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Choose your departure
2 departures
Explore one of Australia’s last true frontiers on a journey through Queensland’s remarkable Gulf Savannah!
Spanning 11 days and 1,500km, this dedicated over-60s tour will travel in style on a purpose-built air-conditioned four wheel-drive tour vehicle specially designed for the outback and built for comfort featuring forward-facing reclining coach style seats, footrests, retractable seatbelts, panoramic view windows and on-board toilet.
From the lush Atherton Tablelands, the tour travels deep into remote savannah country, where wide horizons, gold-rush history and authentic outback hospitality create a vivid sense of place. Uncover a landscape shaped by volcanic forces carved by ancient waterways, experience some of the region’s most iconic natural wonders including a guided walk through the Undara Lava Tubes, and a serene cruise through the spectacular sandstone walls of Cobbold Gorge.
Highlights include the heritage railmotor trains Gulflander and Savannahlander travelling through the Savannah landscapes, visit to historic Normanton, experience a spectacular Gulf of Carpentaria sunset, Burke & Wills’ infamous Camp #119, taking a dip at Talaroo Hot Springs and so much more!
Travelling with a maximum of 24 like-minded passengers, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Gulf Savannah and Outback Queensland at its best.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive in Cairns
Arrive in Cairns at your convenience and check in to the Shangri-La The Marina Cairns from 2pm. In the evening, join fellow travellers for a welcome dinner with a glass of wine, providing the perfect opportunity to meet new friends who share your passion for travel and exploration.Shangri-La The Marina CairnsD - 2
Cairns to Malanda
Rise early for a 7am pick up and travel up the Kuranda Range to the Atherton Tablelands and Herberton. Explore this historic village featuring over 50 original buildings with intact interior displays, original machinery, vehicles, and thousands of antique items and period memorabilia. Experience the schoolhouse, pub, and Bakerville Tearooms. Late afternoon settle into Malanda Lodge, situated on 11 acres of manicured tropical gardens with ground level balconies and views of the resident platypus family in the large pond.Malanda LodgeBLD - 3
Savannahlander & Georgetown
Early start travelling west on the Kennedy Highway towards Mount Surprise for lunch. Travel aboard the "Savannahlander" railmotor train as it tracks towards Einasleigh. Time to enjoy a beer in the pub or visit Copperfield Gorge before the train departs for Forsayth. Continue on to Georgetown for overnight stay.Latara Motel GeorgetownBLD - 4
Georgetown to Karumba
Morning "smoko" on the shore of Croydon's Lake Belmore before Normanton for lunch. Absorb its famous landmarks including the "Purple Pub", historic Burns Philp General Store, and a replica of Krys, the 8.63m crocodile. Continue on to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria to enjoy a spectacular Gulf sunset.Karumba LodgeBLD - 5
Karumba
After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Spend time at the Barramundi Centre with a guided Feed-A-Barra tour and hand-feeding experience in the brand-new hatchery. Head out to sunset point for happy hour. Dinner at Karumba Lodge.Karumba LodgeBLD - 6
Karumba to Normanton
After breakfast visit Burke & Wills Camp, the most northerly campsite of the ill-fated 1860 expedition, on the way back to Normanton for lunch. This afternoon visit the Mutton hole Wetlands for crocodile and bird watching.Normanton Tourist ParkBLD - 7
Normanton to Cobbold Gorge
Depart from Normanton's famous Victorian architecture Railway Station. 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. Continue to Black Bull Siding then the old gold mining town of Croydon and its Historic Precinct. Visit Georgetown and Forsayth on the way to Cobbold Gorge, a Savannah Guides Station.Cobbold GorgeBLD - 8
Cobbold Gorge
This morning cruise on Cobbold Gorge's beautiful and secluded waterway surrounded by spectacular carved Hampstead sandstone, 135 million years old. Ample time to enjoy this beautiful area.Cobbold GorgeBLD - 9
Cobbold Gorge to Undara
Travel via Einasleigh and Mount Surprise to the famous Undara Lava Tubes, a Savannah Guides Station. Campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to accommodation in faithfully restored antique railway carriages or Pioneer cabins.Undara Lava LodgeBLD - 10
Undara to Cairns
After breakfast in the Australian bush, an experienced Savannah Guide will meet you for an informative tour of the world's largest, longest and most accessible lava tube system. Continue on a scenic and leisurely drive over the Tropical Tablelands past the Wind Turbines at Ravenshoe, stopping at the magnificent Curtain Fig Tree, before returning to Cairns for the night. Dinner is not included this evening.Shangri-La The Marina CairnsBL - 11
Depart Cairns
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the hotel and bidding farewell to fellow travellers. Hotel check-out is 11am.B
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Travel by purpose-built air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
- All tours as per itinerary
- Experienced Tour Leader
- Small group experience with maximum 24 guests
- 10 nights accommodation
- 10 breakfasts + 9 lunches + 9 dinners
Highlights Include:
- Herberton Historic Village
- Malanda
- Savannahlander Train
- Kurumba Sunset Cruise
- Burke & Wills Camp # 119
- Gulflander Train
- Normanton, Georgetown, Forsayth, Ravenshoe
- Cobbold Gorge Cruise
- Undara Lava Tube tour
- Talaroo Hot Springs
Not included
- Travel Insurance
- Airfares
- Meals not included in itinerary
- Drinks
Accommodation
On this tour you will enjoy 10 nights accommodation with ensuite bathrooms.
