landing, Thursday & Horn Island ferries & day tours, including Twin & Fruit Bat Falls (on Old Telegraph Track) and last night accommodated in Cairns. Includes Cooktown, Lakefield National Park, Daintree Rainforest. Join us to travel by luxury 4WD to the northern most tip of Australia at Cape York & Thursday Island & Horn Island cruise and island tours. Explore Quinkan Rock Art, then Cooktown, Weipa, Lakefield National Park & the Daintree Rainforests, Mossman Gorge, Bloomfield Falls.

Tour is all accommodated

Cape York Thursday Island Daintree Rock Art Cairns Tour details

Day 1 – Cape York Thursday Island Tours – Depart Cairns 730 am and travel through the rainforests and the Atherton Tablelands via picturesque Kuranda and Mareeba via the Palmer River area famous in the gold rush days, to the Laura Dance Festival site (time at festival available if dates match – biannual event). You can choose to spend the day here, or travel the short distance to the Quinkan Rock Art Reserve, and an afternoon tour of this amazing rock art site. Overnight Lotus Bird Lodge, Lakefield National Park BLD

Rock Art Walk – Explore some of the Quinkan Aboriginal Rock Art at the Split Rock art site or the Quinkan rock art at Jowalbinna in Queensland’s premier rock art sites The areas include –

• Giant Wallaroo – “The Cycle of Birth and Death”: Spectacular landscapes and paintings on a walk into Pine Tree Creek valley and up to the opposite escarpment wall.
• The Brady Creek Escarpment – “Many Clans, Many Totems”: Includes Death Adder, Honeymoon Cave, Red Lady, Garfish Sorcery and Tent Shelter rock art sites, near refreshing Brady Creek.
• Emu Dreaming – “The Emu Ancestor enters the Land”: An accessible site featuring ancient abstract engravings and occupation evidence.
• Yam Dreaming – “The Archaeologists’ Choice”: A fascinating archaeological dig site on fertility ceremonial grounds, involving a challenging walk and climb into the site (available for exclusive touring only).

Day 2 – Depart up the Peninsular Development Road for the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) heading for Cape York. We travel via the Hann River Roadhouse, and check out the Musgrave Telegraph Station. Musgrave was first built as an overland telegraph station in 1887, along with Palmerville, Fairview, Coen, Mein, Moreton, McDonnell and Paterson. It was named after Sir Anthony Musgrave (1828 – 1888) who was Governor of Queensland from 1883 to 1888. These stations were  repeater stations, with great banks of batteries and a generator to boost the power in the telegraph line.  Beyond the township of Coen we pass the old Quarantine Station, and begin to pass a number of exciting creek crossings. We pass through the Mungkan Kandju National Park, a large wilderness park that stretches from the McIlwraith Range foothills, between the Archer and Coen rivers, and consists of open eucalypt woodlands, melaleuca swamps and various rainforest types. The Wik Mungkan, Kaanju and Ayapathu Aboriginal peoples, the Traditional Owners of the park, welcome you to their land and ask that you respect their culture and country during your visit. We take a break at the Archer River Roadhouse, and cross the Piccaninny Plains and Savannah country to arrive in Weipa for a tour of the massive bauxite mine operated by Rio Tinto. Weipa is the largest town on Cape York Peninsula, and has approx 3000 people supporting the mining and export of bauxite and cattle. Nearby is Duyfken Point, where Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon recorded the Australian coast in 1606, 164 years prior to James Cook. BLD Overnight Weipa

Day 3 – Depart Weipa to the OTT, crossing the Wenlock River.  After a stop at the Moreton Telegraph Station, we turn off the OTT to the Bamaga Rd and enter the Jardine National Park and the Heathlands. Be entranced by the unusual change in the landscape. The Heathlands is a vast area of 2 metre high wet anddry heath vegetation which live side by side and is home to an abundanceof wildlife. Enjoy a break at Eliot Falls before we cross the notorious Jardine River. We pass through the administrative centre for the region, Bamaga to Siesia, the “Gateway to the Torres Strait”. Today we also travel on to the farthest northern point of Australia to stand on Australia’s northern most tip at Cape York , view the numerous islands of the Torres Strait, and the meeting place of the Arafura and Coral Seas. Overnight Punsand Bay Resort, Barmaga, Cape York BLD

