The Savannah Way - Cairns to Broome Self-Drive Adventure Tour

The Savannah Way is one of Australia's ultimate adventure drives, linking Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with Broome in Western Australia, via the natural wonders of Katherine in the Northern Territory. You will pass through an amazingly diverse and spectacular landscape of wide horizons, ancient gorges, rock pools, hot springs and abundant wildlife.

The most popular time to do this unique drive is the dry season, between April and September. But, summer (December - March) is a prettier and hotter time to experience the wonders of the way, with lush green foliage and clear, full-flowing waterways. One of the challenges of travelling in summer is that some of the main routes may be closed. Alternate routes are available and access is possible throughout the year.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns to Undara Volcanic National Park

Leaving Cairns, drive via Atherton Tableland's Curtain Fig Tree; it's just minutes from Yungaburra, standing 50m tall and spreading to 39m wide at the base, the tree is more than 800 years old and well worth a visit. Pass by Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet and turn west onto The Savannah Way, the official start of your journey. Next stop is Undara Volcanic National Park; one of Australia's greatest geological wonders. The Undara Lava Tubes stand as silent sentinels to our pre-history. Walk in the path of a volcano, sleep in an antique railway carriage and take the Wildlife at Sunset Tour. Overnight.

Day 2 - Undara Volcanic National Park to Karumba

Today drive through the town of Georgetown stopping in Croydon; this historic village contains what is left of a much larger gold mining city of the late 1800s including aerated water factories, gas lamps lighting the streets and town criers. Nearby Lake Belmore is a great place for a refreshing dip. Stretch your legs in Normanton and be amazed by 'Krys the Savannah King'; a life size replica of the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught (8.6 metres). Head to Karumba; situated on the mouth of the Norman River, this is the centre of the Gulf's prawning and fishing industries. Watch the sun sink into the gulf with a beer and tuck into some freshly caught barramundi in the beer garden of the Karumba Sunset Hotel. A million-dollar view at a cheap-as-chips price. Overnight.

Day 3 - Karumba to Adel's Grove via Burketown

Take the Half Day Croc and Crab Tour; spotting crocodiles, lifting crab pots and enjoying a feast of prawns, crab and fresh fruit. Hit the road and pass through Mitchell Grass plains and Spinifex clad ranges on your way towards Burketown. Travel to Adel's Grove, located 10km from the Lawn Hill National Park. Spend some time exploring Lawn Hill Gorge with its 60 metre sheer sandstone walls and crystal clear green water, fringed by lush tropical vegetation and Aboriginal art. Take the Constance Range Walk, 4km return (3 hours), this walk takes in the spectacular, panoramic views surrounding the Constance Range and beyond, it is a fabulous sunset walk. Overnight.

Day 4 - Adel's Grove in Lawn Hill National Park to Kingfisher Camp

Take a tour to the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields; these deposits are among the richest and most extensive in the world, with some dating back to 15 to 25 million years. It includes the first records for many groups of living mammals, such as marsupial moles and feather-tailed possums, and the extinct 'marsupial lion'. Drive approx 4.5 hours to Kingfisher Camp; a scenic camping ground situated on the bank of 5-kilometre water hole in the Nicholson River. Overnight

Day 5 – Kingfisher Camp to Cape Crawford

Today drive to Hell's Gate Roadhouse, now closed but a historic point in the journey as this region boasts one of the world's oldest landscapes including the spectacular eastern escarpments of the Barkly Tablelands and the rugged beauty of the Gulf of Carpentaria's flood plains. Continue through Borroloola onto Cape Crawford; home of the famous Heartbreak Hotel. Despite the first part of its name, Cape Crawford is situated approx 110 kilometres from the ocean and is so named because it is situated at the northern extremity or ‘cape’ of the Abner Ranges. Overnight: Heartbreak Hotel.

Day 6 – Cape Crawford to Katherine

The Abner Ranges are home to The Lost City; which covers an area of about 8 square kms and is dotted with towering sandstone formations. These natural pillars remind many observers of skyscrapers. Take the 15 minute Helicopter Tour to the area and walk through the formations; this is a truly unforgettable journey! On return hit the road and drive to Daly Waters, stop at the Historic Hotel for a refreshing drink then to Mataranka; here unwind in spring-fed thermal pools set amongst palms and tropical woodlands in the Elsey National Park. Drive for another hour to Katherine. Stay 2 nights.

