Driving the Savannah Way: 7 Days of Big Skies and Even Bigger Stories
ROAD TRIP
By Danielle Reckless
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Queensland’s stretch of the Savannah Way is more than just a route, it’s a rite of passage. From ancient lava tubes and gold rush towns to croc-filled rivers and jaw-dropping gorges, this one-week Savannah Way road trip brings the good kind of dust, diesel, and wide-open wonder.
It’s around 1300km from Cairns to Burketown, and every day brings a new slice of Outback Queensland magic. So fill the tank, pack the snacks, and let’s hit the road.
Note: Always check local road and weather conditions before setting off. Parts of the Gulf may be affected by recent weather events.
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Undara Volcanic National Park, Mount Surprise, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Kick things off by trading coast for cane fields as you wind your way west through the Kuranda Range and onto the fertile Atherton Tablelands. It’s mangoes, macadamias and mountain views all the way.
- Fuel up at Skybury Café and Roastery, with locally grown beans and views for days.
- Stretch your legs at Millstream Falls, one of the widest single-drop falls in the country. Short walk, big payoff.
Then it’s on to the lava lands of Undara Volcanic National Park, home to the world’s longest lava tube system courtesy of an eruption some 190,000 years ago. Join a guided tour to explore these ancient underground tunnels or opt for the sunset wildlife tour (bonus: micro bat spotting).
Where to stay: Pull up at Discovery Resorts - Undara, where old train carriages have been turned into quirky, comfy digs alongside cabins and swags. It’s eco-accommodation with a side of Outback charm, run by the same family since the 1860s.
Local tip: Don’t miss the bush breakfast, cooked fireside and served with a sunrise.
Plan your visit: here's our guide to Undara Lava Tubes.
Talaroo Hot Springs, Mount Surprise, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Today’s drive may be short, but it’s packed with character.
- Fossick for topaz at O’Brien’s Creek, a hidden gem about 45km out of town.
- Soak and connect at Talaroo Hot Springs, where you can take a guided tour with Ewamian Traditional Owners and learn about the 65-million-year-old tiered springs. Book a private soak for the full experience.
Where to stay: Talaroo’s campground and caravan park means you can kick back under the stars and join the Yarning Circle, a nightly gathering where stories flow as easily as the warm waters.
Local tip: This is one of the only thermal springs in the world with cultural interpretation, so stick around, ask questions and listen deeply.
Day 3: Mount Surprise to Cobbold Gorge (approx. 2.5 hours)
Cobbold Gorge Tours, Forsayth, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Roll out of Talaroo to the call of galahs and head west.
- Stop in Georgetown for a quick peek at the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, 4500 sparkly reasons to swing by the TerrEstrial Centre.
- Grab a pub feed at Forsayth’s Goldfields Hotel, a multiple-time winner of Best Outback Pub. Cold beer, hot meals, and the last servo before the dirt road kicks in.
Then it’s onto the jaw-dropping beauty of Cobbold Gorge, a camera-breaking sandstone canyon tucked into the red heart of the savannah. The only way to access this special spot is with Cobbold Gorge Tours.
- Walk the rim and cross the glass bridge for a birds-eye view.
- Cruise the gorge by electric boat or on a paddleboard: it’s peaceful, pristine, and full of native wildlife.
- Take to the skies on a heli tour over the Newcastle Ranges if you’re feeling extra bold.
Where to stay: Camp or book a cabin onsite at Cobbold Village. There’s a restaurant, bar, infinity pool and stargazing for days. This stop’s a show-stealer on any Savannah Way road trip.
Plan your visit: Here's our guide for everything to do at Cobbold Gorge.
Day 4: Cobbold Gorge to Normanton (approx. 5 hours)
Gulflander, Normanton, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Today’s about enjoying the long stretches and the surprises in between.
- Pit stop in Croydon, where gold rush relics, kangaroo sculptures and a small-but-mighty visitors centre reveal big history in a little town.
- Ride the Gulflander from Normanton, a railmotor nicknamed the train “from nowhere to nowhere”. It’s a classic Outback experience through raw, untouched country.
Where to stay: Normanton has a range of accommodation from motels to van parks. Book ahead in peak season.
Only in the Outback: Snap a selfie with Krys the Croc, a life-size replica of the largest saltwater crocodile ever recorded in Australia (yep, caught right here).
Day 5: Normanton to Karumba (approx. 1 hour)
Croc and Crab Tours, Karumba, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
The coast is calling, and Karumba is the perfect reward for making it this far driving Savannah Way.
Right on the Gulf of Carpentaria, at the mouth of the Norman River, Karumba is known as Australia's barra fishing capital. The town is surrounded by wetlands, home to huge salties and a vast array of birdlife including herons, brolgas, jabiru, pelicans, cranes, brolgas and black swans. Just to name a few.
- Go barra fishing on a charter boat
- Tour the Les Wilson Barramundi Centre to learn about barra (and maybe catch a few).
- Hop on Croc and Crab Tours, a mangrove cruise with crab catching, croc spotting and snacks served with a view.
- Stretch your legs at Karumba Point, a beachy lookout ideal for birdwatching and sunset snaps.
Where to eat: Order the barra burger at Ash’s on the Point or settle in for a feast at Sunset Tavern - mud crabs, cold beer, and golden hour over the Gulf.
Where to stay: For camp vibes, Karumba Sunset Caravan Park. For breezy beachfront digs, End of the Road Motel.
Day 6: Karumba to Boodjamulla National Park (not currently open) (approx. 6 hours)
Boodjamulla National Park, Lawn Hill, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Time for a little detour for a mammoth destination: Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park (not currently open). A place that defies words, it's a Queensland treasure that needs to be seen to be believed.
- Canoe Lawn Hill Gorge, where emerald-green waters slice through towering sandstone. Paddle past lilies, fish, and ancient rock walls.
- Cool off at Indarri Falls, a serene cascade tucked deep within the gorge.
- Hike national park trails to lookouts with never-ending views.
Where to stay: Wugudaji-Adels Grove is the go-to for camping and cabins. The spring-fed creek here is perfect for swimming and relaxing after a dusty drive.
Local tip: This is also the jumping-off point to Riversleigh Fossil Fields, a World Heritage-listed site where you can discover 25-million-year-old remains of ancient mammals.
Plan your visit: Here's our three-day itinerary.
Day 7: Boodjamulla National Park to Burketown (approx. 3 hours driving time)
Yagurli Tours, Burketown, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
It's the last official day of driving the Savannah Way, but the Gulf still has plenty of tricks up her sleeve and a few hundred km's to go.
- Grab a bite at Gregory Downs Hotel, a true blue bush pub on the Wills Developmental Road.
- Explore Burketown, where history and fishing go hand in hand.
- Book a tour with Yagurli Tours for stargazing, 4WD adventures, hot air balloon rides or fishing charters led by Gangalidda Guides with deep cultural roots in the region.
- Check out Leichhardt Falls, a unique plunge waterfall on the Leichhardt River.
Where to stay: Burketown has motels and campgrounds, and is a great place to wind down the week.
Local tip: If you’re here between late September and early November, set your alarm early for the Morning Glory - rare, rolling clouds that stretch across the dawn sky. They’re fast, fleeting, and totally unforgettable.
Got a little more time up your sleeve? Here's how to take things easy along Savannah Way for two weeks.
Bringing the whole crew? Get these ideas to tackle the trip with kids.
Hit the road on these epic drives
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