Day 4 – At 8 am depart by fast cat ferry for the 1 hour 10 min ride to Thursday Island, passing Friday and seeing Wednesday Islands enroute. Thursday Island is known as Waiben, meaning ‘no water or place of no water’. In 1877, TI  was an administrative centre for the Torres Strait Islands established by the Queensland Government. In the early days over 1000 Japanese pearl divers were operating here. In 1880, Thursday Island acted as a defence post for Australia and old canons remain on the Island. On TI, a 1 hour island tour is included, highlighting local history and landmarks, then free time to enjoy the Torres Strait Islander cultural centre, and pearl, souvenir or window shopping. After lunch, (own cost) the return ferry departs at 2:30 from Engineers Wharf, arriving approximately 3:40. Enjoy free time this afternoon till dinner. Optionally, from Thursday Island your can join the Horn Island tour which visits WWII sites including a WWII museum. This tour also meets the last & only return ferry, and does not give time to look around Thursday Island. If you choose, you can overnight here and join us early next morning (additional cost) BD Overnight Punsand Bay Resort, Barmaga, Cape York

Day 5 – Heading south we visit the WWII aircraft wrecks of Bamaga, and skirt the Jardine River National Park, take the Jardine River crossing then a rest stop at Fruit Bat Falls.  We visit the beach at Captain Billy’s Landing located on the east coast, and arrive Moreton Telegraph Station for a few yarns, a great meal and overnight. BLD

Day 6 – Today we explore Lakefield National Park. The park is home to threatened species including the red goshawk, Lakeland Downs mouse and spectacled hare-wallaby. Hann and Kalpowar crossings are two of the many significant Aboriginal cultural sites found in the area. Barramundi abound here if you are feeling adventurous, and many waterbirds inhabit Low Lake. Enjoy this rich nature and great waterholes for swimming. Arrive Cooktown late afternoon for overnight. BLD

Day 7 – Cooktown to Cairns via the Bloomfield Track & Daintree Rainforests. The Daintree Rainforest encompasses an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometres, from the Daintree River north to Cooktown and west to the Great Divide, representing the single largest block of tropical rainforest in Australia. The area protected under World Heritage listing covers an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometres, stretching from Townsville to Cooktown 75 per cent of which is tropical rainforest, an area equivalent to about the size of Sydney. We explore and discover the magic of rainforests on our Daintree Rainforest Discovery centre walk.

Cooktown was first established for the goldfields on the Palmer River in 1872, although its also famous for when Captain Cook repaired his ship, The Endeavour, after hitting coral on the Great Barrier Reef. We check out some key local landmarks, including the Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery, whose artwork consists of illustrations of the flowering plants from the region, the Grassy Hill Lighthouse which is home to the Cooktown lighthouse, built in England and shipped to Cooktown in 1885, the sun dial which is actually a ‘Global Positioning Monument’ and Captain Cook’s Grassy Hill Monument. Also, the James Cook Museum, including canon and the anchor from from Cooks ship, the HM Barque Endeavour and Chinese, Pastoral, Mining, and Indigenous artefacts.

We depart Cooktown via the coastal road (4WD only) and witness Black Mountain National Park, home to mysterious Aboriginal legends. We visit the heritage-listed Lions Den Hotel built in 1875, then spectacular Bloomfield Falls at the Bloomfield River crossing.  This track was the site of many protests and the Daintree Blockade in 1983. The Bloomfield track takes us to Cape Tribulation and on to the ferry to cross the Daintree River. Time permitting, we travel through Mossman and visit Mossman Gorge, and a side trip via Port Douglas. Overnight Cairns. BLD

Day 8 – Tour ends in Cairns after breakfast for flights home or join us to travel from Cairns to Darwin via the Lost City, Undara Lava Tubes and Savannah Way Tour

Undara Lava Tubes – Volcano Valley – Volcanic lava over 300,000 years, has created a remarkable tunnel system that lies beneath the  rich grasslands of Undara. See them on the Lost City, Undara Lava Tubes and Savannah Way Tour If travelling to Cairns join Spirit Safaris to meet this tour from Alice Springs, explore the Plenty Highway on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the Min Min experience in Boulia, the mighty Diamantina River and the Dinosaur Trail as we travel on to Cloncurry (Qantas birthplace) Undara Lava Tubes & Cairns. If travelling from or to Darwin, explore the Lost City, Lawn Hill, Adel’s Grove, Cobbold Gorge, Dally Waters, Mataranka Hot Springs ( and “We of the Never Never” homestead) & Katherine. Optionally Kakadu via Cooinda (with Yellow Waters Cruise) to Darwin. (meets Darwin to Broome tour departure) Cape York, Thursday Island, Weipa, Daintree Rainforest, Quinkan Rock Art from Cairns 4WD Tour

