Tropical North Queensland
Cairns to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park or Hells Gate
Tropical North Queensland is one of Australia’s most captivating regions, showcasing diverse landscapes from lush coastal rainforests to the wide expanses of the Gulf Savannah. Studded with natural treasures and rich cultural experiences, the Savannah Way route through Tropical North Queensland is truly iconic.
QLD National Parks
- Barron Gorge National Park
- Davies Creek National Park
- Dinden National Park
- Wooroonooran National Park
- Tully Gorge National Park
- Undara Volcanic National Park
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
QLD World Heritage Sites
- Wet Tropics Rainforest
- Riversleigh Fossil Fields
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Cairns
The Savannah Way journey is an epic adventure route that can be traversed west to east or east to west. When beginning the Savannah Way journey in the east, visitors will find themselves first in Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland.
This vibrant city is renowned for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, bustling esplanades, and its proximity to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest.
Cairns and surrounds are home to an abundance of bookable adventure experiences as well as scenic tours such as sunset cruises and diving tours on the reef, rainforest canopy walks and hot air balloon rides over the Atherton Tablelands.
Kuranda & Mareeba — Atherton Tablelands
Tucked away in the cool of the mountains just outside of Cairns, Kuranda offers travellers a true taste of immersive nature. It is surrounded by Wet Tropics World Heritage area and known as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’, with natural attractions such as the spectacular Barron Falls (Din Din) within close proximity.
Kuranda offers a variety of engaging tours and experiences to sample its natural splendour. It’s also an arts and crafts hub with bustling markets and home to several spectacular wildlife sanctuaries.
Nearby, Mareeba is where holidaymakers can discover a myriad of hidden gems including local produce, museums, wildlife, markets, waterfalls, camping, and more. This multicultural town is celebrated for its coffee, tropical fruit production and renowned for its hot air ballooning experiences over the Atherton Tablelands.
Atherton, Yungaburra & Ravenshoe — Atherton Tablelands
Those opting for the route from Mareeba to Ravenshoe will find Yungaburra a charming village along the journey, with various accommodation options available including scenic spots overlooking Lake Tinaroo. Nearby Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are picturesque volcanic crater lakes to explore.
Surrounding Atherton, the Atherton Tablelands is also home to hundreds of majestic incredible waterfalls, creating dramatic backdrops especially during summer and autumn. The Waterfall Circuit is a popular self-drive trail featuring Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, Millaa Millaa Falls, as well as Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls.
Millstream Falls and Tully Falls are top attractions in the Tablelands, on the Atherton Tablelands with Millstream just a five-minute drive from Ravenshoe and Tully Falls located 30 minutes’ drive south.
Stunning boutique accommodation options and luxury resorts can be found studded throughout the Atherton Tablelands, offering exclusive experiences surrounded by nature, tucked away within the rainforest.
Chillagoe — Atherton Tablelands
An alternative route to Atherton and Ravenshoe, Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park beckons travellers seeking a 4WD adventure and impressive geological wonders. Known for its striking limestone caves, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and rich mining history, Chillagoe is accessible by unsealed roads only. It boasts a unique landscape of rugged terrain dotted with spectacular limestone karst formations and offers the chance to explore fascinating cave systems filled with stalactites, stalagmites and fossils that date back millions of years.
Undara
Whether venturing to Chillagoe or Ravenshoe, the forked route reconnects at Undara Volcanic National Park, where a network of awe-inspiring lava tubes awaits exploration. These remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption form Australia’s longest lava tube system. Guided tours through Undara Experience offer a fascinating journey into the underground world, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and more. The 2.5-kilometre Kalkani Crater Walk is one of several trails offering spectacular sunset views over the lava plains, with sunset tours available for booking.
Mount Surprise, Talaroo Hot Springs & Georgetown
Continuing the journey, travellers will pass through Mount Surprise, a tiny historic railway town on the edge of a giant lava flow. Here, visitors might unearth topaz or aquamarine on a fossicking tour. Georgetown, established during the 1869 gold rush, is another highlight, offering charming heritage buildings and spectacular outback scenery.
Located between Mount Surprise and Georgetown, north of the connecting highway, Talaroo Hot Springs is a special stop worth making. The naturally heated hot springs located here are one of Queensland’s extraordinary geological wonders. The First Nations Ewamian people who own and operate Talaroo Hot Springs invite travellers to relax and rejuvenate at the hot springs, dipping their feet in the naturally warm thermal waters surrounded by stunning landscapes. Guided tours provide a rich cultural perspective on this unique environment.
Cobbold Gorge
Cobbold Gorge, Queensland’s youngest gorge, estimated to be about 10,000 years old, is an outback oasis like no other. Rugged sandstone walls soar up to 30 metres on either side, creating dramatic natural scenes. Accessible only by guided tour, this hidden gem offers a range of experiences from walking and helicopter tours to peaceful boat cruises. Active travellers can even explore the gorge on a stand-up paddleboard.
Croydon, Normanton & Karumba — Gulf Savannah & Outback
Croydon, another historic gold-rush town, charms visitors with its well-preserved heritage buildings. Lake Belmore, the largest freshwater lake in the area, offers a tranquil setting for fishing and picnicking. The iconic Gulflander train connects Croydon to Normanton, a town known for its colourful pubs and local character.
Further along the coast, Karumba is where the Norman River meets the Gulf of Carpentaria. This seafood hotspot is perfect for holidaymakers looking to taste wild-caught barramundi and local prawns while watching the sunset over the Gulf.
Water birds including brolga, godwits, sandpipers, and the Australian bustard can be seen at Mutton Hole Wetlands on the way to Karumba. Early morning or sunset cruises are a great way to observe these beautiful birds in the wild.
Burketown — Gulf Savannah & Outback
Burketown, the oldest settlement in the Gulf, offers unique cultural experiences through Yagurli Tours, led by the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples. These tours include fishing charters, sunset cruises along the Albert River, and a remarkable stargazing experience where a Gangalidda Elder explains the significance of the night sky.
As travellers continue towards Burketown, they will journey through grasslands abundant with wildlife. During spring, they may even witness the famous Morning Glory cloud formations rolling across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is a striking landscape of emerald waters, towering sandstone peaks, and ancient fossils within the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. It is located along the alternative Savannah Way route and a fantastic option for those equipped for the journey. The primary route exits Queensland through Hells Gate, a corrugated unsealed road requiring a 4WD.
Boodjamulla National Park is one of Queensland’s most significant geological parks and is sacred Indigenous land. According to the local Waanyi people, the gorge was formed by the Rainbow Serpent (Boodjamulla). With its lush vegetation and serene waterholes, this national park provides a breathtaking finale to the Queensland section of the Savannah Way.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Savannah Way Limited respectfully acknowledges the First Nations people of the Kimberley region, the Northern Territory and Tropical North Queensland, recognising their continuing connections to, and custodianship of, their respective lands and waters.
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to their elders, past, present and emerging. Their rich cultures, deep heritage, and knowledge of the environment are of immense value to Australia and its communities.
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