Itinerary
Gulf Savannah "Wanderer".
The Gulf Savannah ... Taste the outback on this comprehensive nine day exploration of the epic Gulf Savannah region of North Queensland. You'll journey through a vast range of landscapes from lush tropical rainforest, vast savannah plains to semi-arid spinifex ranges and experience some of Queensland's most spectacular natural attractions. Discover a rich history of Aboriginal culture, of explorers and pioneers, of goldrushes and railways, of huge cattle runs. Come to the Gulf Savannah to capture the emotion and romance, tragedies and triumphs of Australia's amazing outback.
Day 1 - (LD) We start by winding our way up the Kuranda Range to climb on to the Atherton Tableland. We pass dense tropical rainforest and an agricultural landscape to Mareeba and beyond. Visit Tyrconnell Historic Gold Mine and see a fascinating demonstration of its ten head ore-crushing battery. Now we travel on to Chillagoe, an historic ore-smelting centre, better known today for its marble mining and limestone caves. We take a tour of the caves, the legacy of 350 million years old marine reef. We overnight in Chillagoe.
Day 2 - (BLD) All aboard the "Savannahlander" train as it tracks the Ootann Road into Brahman cattle country. Geology continues to dominate and fascinate as we change from limestone to granite to basalt country and with each geological change, a change in vegetation. Lunch along the way in this vast landscape provides a "fair dinkum" Aussie day. Now we head west across the Newcastle Range to Georgetown where we stay overnight.
Day 3 - (BD) Morning "smoko" on the shore of Croydon's Lake Belmore before continuing on to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Lunch (own expense) in Karumba Point at the mouth of the Norman River. A leisurely afternoon before taking a cruise to enjoy a spectacular Gulf sunset. We overnight in Karumba.
Day 4 - (BLD) On through Normanton this morning and a poignant visit to Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly campsite of the ill-fated expedition of 1860. Across the vast "Plains of Promise" to Leichhardt Falls and Burketown. On to Adel's Grove, a Savannah Guides Site, where we spend two glorious outback nights in permanent tent safari accommodation.
Day 5 - (BLD) A relaxed day enjoying Lawn Hill National Park, a spectacular oasis set amid the spinifex clad Constance Range. The gorge is a haven for an abundance of wildlife and a birdwatcher's paradise. Swimming or paddling a canoe (optional) up the gorge is fun and highly recommended. Return to Adel's Grove tonight.
Day 6 - (BLD) A visit to the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, a rare treasure house of palaeontology recording the history of Australia's fauna of 20 million years ago. Lunch at Gregory and a short break at remote Burke & Wills Roadhouse before travelling on to Normanton. Here you can absorb its famous landmarks, the "Purple Pub", historic Burns Philp General Store, a replica of Krys, the 8.63m crocodile and its famous Victorian architecture Railway Station, home of the "Gulflander". We stay in Normanton tonight.
Day 7 - (BLD) All aboard the historic "Gulflander RM93" train, a Savannah Guides Site, for a ride through the savannah landscape across the Norman River to Critters Camp. On to Black Bull Siding then the old gold mining town of Croydon and its Historic Precinct. This afternoon we visit Georgetown and Forsayth on our way to Cobbold Gorge, a Savannah Guides Station, where we stay tonight.
Day 8 - (BLD) This morning we cruise on Cobbold Gorge's beautiful and secluded waterway surrounded by spectacular carved Hampstead sandstone, 135 million years old. Travel on to the famous Undara Lava Tubes, a Savannah Guides Station. There's campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to your accommodation in faithfully restored antique railway carriages.
Day 9 - (BL) Breakfast in the Australian bush before enjoying a guided tour of the fascinating 190,000 years old lava tubes, a geological spectacle said to be the largest in the world. Visit Ravenshoe, Queensland's highest town for lunch before Mt Hypipamee (The Crater) National Park and the Atherton Tableland's unique Curtain Fig Tree. Now we descend to the lush green coastal plain and Cairns to end your adventure in the remarkable Gulf Savannah region.
Note:
Due to limited accommodation in remote areas of northern Australia we may have to use alternative accommodation of a similar standard from time to time. Gulf Savannah "Wanderer"Accommodated 4WD Safari
Tour Details
Tour Code: GW09A
2009 Departure Dates:
May 6, 13, 20, 27 / Jun 3, 10, 17, 24 / Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 / Sep 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 / Oct 7, 14, 21
Departs: Hotels in Cairns City only from 7:00am.
Returns: Hotels in Cairns City only by approximately 6:00pm.
Guests staying north of Cairns city are required to make their own transfer arrangements at their own expense. We are happy to take them to any departure point in the city.
Highlights / Inclusions:
Small Groups - Maximum 13 guests
Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
Professional Qualified Guide
5 nights accommodation - Private Facilities
3 nights accommodation - Share Facilities
Meals as coded
Guided Tour of Tyrconnell Historic Gold Mine
Guided Tour of Chillagoe Limestone Caves
"Savannahlander" Train
Karumba Sunset Cruise
Burke & Wills Camp # 119
Lawn Hill National Park
Guided Tour of Riversleigh Fossil Fields
"Gulflander" Train
Burketown, Normanton, Georgetown, Forsayth, Ravenshoe
Guided Tour of Historic Croydon
Electric Boat Cruise on Cobbold Gorge
Guided Tour of Undara Lava Tubes
All National Park and Site Fees
Exclusions:
All drinks
Lunch on Day 3
Hotel pick-up or drop-off outside Cairns city centre
Safari Price:
AUD $2895.00 per person twin-share + AUD $20.00 per person Fuel Levy
AUD $3165.00 per person sole-use + AUD $20.00 per person Fuel Levy
AUD $2795.00 per child (7-14 years) + AUD $20.00 per person Fuel Levy
Note: On all Accommodated Safaris solo travellers must pay the sole-use rate.
Note: This tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age .
