9 Day "Gulf Wanderer" 4WD Safari
The Gulf Savannah ... Taste the outback on this comprehensive six day exploration of the exciting Gulf Savannah region of Northern Queensland. You'll journey through a vast range of landscapes from lush tropical rainforest to semi-arid spinifex ranges and experience some of Queensland's most spectacular natural attractions.
With your Savannah Guide Wilderness Challenge, discover a rich history of Aboriginal culture, of explorers and pioneers, of goldrushes and railways. Come to the Gulf Savannah to capture the emotion and romance, tragedies and triumphs of Australia's amazing outback.
Itinerary
Day 1: Wed (LD) All aboard the "Savannahlander" to Mareeba and beyond. Visit Tyrconnell Historic Gold Mine and a demonstration of its ore-crushing battery. On to Chillagoe, an historic ore-smelting centre, better known today for its marble mining and limestone caves. We take a tour of the caves, legacy of 350 million years old marine reef. Chillagoe tonight.
Day 2: Thu (BLD) Outback adventure on the Burke Development Road in remote cattle country crossing the Walsh and Lynd Rivers, tributaries of the mighty Mitchell which boasts the second highest flow rate of any Australian River. Lunch in this vast landscape provides a “fair dinkum” Aussie day. On to Dorunda cattle station, also a remote Hunting & Fishing Lodge.
Day 3: Fri (BLD) Morning “smoko” on the banks of the tranquil Gilbert River before continuing on to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Barramundi and chips for lunch at Karumba Point at the mouth of the Norman River. A leisurely afternoon before taking a cruise to enjoy a spectacular Gulf sunset. Overnight in Karumba.
Day 4: Sat (BLD) On through Normanton this morning and a poignant visit to Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly campsite of the ill-fated expedition of 1860. Across the "Plains of Promise" to Leichhardt Falls and Burketown. On to Adel’s Grove where we spend two glorious outback nights in permanent tent safari accommodation.
Day 5: Sun (BLD) A relaxed day enjoying Lawn Hill National Park, a spectacular oasis set amid the spinifex clad Constance Range. The gorge is a birdwatcher's paradise and swimming here or paddling a canoe (optional) up the gorge is highly recommended. Return to Adel’s Grove.
Day 6: Mon (BLD) A visit to Riversleigh Fossil Fields (World Heritage listed), a rare treasure house of palaeontology recording the history of Australia's fauna of 20 million years ago. Lunch at Gregory and a short break at remote Burke & Wills Roadhouse before travelling on to Normanton. Here you can absorb its famous landmarks, the “Purple Pub”, historic Burns Philp General Store, a replica of Krys the 8.63m crocodile and its famous Victorian architecture Railway Station, home of the “Gulflander”. Normanton overnight.
Day 7: Tue (BLD) All aboard the historic “Gulflander RM39” train for a ride through the savannah landscape across the Norman River to Critters Camp. On to Black Bull Siding then the old gold mining town of Croydon and its Historic Precinct. Georgetown and Forsayth on our way to Cobbold Gorge where we stay tonight.
Day 8: Wed (BLD) Cruise on Cobbold Gorge's secluded waterway surrounded by 135 million years old Hampstead sandstone. Travel on to the famous Undara Lava Tubes. There’s campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to your accommodation in faithfully restored antique railway carriages.
Day 9: Thu (BL) Breakfast in the bush before a guided tour of the fascinating 190,000 years old lava tubes, a geological spectacle said to be the largest in the world. Visit Queensland’s highest town for lunch before Mt Hypipamee (The Crater) National Park and the unique Curtain Fig Tree. Now we descend to the lush green coastal plain and Cairns ending your adventure in the remarkable Gulf Savannah.
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Costs
Adult (Twin Share)
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Adult (Single)
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$2395
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$2630
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Rate are person and valid 01 Apr 2004 to 31 Mar 2005
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Further Information and Bookings
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