Cairns, Port Douglas and Far North Qld
Cairns, Port Douglas and Far North Qld
The Gulf Savannah
Only now are the Gulf Savannah's ancient secrets emerging, giving new significance to its lonely landscape and more reasons to visit this fascinating, dramatic region. Ever since cattlemen and gold miners followed last century's intrepid pioneer explorers, this 186,000 sq. km. area between the Great Dividing Range and the Northern Territory border has typified the romance of the legendary outback of Australian folklore. As a traveller, you'll find enchantment and escape in Savannah grasslands, seasonal wetlands teeming with wildlife, dramatic escarpments, saltpans and discover crocodile-infested rivers which are an adventurous antidote to city life!
The Gulf's small towns and settlements are places to experience the help a mate code of the bush that assists the few residents to endure the region's extremes of isolation, floods and droughts. The code extends to visitors, too - even is you just need a bit of advice over a cold beer!
Today's Savannah explorers are scientists, intently discovering natural wonders dating back to pre-history. The rarest of geological formations and flora and fauna are protected in national parks and professional Savannah Guides are ever present to offer you accurate information on features of interest. Special places not to be missed include the Undara Lava Tubes, formed by a volcanic eruption 190,000 years ago; Forty Mile Scrub - Cobbold Gorge; Tallaroo's hot mineral springs and Lawn Hill Gorge, a rainforest oasis set amidst the parched plains. Lawn Hill National Park encompasses the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, a small section of which is open to the public.
If you have the time, the Gulf is a place to roam at leisure; marvelling at giant anthills, watching birds and animals drinking at lagoons, fishing the coast and rivers, fossicking for gems and exploring abandoned goldfields. There are two memorable train rides through this uniquely picturesque region - the Gulflander and the Savannahlander. For travellers, accommodation, camping grounds, caravan parks, historic hotels, new motels and lodges are scattered through the Gulf.
If you're driving yourself, its advisable to book ahead during peak periods. From Cairns to Darwin, the Gulf is accessible on well developed sealed and unsealed roads and from the south via the Matilda Highway. Drivers are advised to check ahead for road conditions during the summer months as during the Wetsome roads may be closed. If you'd like to have someone else in the driving seat, day and extended tours leave from Cairns and most towns offer excellent local day tours.
