8 Days Ultimate Gulf Savannah 2027

itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday – Mareeba (L,D)

Your adventure begins this morning with a pickup from your accommodation. We board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for one of Australia’s most iconic rail journeys. Travel through tropical rainforest, passing spectacular waterfalls, deep ravines and the impressive Barron Gorge.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, enjoy time to explore the township, browse the local markets or relax with a coffee before departing.

Continuing to Herberton, learn about the region’s rich agricultural history, rainforest landscapes and volcanic origins. Visit the Atherton – Herberton Historic Railway and ride the 1905 Peckett Steam train and timber passenger carriage! Arrive in time for lunch before exploring Herberton Historical Village, home to one of Australia’s largest collections of restored heritage buildings, vintage machinery, transport exhibits and fascinating displays depicting life in North Queensland from the late 1800s onwards.

Mid-afternoon, depart for Mareeba and check in to your accommodation before dinner. Overnight Cape Gateway Motel, Mareeba

Day 2: Wednesday – Georgetown (B,L,D)

This morning, board the famous Savannahlander for a memorable rail journey to the historic township of Dimbulah, where we pause to relax and enjoy lunch.

After lunch, rejoin the coach and continue through the contrasting landscapes of rainforest and open woodlands that straddle the Great Dividing Range as we make our way to Georgetown, a town renowned for its rich gold mining history and strong cattle-grazing heritage. Enjoy an afternoon smoko along the way before continuing to Georgetown.

After check-in, settle in for the evening and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers and driver-host while watching the sunset paint the sky in warm outback colours. Overnight Latara Motel, Georgetown

Day 3: Thursday – Karumba (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before we venture west into Queensland’s rugged Gulf Savannah, arriving in the historic town of Croydon before continuing to Blackbull, where we board the iconic Gulflander.

Enjoy a nostalgic rail journey aboard the affectionately named “Tin Hare” to Normanton. Wander the streets and take a photo with Krys the Crocodile, the life-size statue commemorating one of the largest saltwater crocodiles ever caught.

Later this afternoon, arrive in Karumba, known as the “Outback by the Sea”. Check in to your accommodation and relax before enjoying sunset views and a delicious two-course dinner. 2 nights Ash’s Holiday Units, Karumba

Day 4: Friday – Karumba (B,L,D)

This morning discover the secrets of the mighty barramundi at the Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world breeding the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish. Your visit includes a guided tour of the interpretive centre and the opportunity to feed a barramundi.

Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh fish and chips before an afternoon at leisure. Explore the town, stroll along the waterfront or simply relax at your accommodation.

Later this afternoon, cruise the Gulf of Carpentaria to a remote sand island where we toast the sunset and enjoy fresh local seafood while watching the spectacular colours of twilight spread across the sky.

Day 5: Saturday – Cobbold Gorge (B,L,D)

Discover the important role gold played in Queensland’s development with a visit to Croydon. Following the discovery of gold in 1885, Croydon became the site of Queensland’s last major gold rush.

Enjoy lunch at the historic Croydon Club Hotel. Built in 1887, it is the last remaining hotel of the town’s original 37 establishments.

This afternoon, continue to Georgetown and visit the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, home to one of Australia’s most significant private collections of minerals and gemstones.

Later, arrive at the hidden outback gem of Cobbold Gorge. After check-in, relax with a sunset drink overlooking the infinity pool before enjoying dinner at Cobbold Gorge Resort. 2 nights Cobbold Gorge Village, Forsayth

Day 6: Sunday – Cobbold Gorge (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast at Cobbold Gorge Resort before setting off on a morning exploration of the magnificent sandstone gorge located on this privately owned cattle station.

Home to native fish and freshwater crocodiles, the gorge is best experienced aboard a specially designed electric-powered boat. Glide silently between towering sandstone walls while learning about the area’s geology, wildlife and history.

There is also the opportunity to join an optional guided walk to the escarpment and experience the spectacular Glass Bridge overlooking the gorge.

Following your cruise, enjoy lunch at the resort before an afternoon at leisure. Relax beside the infinity pool, join an optional scenic helicopter flight, or explore the marked walking trails in search of local wildlife and birdlife.

This evening, rejoin your fellow travellers for dinner at Cobbold Gorge Resort.

Day 7: Monday – Mount Surprise (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast before continuing to the next stage of your Gulf Savannah adventure.

Travel to the historic Einasleigh Hotel, famous for its quirky miniature furniture collection, and view the impressive rock formations of Copperfield Gorge while enjoying morning tea.

From Einasleigh, continue to Talaroo Hot Springs, where rolling sandstone hills, basalt plains and pockets of lush vegetation create a unique and beautiful landscape. Enjoy lunch surrounded by nature before taking time to appreciate this remarkable setting.

This afternoon, travel on to Mount Surprise and the Undara Experience, ready to explore the spectacular lava tube system and enjoy dinner this evening. Overnight Undara Experience, Mount Surprise

Day 8: Tuesday – Departure Day Cairns (B,L)

Enjoy a bush breakfast before departing on the final day of your tour.

This morning, join a guided tour of the incredible Undara Lava Tubes, part of one of the world’s longest lava flow systems from a single volcanic crater. Formed over 190,000 years ago, these remarkable geological features were created when the Undara Volcano erupted, releasing enough lava to fill Sydney Harbour three times. Learn about the environmental, geological and cultural significance of the lava tubes as your Savannah Guide shares expert insights.

Continue through the changing landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands to Forty Mile Scrub National Park and Woodleigh Station. Tour the original homestead, built in 1876, and hear stories of the challenges and triumphs of Queensland’s pioneering settlers.

Enjoy a light lunch overlooking the magnificent century-old bougainvillea before taking a stroll through the gardens.

Later, experience the beauty of Lake Barrine on a private boat cruise, complete with afternoon tea.

Departing Lake Barrine, we begin our descent towards Cairns, where your journey through Queensland’s Gulf Savannah comes to an end. From here, continue onward to your home destination with wonderful memories of this unique outback adventure.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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