9 day Gulf Savannah Wanderer

9 day Gulf Savannah Wanderer

Highlights

  • Step aboard the Gulflander and Savannahlander trains
  • Explore the Herberton Historic Village
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria
  • Stop at the historic Burke and Wills’ northernmost campsite
  • See the spectacular sandstone escarpments of Cobbold Gorge
  • Visit the world’s longest and largest lava tubes at Undara

Inclusions

  • One way travel on the Savannahlander from Mount Surprise to Forsayth
  • One way travel on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon
  • 1 night 3 star accommodation in Atherton
  • 1 night 3.5 star accommodation in Georgetown
  • 2 night 3 star accommodation in Karumba
  • 1 night 3 star accommodation in Normanton
  • 1 night 3 star accommodation Forsayth or Cobbold Gorge
  • 1 night 3 star accommodation in Cobbold Gorge
  • 1 night 2.5 star accommodation in Undara
  • Meals as specified
  • Herberton Historic Village
  • Karumba Sunset Cruise
  • Cobbold Gorge Cruise
  • Undara Lava Tubes Tour
  • Air-conditioned vehicle​

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to Atherton (L, D)

An early start this morning as you travel up the Kuranda Range to the Atherton Tablelands and on to Herberton. Explore the Historic Village of Herberton. Overnight in Atherton.

​Day 2: Atherton to Georgetown (B, L, D)

This morning, head west on the Kennedy Highway to Mount Surprise, where you’ll enjoy lunch and a snake show. Travel aboard the Savannahlander train as it tracks towards the former copper mining town of Einasleigh. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the pub or visit the sparkling Copperfield Gorge, before the train departs for Forsayth. Transfer from Forsayth to Georgetown for your overnight stay.​

​Day 3: Georgetown to Karumba (B, L, D)

Enjoy morning tea on the shore of Croydon’s Lake Belmore before lunch in Normanton. Established as a Gold Rush port, Normanton is the Gulf Savannah’s largest town. Continue to Karumba for a spectacular Gulf sunset. Stay the next two nights at Karumba Lodge.

​Day 4: Karumba (B, L, D)

After a leisurely breakfast take a cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Spend time at the Barramundi Centre and join a guided Feed-A-Barra tour. Tour the hatchery for an educational, entertaining and engaging experience. This afternoon, head out to Sunset Point for happy hour. The perfect place to enjoy a magnificent Gulf sunset. Tonight's dinner is at Karumba Lodge.​

Day 5: Karumba to Normanton (B, L, D)

After breakfast, visit Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly campsite of the ill-fated expedition of 1860. It’s then on to Normanton for lunch, followed by a visit to the Mutton Hole Wetlands for crocodile and bird watching. Overnight at Normanton.

Day 6: Normanton to Cobbold Gorge (B, L, D)

This morning, depart from Normanton’s famous Victorian architecture railway station. Board the historic Gulflander RM93 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. Peek into pioneering history as you wander through Croydon’s Heritage Precinct. This afternoon, visit Georgetown and Forsayth on the way to Cobbold Gorge. Stay the next two nights at Cobbold Gorge.​

A boat full of travellers making their way up Cobbold Gorge
A couple step onto a train platform from the Savannahlander train
Aerial view of the Barramundi Centre

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​Day 7: Cobbold Gorge (B, L, D)

​Cruise the secluded waterway of Cobbold Gorge and see the spectacular 135 million year old sandstone cliffs. There is ample time to enjoy this beautiful area.

Day 8: Cobbold Gorge to Undara (B, L, D)

Today, travel via Einasleigh and Mount Surprise to the famous Undara Lava Tubes. Enjoy campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to restored antique railway carriages or Pioneer cabins. Overnight at Undara.

Day 9: Undara to Cairns (B, L)

After a bush breakfast, an experienced Savannah Guide will meet you for a tour of the world’s largest, longest and most accessible lava tube system. Continue the scenic drive over the Tropical Tablelands past the Wind Turbines at Ravenshoe, stopping off at the magnificent Curtain Fig Tree, before returning to Cairns where your tour concludes.

(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)​

Departs from Cairns

  • 21 and 28 May 2025
  • 4, 11 and 25 June 2025
  • 2, 9, 16, and 30 July 2025
  • 20 and 27 August 2025
  • 3, 17 and 24 September 2025
  • 1 October 2025

Price

Adult/Senior from $4375* per person twin share​

​Prices from other departure points available, please ask your travel consultant​ for details.​

​​How to book​​

For more information or to book a rail holiday, please contact your local travel agent or call Viva Holidays on 1300 872 835.​​ 

Note: Please note Queensland Rail Travel no longer sells holiday packages. We advise our customers to visit their preferred local travel agent to book your next rail holiday.​​

​* Conditions apply. Valid for travel between 21 May and 1 October 2025. From price is a guide only, subject to change and availability. Price is based on the lowest room category for travel in low season. For full terms and conditions contact your local travel agent or contact Viva Holidays on 1300 872 835.​​​


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