Savannah Explorer

Travel along the iconic Savannah Way to the Top End as you explore pioneering towns and sprawling national parks. Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria and take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight over the Lost City at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cairns

Today, be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, get to know your fellow guests during a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Woodleigh Station, Millstream Falls, Undara

Travel from Cairns to Woodleigh Station and enjoy lunch amid the surrounds of the Australian bush. Later this afternoon, journey to the beautiful, tiered waterfall of Millstream Falls, the widest single-drop waterfall in Australia. A unique experience awaits tonight at Undara, where you'll stay in restored turn-of-the-century train carriages.

Day 3: Undara, Cobbold Gorge

After a bush breakfast this morning, discover the site of the 190,000-year-old Undara Lava Tubes, a series of underground tunnels formed during a volcanic eruption in the region. Join a savannah guide for a tour of the mysterious caves before enjoying lunch. Later, arrive at Cobbold Gorge.

Signature Experience – Undara Lava Tubes

Embark on the Archway Explorer tour through the mysterious Undara Lava Tubes. Be guided through the mesmerising lava tubes, the result of a volcanic eruption that spewed molten lava down a dry riverbed. The outer layer formed a crust, and when the lava below drained away, a series of long, hollow tubes remained.

Day 4: Cobbold Gorge

An exploration of Cobbold Gorge awaits today, hidden within a rugged sandstone formation. A jewel in the Gulf Savannah, learn about its ancient geological formations. This afternoon, join your guide for a boat cruise and tour. As your boat meanders through the narrow waterways of the gorge, be sure to keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles.

Day 5: Croydon, Karumba

Journey to the historic goldrush town of Croydon and visit the True Blue Interactive Information Centre, home to an array of heritage items and sculptures. Continue to Karumba and end your day with a special Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Karumba Sunset

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise in Karumba and indulge in a selection of local king prawns as you take in the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria. 

Day 6: Karumba, Burketown, Hell's Gate

Depart Karumba and head to Normanton via Camp 119, the monument commemorating the famous explorers Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills' most northerly campsite during their expedition in 1861. Arrive at Leichhardt Falls, a plunge waterfall on the Leichardt River. Take in the natural landscape, and you may even spot a saltwater crocodile in the nearby river. Afterwards, visit Burketown Thermal Springs, hot springs that have been created from a bore drilled into the ground in 1897. Head to Hells gate Roadhouse for tonight's stay.

Day 7: Borroloola, Lorella Springs Wilderness Park

Fly from Hell’s Gate to Borroloola, then continue to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, a sprawling one-million-acre working cattle station. The landscape here is incredibly diverse, ranging from open savannah and dense forest to coastal floodplains, salt flats and mangroves.

Day 8: Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Lost City

Explore the natural surrounds of Lorella Springs Wilderness Park today. Join your guide for a scenic walk through several of the park's trails and perhaps go for a dip in one of the waterholes or thermal springs. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the Lost City. This evening, watch the sunset over the property before enjoying dinner.

Signature Experience – Scenic Flight Over the Lost City

Take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the Lost City, made up of incredible sandstone formations. Said to be more than 500 million years old, the unique formations of the Lost City resemble the ruins of an ancient city, with a maze of narrow alleys. 

Day 9: Lorella Springs Wilderness Park

Today you have a full day to explore the pristine wilderness. Your guide will lead you along bush tracks, as well as swim in the waterholes and relax in the thermal springs.

Day 10: Mataranka, Katherine

On the way to Katherine, visit the idyllic Mataranka Thermal Pool, a natural oasis where the warm, crystal-clear waters are rumoured to possess healing properties for aches and pains. View the springs and enjoy the serene beauty of the Australian outback. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 11: Adelaide River, Litchfield National Park, Darwin

After breakfast this morning, visit the poignant war cemetery at Adelaide River, then continue to the falls at Litchfield National Park, set among a monsoon forest. Enjoy a swim after lunch before returning to Darwin. This evening, toast the end of your journey during a special Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise

See Darwin in a whole new light when you embark on a dinner cruise at sunset, setting off along the harbour for an evening of panoramic views and a delicious buffet feast made with locally sourced produce.

Day 12: Depart Darwin

Your adventure draws to a close after breakfast this morning. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.