
14 Day Cairns And Return
Day 1: Depart Cairns and climb the Kuranda range to Mareeba.
The Mareeba Wetlands is 7 kilometres north
of Mareeba. Travel north to Biboohra, then a further 7 kilometres
on Pickford road to the interpretive centre. Take a tour (bookings
essential) and spend the afternoon enjoying the beauty of this
fascinating place. Overnight at Mareeba.
Day 2: Travel back to Mareeba then on to Dimbulah. Follow
signs to the Tyrconnell Historic Gold Mine. Take a tour (bookings
essential) of the Tyrconnell Mine and get lost in the fascinating
history of this region. Be sure to do the twilight tour of the
old Thornbough Cemetery. Overnight at Tyrconnell.
Day 3: The trip to Karumba can take 6 to 8 hours depending
on the condition of the Savannah Way and Matilda Highway. Overnight in
Karumba.
Day 4: Spend today looking around the township of Karumba
as well as fishing the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Watch
the sun go down over a cold beer and a gourmet meal at the Sunset Tavern. Overnight
in Karumba.
Day 5: Drive the 69 kms over to Normanton and have a
good look around the town. Places of particular interest include
the old town jetty, the Burns Philp store, and the hot artesian bore
at the Normanton Caravan Park and the Gulflander Train. There
are still some fine examples of the early colonial architecture
in some of the buildings in town. Overnight in Normanton.
Day 6: Today you can explore some of the historical sites
outside the town area. These include Burke and Wills last campsite
(camp119), Shady Lagoon and Leichhardt's crossing. Cruise the
Norman River for a spot of fishing or croc spotting with Norman
River Fishing & Cruises, a Savannah Guides Operator. Overnight
in Normanton.
Day 7: Put your vehicle on-board the Gulflander
train and travel to Croydon. Your Savannah Guide will share
the history of Australia's oldest railway and the first train
in Australia to be Savannah Guides accredited. Please contact Normanton Station on 07 4745 1391 for departure times and dates. Bookings essential. Overnight in Croydon.
Day 8: Tour Croydon with your
Savannah Guide and learn the about the history of this old gold
mining town. See how Croydon's mining history is being restored.
After lunch travel out to Lake Belmore for a swim and some bird
watching. Overnight in Croydon.
Day 9: The trip to Cobbold Gorge takes you through Georgetown.
Be sure to have a look around Cumberland, an old brick chimney
and a dam wall was built with hand made mud fired bricks. From
Georgetown you turn south and follow the signs to Forsayth and
Cobbold Gorge. Overnight at the Cobbold
Gorge Savannah Guide Station.
Day 10: The day begins with a half-day tour of Cobbold
Gorge with your Savannah Guide. This tour includes morning tea
and lunch. The afternoon is now free for you to inspect the Forsayth
area. Overnight at the Cobbold Gorge Savannah Guide Station.
Day 11: Today you will be going to Bedrock
Village at Mt. Surprise via Tallaroo Hot Springs. The trip
will take you through the township of Einasleigh and the road
follows the Einasleigh River north for 43 kms. Here you hit the
Savannah Way and you turn left and travel for 9 kms to the turn-off
to Tallaroo Hot Springs. Guided tours of the Tallaroo Hot Springs
are available. Once you have had a swim its back to the Savannah
Way where you turn left and continue to Mount Surprise. Overnight
at the Bedrock Village Savannah Guide Site. (Option to ride Savannahlander
train if day 11 is a Friday)
Day 12: Your day starts with a half-day tour of the fascinating
Mt Surprise area with your Savannah Guide. Included is morning
tea and lunch. After your tour travel the 55kms to Undara
Experience where you can spend the afternoon on one of the
many walking tracks around the lodge and finish off with a refreshing
dip in the pool. The Sunset & Wildlife Tour is also available
for the people who would like to experience the true beauty of
the Tropical Savannahs. Overnight at the Undara Experience Savannah
Guide Station.
Day 13: Start your day with Bush Breakfast at the Ringers
Camp before joining your Savannah Guide for a fascinating tour
of the Undara Lava Tubes. Smoko and lunch are included in your
tour. After your lunch you make your way back to the beautiful
Atherton Tablelands. Visit the many spectacular natural attractions
including waterfalls, the Crater, the Curtain Fig Tree just name
a few. Overnight accommodation of traveller's choice.
Day 14: Today you may continue to explore the Atherton
Tablelands or the coastal country on your way back to Cairns.
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