Savannah Way

At Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park you can swim in crystal-clear water, canoe or take a boat tour through the red sandstone gorge, explore walking trails and camp in the stunning Adele’s Grove. Allow three days but you’ll probably want longer.

At Burketown be sure to catch Yagurli Tours for a multitude of Indigenous experiences from star-gazing with state-of-the-art telescopes to cultural adventures, fishing charters and hot air ballooning.

Say G’day to Krys the Crocodile at Normanton (he is huge!), visit Burke and Wills Camp 119, spot the birds at Mutton Hole Wetlands and watch the Gulflander train roll into town.

Just up the road from Normanton is Karumba, a fisherman’s paradise. Start your day with a fishing charter, visit the barramundi hatchery and end the day with a croc and crab tour on sunset.

Rock on at Croydon by picking up a Queensland fossicking licence and searching for your own fortune in this historic goldmining town. Call into the free Mining Museum for all the local knowledge.

While you’re in the geological mood go fossicking at Agate Creek south of Forsayth. The agates here are world-renowned for their wonderous colours and patterns. You may also find a thunder egg or two.

Take a detour from Georgetown south to the stunning Cobbold Gorge where, if you’re game, you can walk across Australia’s first fully glass bridge. If heights aren’t your thing, be sure to catch the boat cruise along the gorge.

At Undara you will find the oldest Lava Tube systems on Earth! Walk to the bluff for sunrise, take a guided tour of the Tubes, and meet the wildlife on a sunset tour. Don’t miss Undara.

Take a break in thermal waters at either Tallaroo Hot Springs, where guided tours, fishing and mountain biking are all available, or Innot Hot Springs, where you can laze about in a naturally hot creek.

Then cool off in the waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands. Be sure to drive the Waterfall Circuit incorporating Australia’s most photographed falls at Milla Milla, the stunning Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, which flow over lava columns.

Mareeba is the place to stock up on food and drink. Think fresh tropical fruit, mango wines, locally grown coffee, chocolate and home-made ice-cream and sorbet. Throw in national parks, wetlands and more waterfalls and Mareeba is not to be missed.

End (or start) your Savannah Way journey at Cairns and explore the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef with amazing coral formations and kaleidoscopic fish. Take a day tour from Cairns or indulge in an island escape such as on Green Island.