8 Day Cape York Thursday Island Daintree Rock Art Cairns Tour  from Cairns to Cairns  8 day tour Cairns returning to Cairns overland, including Laura Rock Art, Weipa, & Billys Landing, Thursday & Horn Island ferries & day tours, including Twin & Fruit Bat Falls (on Old Telegraph Track) and last night accommodation in Cairns. Includes all meals, entry & park fees, professional guide, ferry to & from Thursday Island, luxury 4WD transport. Prices are per person (couple or twin share) and all accommodated

Call  1300 763 188 or email any questions  info@spiritsafaris.com

Gulf Savannah Tours Darwin to Cairns via Lost City 9 days - via Ngukurr / Roper Bar, Lost City, (optional heli flight)  Caranbirini Nature Reserve, Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Hells Gate, Borroloola, Riversleigh Megafauna Fossil Fields, Lawn Hill National Park, (now Boodjamulla National Park), Adel’s Grove, Gregory Downs, Bourke & Wills Last Camp 119, Normanton, Gulflander & Savannah Lander Railways, Karumba, Gulf Carpentaria sunset cruise, Undarra Lava Tubes, Millaa Millaa Falls to Cairns.

FULLY ACCOMMODATED

Gulf Savannah Way Darwin to Cairns tour 9 days …

Day 1 – Depart Darwin 8 am via Stuart Highway to Pine Creek (gold and railway history –  and great coffee and cakes at the Railway Cafe) then Katherine, NTs 3rd largest town. On to Mataranka for the Elsey’s history of “We of the Never Never” fame and optional dip in the nearby hot springs. Overnight Mataranka  LD

Day 2 – We Depart the highway for Roper Bar and Ngukurr community and take a helicopter flight to visit the “Ruined City”, a vast sandstone rock formation, with guidance from traditional owners sharing the significance of this special place – also known as Baroonja. Enjoy a look around Roper Bar on the banks of the Roper River and the border of Arnhem Land. Connect with the local indigenous culture and people, and the more recent steamboat history (supplying the building of the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1860s & 70s) and popular fishing destination. It was also a major cattle droving route from the grasslands to Queensland and southern markets and includes some of the Durack’s massive cattle drive to the Kimberley. 

We head to the Limmen National Park for a walk and optional swim at scenic Butterfly Falls – and a morning cuppa.  Its then on to the “Southern Lost City” for a 4-6 km walk among these stunning giant columns of sandstone. Enjoy lunch here  before heading further south to overnight at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park  BLD

Day 3 – Lorella Springs is a huge 4,000-square kilometre (one-million acre) Outback Australia cattle station surrounded by the Limmen National Park, Aboriginal land, and many kilometres of pristine Northern Territory Gulf of Carpentaria coastline, rivers and waterways. It has numerous beautiful rock pools and thermal pools for swimming and we check out Flying Fox swamp and the latest popular spot, Nannys Pool. Enjoy a relaxing adventure day here with the birdlife before overnight. BLD

Day 4 – We continue south through the Limmen National Park to arrive at the township of Borroloola for supplies. At Borroloola we view the museum and history of this once wild frontier town, now a popular fishing destination. The population is around 800 (about 200 whites and 600 Aboriginal), with Aborigines living in camps around the town. Borroloola has some very different Aboriginal cultures ie the Yanyuwa and Mara are ‘saltwater people’ from the nearby islands while the Kurdanji and Karawa people are ‘mainland people’.The town is also the main support town for the McArthur River mine – one of the world’s largest zinc, lead and silver mines, situated about 70 kilometres southwest of Borroloola. We head toward the Gulf and visit King Ash Bay on the MacArthur River –  a top spot to experience the atmosphere of the Gulf and a shady lunch place by the river. Time permitting and passengers keen, we visit the Lost City near Cape Crawford, (optional heli flight) and the Caranbirini Nature Reserve for more sandstone pillars.The Lost City can be explored by helicopter from base at the Heartbreak Hotel at Cape Crawford, with an amazing 15 or optional 30 minute flight over these ancient sandstone pillars, formed when all this area was underwater. Overnight at Boroloola BLD

Day 5 – Today we head east over several river crossings, passing the Redbank (copper) Mine via Westmoreland (uranium deposits) and enter Queensland at Hells Gate, where police were stationed to provide escorts for settlers to the escarpments of Hell’s Gate, beyond which the Aboriginals were considered fierce. Hells Gate is the routes most western settlement in Queensland and now is a popular stopover with a grassy oasis and refreshments.

