North Queensland Savannah and Gulf Country

Day 1

Home - Cairns - Atherton
Your tour begins with a flight to Cairns, where on arrival, your Coach Captain and Hostess will be waiting to greet you. Once on board, we make our way to The Tablelands to settle in for our overnight stay.

Day 2

Atherton - Georgetown
After breakfast, our journey takes us along the Savannah Way. Upon arrival at Undara Lava Lodge, enjoy a guided tour of the visually spectacular Undara Lava Tubes; the world's largest and longest lava tubes and home to a fascinating array of remnant plants and wildlife. Enjoy lunch in a unique railway carriage setting before travelling on to Georgetown for the next two nights.

Day 3

Georgetown - Forsayth - Georgetown
This morning, visit the unique multi-award winning TerrEstial and the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection in Gorgetown. Travel into the heart of the Gulf Savannah Region and on to the hidden outback oasis of Cobbold Gorge. After lunch take a guided tour which includes a walking visit to pioneer John Corbett's grave, a fresh water crocodile viewing and a boat cruise of the gorge. Glide through the spectacularly sculpted cliffs in almost eerie silence, to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife. Late afternoon, return to Georgetown to freshen up before dinner.

Day 4

Georgetown - Karumba
Today we travel the Savannah Highway to Croydon, just south of the base of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Croydon is a small town with a big history that started with the discovery of gold in 1885. Today it's the eastern terminus for the Gulflander train service. Visit Croydon's True Blue Visitors Centre where you will learn some of the history of this outback area before travelling alongside the railway track following the Gulflander line from Croydon to Normanton. After arriving in Kurumba this afternoon, we board the 'Ferryman Karumba' for a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Karumba has some of Australia's most fantastic sunsets, so be sure to have your camera ready. Return to our accommodation for a later than usual dinner.

Day 5

Barramundi Centre - Gulflander
Karumba, at the mouth of the Norman River in the Gulf Savannah, is the easiest access point for the Gulf of Carpentaria which is why the town is the centre of the Gulf's booming prawn and barramundi industries. This morning, visit The Barramundi Discovery Centre and then travel to Normanton where we'll board the legendary Gulflander Train for a return journey to Critters Camp. Your journey will take you through the old gold territory with a history to match the incredible terrain. After your historic rail journey, return to Karumba to freshen up before dinner.

Day 6

Karumba - Cloncurry
Depart Karumba after breakfast and join the Burke Developmental Road. Rivers, spinifex and extensive cattle runs, spectacular outcrops of rock, roads that go on forever and that seemingly lead to nowhere, are all part of the scenery today. Travel via the Bang Bang Jump Up - an unusual solitary rocky hill formation located in the middle of expansive flat grassland, before stopping at the Burke and Wills Roadhouse, actually located on the route taken by the intrepid explorers Burke and Wills (hence its name). Continue on to Cloncurry where we will stay overnight.

Day 7

Cloncurry - Mount Isa
This morning visit John Flynn Place, which houses a museum commemorating the work of John Flynn and the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service - originally the Aerial Medical Service. Also in the grounds of John Flynn Place is the Fred McKay Art Gallery and the beautiful Cloncurry Gardens. Travelling the Flinders Highway from Cloncurry towards Mount Isa, you will notice a vast difference in the landscape with the unexpected hilly countryside. Described as the 'oasis of the outback', Mount Isa is nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River. The highlight of any visit to Mount Isa is a comprehensive tour of the 'Outback at Isa' complex which also houses the Riversleigh Fossil Display and Isa Experience Gallery. Purchase your own lunch today while visiting the centre.

Day 8

Mount Isa - Home
After enjoying a continental breakfast this morning, it's time to farewell your crew and prepare for your flight home, where on arrival, your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner