Savannah Way
The Epic Savannah Way stretches from coast to coast from Broome in the
North West of Western Australia to Cairns in North Eastern Queensland
through the heart of the outback. The Savannah Way is a 3700 kilometre
trek across the top end of Australia and is an excellent length for a 14 day or
90 day adventure across Northern Australia. The route is designed to also
accommodate shorter trips with linkages to many other themed routes like
Matilda, Overlander’s and Explorer’s Highways and has the potential for fly
and drive options.
Savannah Way offers “last frontier” style of tourism with the main attractions and characteristics like: Outback Experiences, dirt and bitumen roads, small towns, camping and caravan accommodation, open spaces Natural Attractions, gorges, waterholes, lakes, rugged landscape, birds, native animals, star gazing Heritage and Culture, Indigenous & European, mining, agriculture, exploration, tourism Adventure, Ultimate camping, outdoors, fishing, hunting, and 4WD fun It’s a journey that will be your lasting memory, so take your time and experience the raw natural beauty of Australia’s top end. Navigate your way across the Top End on this ultimate adventure journey from Cairns on the east coast to the white sands and blue water of Broome in the far north-west. Experience stunning landscapes carved by nature over millions of years and traditional Aboriginal communities and artworks.
Cairns to Undara
Take from Cairns going to Undara via Atherton Tablelands. The Undara Volcanic National Park is one of Australia’s greatest geological wonders, boasting the best preserved and largest lava tubes system on earth. A Savannah Guide Station, Undara Experience, offers a variety of touring options.
Undara Volcanic National Park
The Undara system of volcanoes has some 164 craters. Around 190,000 years ago, the main Undara crater, the highest and most dominant vent, produced a geological phenomenon that is rare and fascinating – The Undara Lava Tubes. The tubes wind through old riverbeds for a distance of 160 km and can be accessed through the Savannah Guide Outstation at the Undara Experience.
Undara to Forsayth – (Cobbold Gorge)
Cobbold Gorge, 55 minutes from Forsayth, is located on a privately owned family cattle property and can only be accessed on a guided tour. Visitors are taken through the narrow, meandering gorge on electrically driven boats. Sheer cliffs, perhaps a crocodile, birds and fish all add to a geological experience created by earthquakes.
Forsayth to Normanton
Around 30km to the south-west of Normanton is Camp 119, Burke and Wills’ most northerly camp. The wetlands between Normanton and nearby Karumba are also excellent for bird watching, particularly just after the summer `wet season.’
Normanton to Hells Gate
The Savannah Way from Normanton to Borroloola is unsealed and suitable only for 4WD vehicles. Just 50 km’s inside the Queensland border, Hell’s Gate Roadhouse is the gateway to the Macassan coast and provides accommodation and a campground. Savannah Way 4WD Hire recommends side-trip from Burketown to Lawn Hill National Park via the township of Gregory as well as the spectacular scenery and wildlife Lawn Hill also has two areas open to view Aboriginal Art. The gorge has a prolific selection of Aboriginal artifacts and tool factories, which can be viewed, but are definitely not to be collected. Adel’s Grove, located adjacent to Lawn Hill National Park features a campground, shop, restaurant and service station.
Hells Gate to Borroloola
Borroloola is a remote fishing community beside the McArthur River in the gulf region of the Northern Territory. It is famed for unique history, characters and excellent fishing. Many visitors use Borroloola as a base for barramundi fishing expeditions. The town is an ideal location to stock up before exploring the gulf region.
Borroloola to Katherine via Roper Bar
On the way to Katherine, make time to visit the small community of Roper Bar, situated on the tidal pandanus-fringed Roper River. About 25km downstream is the wreck of the Young Australian which was used for towing large sailing vessels carrying supplies for the Overland Telegraph Line in 1872. Katherine is a bustling trade town in the heart of the top end. Home to over 10,000 people, highlights include the Springvale Homestead, NT Rare Rocks, the Katherine Museum, Katherine School of the Air and Katherine Springs.
Katherine
Take a day’s rest from driving and visit nearby Katherine Gorge, one of the Territory’s most scenic natural attractions. There are 13 gorges in the system carved out of ochre sandstone and separated by rapids. The Gorge can be explored by cruise boats, canoes, fixed wing and helicopter flights, bushwalking and swimming. Walk for 66km along the Jatbula trail to Edith Falls, cruise the Gorges on a 2,5 or 6 hour cruise, or just have lunch at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. You can finish your top end exploration today by driving north from Katherine to Darwin (316 kilometers, approximately 4 hours’ drive).
Katherine to Timber Creek (Gregory National Park)
Located on the doorstep of Gregory National Park, the township of Timber Creek is a major stopping point between Katherine and Kununurra on the Western Australian border. Local fish are Timber Creek’s biggest draw card and the magnificent Gregory National Park is its backyard. Covering an area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers, Gregory’s awesome landscape is composed of red rimmed escarpment ranges, plunging gorges and intriguing boab trees.
Timber Creek to Kununurra
Kununurra is the eastern gateway to Western Australia’s top end. Nearby Lake Argyle is a massive inland sea that spreads out over an area of 1,000 square kilometers and contains 12 times the water volume of Sydney Harbor.
Kununurra to Turkey Creek (Purnululu National Park)
Purnululu National Park, in the East Kimberley Region of Western Australia, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003, for its outstanding universal natural heritage values. Twenty million years of weathering has produced the eroded sandstone towers and banded beehive structures of the Bungle Bungle Range, the geographic highlight of this National Park. There are camping facilities at Walardi or Kurrajong Camp with both sites having toilets and water. Petrol and supplies are available at nearby Turkey Creek.
Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) National Park
Spend the day exploring Purnululu National Park. For a breath-taking view of the Bungle Bungles take a scenic flight – available from nearby Hall’s Creek.
Fitzroy Crossing to Broome
Broome was once the pearling capital of the world and drew its population from a range of nations whose people came on the promise of pearls and in the hope of making a fortune. Its colorful history has resulted in a multi-cultural feel. Broome is famous for Cable Beach – all 22 kilometers of it. This is undoubtedly one of the world’s most stunning beaches – a white band of sand bordering a brilliant blue ocean.
Turkey Creek to Fitzroy Crossing
Follow the Great North Highway west to Fitzroy Crossing. The town is approximately 114 meters above sea level and is surrounded by vast flood plains of the Fitzroy River. The magnificent Geikie Gorge National Park is 18 kilometers from the town on a sealed road.
National Parks and Camping Sites
National Parks have serviced camp areas, many with onsite rangers, designated powered and unpowered sites, fresh water, toilets and shower facilities. These areas may have restrictions on length of stay and park fees may apply. See the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing website for more information about national park camping sites and fees. There can be huge distances between townships so you may have to camp on private properties or Aboriginal Lands, make sure you obtain permission and permits before entering the area. Some roads are not suitable for towing a caravan and there are camping restrictions in certain areas. Please check road conditions and permit requirements with the local Parks Management before you set off on your journey.
For more travel advice, visit DMR.qld.gov.au
Campabout Oz Camper Hire
Campabout Oz 4WD Hire has a national wide network of agencies which are strategically positioned in close proximity to all famous tourism destination and hot spots, as well as major regional and capital cities throughout Australia so you are never far from a pick up point or friendly service to make your Road trip a memorable one.
Campabout Oz 4WD Hire is renowned for meticulously maintained vehicles and quality service. Our fleet is constantly being updated to ensure you enjoy the best in comfort and safety making it the ideal choice for your next self-drive adventure. 4WD Tourism is one of the best ways to see the sights of Australia and it offers you the freedom & flexibility to discover the outdoors at your own pace. For your Gibb River Road 4WD Hire adventure please contact us on + 61 8 9858 9126 or email us on info@campaboutoz.com.au or visit us at www.campaboutoz.com.au
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