We travel through forest and river crossings to the large Aboriginal community of Doomadgee, then south to Gregory Downs, our base to explore Adel’s Grove which was originally gazetted in 1904 as a Miners Homestead Lease. In 1920 Albert de Lestang took up the property as an experimental Botanical Garden (hence the name “Adel” arose from Albert’s initials). Albert planted many species of trees and shrubs and supplied the Botanical Gardens of the world with the seeds produced by his nursery. This is adjacent Lawn Hill National Park (now Boodjamulla National Park) where we walk, canoe or swim in the beautiful lagoon and river with waterfalls.

Day 6 – Today we take a tour to visit the amazing Riversleigh Megafauna Fossil Fields and immerse in this unique landscape. Alternatively enjoy a relaxing day of walks and swims – your choice. Overnight Gregory Downs BLD

Day 7 – We travel to Burke & Wills last camp 119, an historic site with a fascinating history and stories to tell. Enjoy a break in the frontier town of Burketown, named after Burke of the Burke and Wills Expedition of 1860 who reached the gulf near here in February 1861. Burketown was established in 1865 to service new pastoral holdings established in the region.

We reach the Leichardt River, named after Ludwig Leichardt who walked this country in 1845. We check out the Leichardt Falls then travel across the “Plains of Promise” named when H M Brig Beagle (the famous ship which had carried Charles Darwin on his voyage) visited here in 1841. On to Normanton, and view the old Burns Philp store, and the 1870 railway history from the goldrush days, plus the Purple Pub. Arriving  Karumba on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria, we enjoy a sunset river cruise. Karumba was the base of the gulf Barramundi and prawning industry and home to many salt water crocodiles. Overnight Karumba BL – Dinner at own expense in local restaurant – great fresh fish and prawns here !

Day 8 – We follow the Gulflander Railway line via the Gulf Development Road through Croydon which in goldrush days had 7000 people and 122 pubs.Travel via  Georgetown and the multi award winning, Terrestrial – the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, the largest minerals collection in the world. Overnight Georgetown BLD

Day 9 – Undarra Lava Tubes tour. The Undara Lava Tubes were formed some 190,000 years ago when a major volcano erupted, its molten lava flowing down a dry river bed. As the top layer quickly cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the tubes taking it further and further from the volcano. The Undara tubes are the world’s longest lava flow.

The word Undara means ‘a long way’ in the Aboriginal language. One of the lava flows from Undara extends over 160 kilometres (or 100 miles). This makes it one of the longest lava flows from a single volcano on our planet in modern geological time. The original tube formed by the flow extended for approximately 100kilometres, and several sections are accessible. After our 2 hour tour and tasty lunch, we travel via the Atherton Tablelands visiting the Millaa Millaa Falls on our route to Cairns for a celebration dinner together. BLD Accommodation own arrangements.

Channel Country Birdsville Lake Eyre and Dinosaurs Cairns to Adelaide Tour 5 Days

Highlights include - 

• Birdsville Big Red and Birdsville Track
• Channel Country and Diamantina River country
• Marree and Mungerannie
  
• Dinosaurs at the Flinders Discovery Centre
  
• Hughenden with Muttaburrasaurus
• Kronosaurus Korner Richmond 
• Larks Quarry Dinosaur stampede, 
• Fully accommodated Cairns to Adelaide

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to Hughenden – A Journey Back in Time

Depart from Cairns in a luxurious 4WD Landcruiser, designed for comfort and adventure. Enjoy the scenic drive through Queensland’s lush landscapes as you head towards Hughenden. Arrive in Hughenden, a town renowned for its rich prehistoric past. Visit the Flinders Discovery Centre to see impressive fossil displays, including a life-size replica of the Muttaburrasaurus. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around town, soaking in the charming outback atmosphere.