- Shangri La Marina Cairns
- Malanda Lodge
- Latara Motel, Georgetown
- Karumba Lodge
- Normanton Tourist Park, Normanton
- Cobbold Gorge
- Undara Lava Lodge
*Please note that as you will be travelling through remote parts of North Queensland, some accommodation will be basic, however all accommodation used in this itinerary will have private ensuite bathrooms. Accommodation is subject to change by operator.
Common questions about this voyage
To/From Cairns Flight Information
Please ensure when booking flights you arrive and depart as per the below:
- Day 1 – Flights to arrive anytime into Cairns Airport
- Day 11 - Flights to depart anytime tour ends after breakfast
- Airport transfers at own expense
Tour Vehicle Information:
- There are 4 steps to navigate to enter the vehicle with a handrail to assist.
- Passengers can bring a walking stick to assist with the walks, however, the tour is not suitable for passengers who depend on a walker.
- Water is available in the vehicles at all times. An esky is provided for the passengers’ drinks. Any soft drinks, alcohol, fruit juices etc. are at your own expense.
Accommodation Information:
- Undara Lava Lodge has a combination of railway carriages and pioneer huts with ensuite bathroom facilities.
Other Information:
- All breakfasts and dinners are served in accommodation venue restaurants - breakfast: 4 x continental and 4 x cooked while on tour. dinner: 2 course meal consisting of main, dessert, tea or coffee.
- Lunch will be served a suitable stop each day. There are a combination of 5 sit-down lunches and on 4 occasions there is a picnic lunch offering salads and sandwiches, which will be made at the lunch stop.
- As per Government Regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for “smoking breaks” en route.
Fitness Requirements:
- A Moderate level of fitness is required as walks to locations may be on uneven ground and lots of stairs. Boardwalks do have handrails.
- Unsuitable for wheelchairs or "wheelie walkers"
- A Supplier Fitness Form will need to be completed and return prior to travel.
Clothing & What to Bring:
Note: Due to workplace health and safety regulations, luggage cannot exceed 10kg per person.
- Luggage: 1 small soft travel bag or soft suitcase per person (maximum size: 30 x 30 x 70cm, preferably without wheels, not exceeding 10kg)
- Cabin baggage: 1 small daypack per person
- Comfortable, light walking shoes (one pair sandals, one pair runners)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Warm layers in cooler months
- Swimmers & towel (if swimming)
- Toiletries (insect repellent)
- Torch
- Small personal water bottle
Want to avoid the single supplement?
If you're willing to share, we can happily pair you with another solo traveller. Availability of another guest of the same gender willing to share, otherwise a single room rate will apply.
Book this tour
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
- Properties used in the tour are subject to change without notice.
- Minimum numbers required for group to run.
- A non-refundable of $800 per person required within 7 days of booking.
- Cancellation between 100 and 70 days prior to tour departure - 50% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
- Cancellation between 69 and 45 days prior to tour departure - 75% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
- Cancellation 44 days and less prior to tour departure - 100% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
Travel at 60 birthday Sale T&Cs
- Sale valid from 12–25 October 2026. Bookings must be made within the sale period to qualify for the offer.
You might also like
Gulf Savannah Wanderer
- Small group tour departing from Cairns with all train journeys included
- Guided visits to ancient geological sites and pioneering history locations
- Sunset cruise at Karumba with bird watching and wildlife viewing
Gulf Savannah Discovery by 4WD
- Small group tour with maximum of 18 guests
- Guided boat cruise through Cobbold Gorge between sheer rock walls
- Local guide tour through underground Undara Lava Tubes tunnels