Day 7 – Katherine

Spend the day exploring the Katherine Gorge; the Gorge is located in Nitmiluk National Park and is one of the most spectacular areas in the country, winding 12 km with walls more than 70m high. The 13 wonderful gorges were formed 23 million years ago as torrents of water poured along tiny cracks in the earth. Enjoy the activities on offer; Full Day Canoe Trip, Full Day Walking or a Boat Cruise.

Day 8 - Katherine to Kununurra

Morning Cutta Cutta Caves Guided Tour; these caves are thought to have evolved over 500 million years, and they continue to do so. Explore the tropical limestone caverns via a network of winding passages, the cave’s ceilings sprout stalactites of all shapes and sizes and stalagmites grow from the floor. When ready drive along the spectacular stretch of road to Kununurra; this is the gateway to some of Western Australia's remarkable natural attractions, with sizzling red soil, wide open blue skies and rugged bush scenery, this place will enliven your senses. Take in the sunset at Kelly’s Knob Lookout; at 191m you can enjoy panoramic views to Lake Kununurra, the Sleeping Buddha rock formation and nearby ranges. Stay 2 nights.

Day 9 – Full day Bungles, Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Walk Tour

Board a scenic flight to Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Range. Fly over Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere and Argyle Diamond Mine, which produces one-third of the world’s diamonds. Upon landing, travel by 4WD to the southern side of the Bungle Bungle massif. Here walk into majestic Cathedral Gorge and wander amid the towering orange walls, enjoy a picnic lunch then take the guided walk along the ancient dry bed of Piccaninny Creek and inspect the 350 million year-old orange and black striped beehive domes up close. Learn bush tucker and bush medicine skills from the guide. Fly back to Kununurra and enjoy an evening reflecting on your day

Day 10 – Kununurra to Fitzroy Crossing

Long driving day today, (approx 7 hours) with plenty of sights to enjoy along the way. Stop in Halls Creek; the site of Western Australia’s first gold discovery in 1885, explore ‘China Wall’ which is located just outside of the town. The wall rises from the creek up over the hill, and you can see it in the distance as it winds its way over the rugged landscape for 15 kms. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the shady stream below before exploring this interesting limestone formation, which features a vein of white quartz. Continue on the road to Fitzroy Crossing; set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River this is a true outback town. Overnight.

Days 11-Fitzroy Crossing to Broome

See fresh water crocodiles, all manner of birdlife, and other native animals like dingos and wallabies at Geikie Gorge National Park. The main attraction is the multi-coloured cliffs where the Fitzroy River has cut through fossil reef over millions of years. Take a cruise along the river to see the gorge and wildlife up close, and learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the area. Pack a picnic and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness, or go bushwalking along two dedicated trails. Hit the road and drive approx 5 hours to Broome; with pristine white beaches and amazing sunsets this is the perfect place to reflect on your epic journey. Stay 2 nights

Day 12 – Broome

Explore some of the sights around the area; Gantheaume Point, a rocky headland where 130 million year old dinosaur footprints can be seen when the tide is low. Also Anastasia's Pool, a perfectly round pool that a former lighthouse keeper built by hand for his wife Anastasia to give her hands relief from arthritis. Enjoy relaxing on Cable Beach, it is 22 kms long; this is one of the best beaches to drive along, and find yourself a secluded spot to reflect and relax! Perhaps an evening sunset camel ride will be the perfect finale to this memorable journey. Overnight

Day 13 – Depart Broome

Not enough adventure for you? Do you have more time to explore? There are numerous activities that can be added including 2 or 3 day canoeing expeditions, multiday hikes, rock climbing and abseiling the spectacular sheer cliff faces and camping under star-filled skies. Remember this is your adventure; we are here ready to personalise this itinerary just for you!

Not extreme enough or fancy something different? Enquire here and we put your personal adrenalin filled trip together!

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