Dinner at a local eatery, featuring hearty Australian cuisine. Overnight stay at a comfortable local motel, ensuring a restful night for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Hughenden to Jundah – The Outback Awaits

 After a hearty breakfast, continue our journey to Richmond and visit Kronosaurus Korner, home to some of the world’s best-preserved marine fossils. Explore the fascinating exhibits, including the skeleton of a Kronosaurus, one of the largest marine reptiles to have ever lived.

From Richmond we travel to Winton, then Larks Quarry to view the dinosaur stampede. This occurred some 95 million years ago, when herds of small two-legged dinosaurs came to drink at the lake. There were at least150 dinosaurs of two different kinds - carnivorous coelurosaurs about the size of chickens, and slightly larger plant-eating ornithopods, some of them as large as emus. They were attacked by a meat-eating theropod – and the stampedes preserved at Larks Quarry

From here we then travel towards Jundah.Marvel at the changing landscapes as you traverse through the heart of Queensland’s outback. Dinner at a local pub, where you can mingle with locals and share stories. Overnight accommodation in a cozy outback lodge.

Day 3: Jundah to Birdsville

Depart from Jundah, a charming outback town, and drive through the heart of the Queensland outback, passing expansive cattle stations and striking red landscapes. Arrive in Birdsville, check into your accommodation, and enjoy a relaxing meal at the famous Birdsville Hotel. Optional scenic flight over Lake Eyre is available, offering breathtaking views of Australia’s largest salt lake. Also visit Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, and experience the stunning desert panorama. Optional .Also explore the local area and its rich history. and an optional Lake Eyre flight. Overnight in Birdsville.

Day 4: Birdsville to Marree via Birdsville Track

After breakfast, visit the Burke and Wills Tree by the Diamantina River then begin your journey down the iconic Birdsville Track, offering an authentic outback experience with vast landscapes and historic landmarks. Visit Mungarannie and cross the Cooper Creek floodplain after travel through the Stoney Desert and Tirari Desert Arrive in Marree, a historic outpost with a rich Aboriginal and Afghan heritage. Explore the town, including the old Ghan Railway station and the Marree Hotel. Enjoy a hearty dinner and relax under the clear, star-studded sky. Overnight in Marree.

Day 5: Marree to Farina, Ochre Pits, Kanyaka Ruins, and Hawker and Adelaide

Depart Marree and head towards the historic ghost town of Farina. Wander through the ruins and imagine life in this once-thriving settlement of 300 people that supported s. Kidman & Co moving 500 catte a week to the Adelaide markets. . Continue to the Ochre Pits, a significant Aboriginal cultural site, and learn about the traditional uses of ochre. Visit the Kanyaka Ruins, a haunting reminder of the early settler’s challenges in the harsh outback environment. Arrive in Hawker, a small town at the edge of the Flinders Ranges.

Depart Hawker and drive to Quorn, a historic railway town. Explore the Pichi Richi Railway and its heritage steam trains history. Continue your journey south through picturesque landscapes, passing through small outback towns and rolling hills. Arrive in Adelaide and journey end approx 6pm

Next day options - Enjoy the city’s attractions, such as the Adelaide Central Market, North Terrace, and the beautiful parklands. Reflect on your incredible outback adventure over dinner in one of Adelaide’s renowned restaurants. Overnight in Adelaide (accommodation not included in this itinerary).

Highlights Include

• Comfortable Travel: Journey in a GXL 4WD Landcruiser, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
• All-Inclusive Meals: Savor delicious outback meals throughout the tour, from hearty breakfasts to local specialties.
• Unique Accommodations: Stay in comfortable motels and lodges, offering a perfect blend of outback charm and modern amenities.
• Expert Guides: Learn from knowledgeable guides who bring the prehistoric past to life with fascinating stories and insights.
• Diverse Landscapes: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Queensland’s outback, from lush rainforests to rugged deserts.
• Exclusive Access: Enjoy special access to museums and attractions, providing an intimate and enriching experience.

Book your seat on this extraordinary adventure today and embark on a journey through time and landscapes, tailored
for the discerning traveller who seeks both comfort and adventure.

Adult price is based on twin or double sharing a room. If one person, single rate applies.

Call Now: 1300 763 188

SAVE - DEDUCT $500 IF PAID IN FULL WHEN BOOKING

FULLY ACCOMMODATED

Gulf Savannah Way Darwin to Cairns tour 9 days …

Day 1 – Depart Cairns traveling via the scenic Atherton Tablelands to Undarra Lava Tubes, where we explore these fascinating formations created by ancient volcanic activity some 190,000 years ago. The lava tubes are part of the world’s longest lava flow from a single volcano in modern geological time.After a 2-hour tour and lunch, we head west through Georgetown, with its multi-award-winning Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, before arriving at George town for an overnight stay. BLD

 

Day 2 – Karumba & Gulflander RailwayToday we follow the Gulflander Railway line, traveling via the Gulf Development Road. We explore Croydon, once home to 7,000 people and122 pubs during the gold rush era. Continuing west, we reach Normanton,a town steeped in history with its Burns Philp store and the iconic Purple Pub. We then head to Karumba, located on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria, where we enjoy a spectacular sunset river cruise.Overnight in Karumba, where you can dine at a local restaurant famous for fresh seafood. BL (Dinner at own expense)

 

Day 3 – Burke & Wills Last Camp and Gregory Downs We travel through historic frontier towns, stopping at Burke & Wills Last Camp 119, the site of the explorers' final camp before their ill-fated journey. We visit Burketown, a town established in 1865 to serve new pastoral holdings, then cross the Plains of Promise, a region visited by the H.M. Brig Beagle in 1841. Crossing the Leichardt River, named after the explorer Ludwig Leichardt, we continue to Gregory Downs for our overnight stay, where we base ourselves to explore Adel’s Grove and Lawn Hill National Park (Boodjamulla National Park). BLD

 

Day 4 – Adel’s Grove and Lawn Hill National Park - Today we visit Adel’s Grove, originally an experimental botanical garden established by Albert de Lestang (ADEL) in 1920, before exploring Lawn Hill National Park. Enjoy walks, canoeing, or a swim in the stunning lagoons andrivers with picturesque waterfalls. In the afternoon, we explore the Riversleigh Megafauna Fossil Fields, one of the richest fossil deposits in the world,revealing a fascinating prehistoric landscape. Return to Gregory Downs (or the "Helton" at Hells Gate Roadhouse for overnight. Hel;ls Gate is an iconic landmark where settlers once needed police escorts due to the fierce local Aboriginal tribes.  BLD

 

Day 5 – Hells Gate and Borroloola - We head west toward the Northern Territory, (on the dirt Highway 1) crossing many rivers in the Gulf region via the MacArthur River mine to Borroloola,known for its fascinating mix of Aboriginal cultures and frontier history, which we see on display in the old police station. Overnight Borroloola  BLD

 

Day 6 – Lost City and Lorella Springs Wilderness Park - Today, we enter Limmen National Park to explore the spectacular Southern Lost City, and walk amongst these giant columns of sandstone that look like an ancient city, formed when the region was once underwater. An optional helicopter flight over these impressive sandstone pillars may be available- please advise if interested.Then we enjoy a relaxing evening at the beautiful Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, with its many rock pools and thermal springs. BLD

 

Day 7 – Lorella Springs Wilderness Park - Spend the day at Lorella Springs, a one-million-acre outback cattle station surrounded by pristine wilderness. You can relax in the numerous thermal pools, explore the nearby Flying Fox Swamp, or visit the popular Nanny’s Pool. The area is a haven for birdlife, and there are many opportunities for adventure and exploration. Overnight at Lorella Springs. BLD

 

Day 8 – An early morning soak in the nearby hot springs could suit you, before departure for Roper Bar and Matarranka We depart Lorella Springs, to scenic Butterfly Falls named diue to the massive numbers of butterflys that breed here. Traveling north with stop at Roper Bar, an historic location on the Roper River and the border of Arnhem Land. Learn about the area's steamboat history and its role in supplying materials for the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1860s and 1870s. Overnight at Mataranka. BLD

 

Day 9 – Mataranka to Darwin On our final day, we enjoy Mataranka, famous for its hot springs and the setting of the novel "We of the Never Never." Take a dip in the refreshing thermal waters or enjoy learning about the area's history before continuing to Katherine, the Northern Territory’s third-largest town. We then travel via Pine Creek, known for its gold and railway heritage, before arriving in Darwin to conclude the tour. BL Accommodation own arrangements

 

Inclusions:

• 8 nights Fully accommodated 
• All meals as specified (BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Expert professional guides