Savannah Way – Kununurra to Cairns

Fly to Kununurra, where you will be met by your Aussie Redback Team. We take in the sights of this magical Kimberley town and visit the diversion dam, Ivanhoe Crossing and the beautiful Mirima National Park– a mini Bungle Bungles. Later we arrive at our accommodation, our home for two nights. (D)

We start the day with a relaxing and informative cruise on the Ord River, spotting crocodiles and birdlife before reaching the dam wall, which holds back the equivalent of 21 Sydney Harbour waters. We’ll visit the historic Durack Homestead then later there’s time to relax around the pool back at our accommodation. Oh, this is the life! (B)

Leaving Kununurra, we travel the Victoria Hwy across to the Northern Territory, passing through open woodland with grass understory and occasional outcrops of rock. We visit the Keep National Park, with its mini Bungle Bungles, and kapok trees with yellow flowers which are common in patches. We see wide flood plains of the Victoria River system.  Then on to Timber Creek in the afternoon, before checking in to our accommodation. (B,D)

The Victoria River Region is south-west of Katherine and is most often visited while travelling between Katherine and the Kimberley region. The area’s colourful scenery features grassy plains, boab trees and majestic gorges and is a must-see, as are the diverse and awe-inspiring inland forms, history, heritage, and abundant wildlife.  We continue to Katherine and take a refreshing dip in the Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal springs are situated on the banks of the Katherine River within the Katherine township and comprise a series of clear pools framed by native vegetation. Later we settle in to our accommodation. (B,D)

This morning, we take an early morning cruise at the Nitmiluk National Park, where you’ll be drawn to the majestic beauty and sheer size of the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge. The colours of the early morning awaken as you emerge into the first gorge. See the mist rising above the smooth water’s surface, hear the wildlife stirring from the night and breathe the crisp clean air – a truly memorable start to the day and a photographer’s dream.  Later we travel to the famous Mataranka thermal pools for a quick dip before heading to Daly Waters, where we enjoy a rip roaring evening! (B)

A later start today as we continue down the Stuart Highway to Newcastle Waters, a historic Station in the Barkly Tablelands. Kerry Packer was once a partner in the station and his son James worked there for a time. Later we continue to Tennant Creek, where we visit the lovely Mary Anne Lake, a hidden gem in the outback, then on to our accommodation. (B,D)

Departing Tennant Creek, we travel the Barkly Highway to the Barkly Homestead. We have a break here and then head to Camooweal over the Queensland border. Here we enjoy the opportunity to explore this wonderful little cattle town in the Queensland Outback, brimming with history and natural wonders. This will also be our outback stop for the evening. (B)

We make our way to Mt Isa and Cloncurry, but not before enjoying a wonderful breakfast on the banks of the Georgina River. Tthe birdlife this morning will excite you – brolgas, jabiru, pelicans and every other kind of birdlife you can imagine! We continue to Mt Isa for lunch and later to Cloncurry where we visit the John Flynn museum and Mary Kathleen Memorial Park . We settle into our accommodation and then enjoy afternoon drinks and nibbles whilst watching the sun go down.  (B,D)

Onwards to Normanton today, stopping at the Burke and Wills Roadhouse for a look at this iconic area of Queensland. We arrive in Normanton early in the afternoon and check out the town, before we travel to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a fish and chips dinner and one of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see. Then to our accommodation. (B,D)

On to Forsayth today and in the afternoon you will experience a wonderful cruise on Cobbold Gorge. This will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip. Cobbold Gorge is Queensland’s youngest gorge in the heart of the outback, with its beginnings some 1700 million years ago! This is a sight to behold! (B)

Today we continue our journey to Mt Surprise, visiting Georgetown on the way. Georgetown is a pleasant, sleepy little town on the Etheridge River which is surrounded by rich beef cattle country and some of the best gemstone areas in Queensland. We also visit the Cumberland Chimney – all that is left of an old gold crushing plant built by Cornish miners. Nearby is an attractive lagoon which was built to collect water for the gold mine. It is a popular watering hole for birds from the surrounding area. (B,D)

We start the day with a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes. The tubes were created when the Undara Volcano erupted over 190,000 years ago, pouring out enough lava to fill Sydney Harbour three times over.  Each tour has been designed to provide the very best experience possible.  In the afternoon we head through to Cairns, with stops on the way. (B)

This morning, we take a very scenic train ride to Kuranda, a village in the rain forest. On the way you will experience the magic of the Barron Falls, as your train meanders through the rain forest and arrives at Kuranda. There will be ample time to explore this wonderful little village. You will also have the opportunity to descend the mountain in the purpose-built cable car, (own expense) where you will be met by your crew. Later in the day there will be free time till our last evening meal together. (B,D)

Before you head back home today, we’ll visit the Cairns Botanical Gardens, (time permitting), a tropical paradise, renowned as one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia.  Later we say our goodbyes after a wonderful tour of the Savannah Way (B)