10 Day 4WD Tour Cairns to Darwin 2024 DT10CD

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Total Price from
$7,720 Per Person
Deposit From Only
$700 Per Person
Departs Cairns
Returns Darwin
Difficulty Medium
Group Size 6

10-Day Gulf Savannah Tour (Accommodated)

This 10-day 4WD Cairns to Darwin Tour Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the “Savannah Way” between Darwin and Cairns. This great personalised tour is fully accommodated, and you will travel in a group of no more than 6 people. Enjoy the vibrant colours and scenery of the true outback of Queensland and the Northern Territory along the way.

Why not grab some friends, leave the driving to us, and enjoy this wonderful expedition?

See Atherton Tablelands, Mount Garnet, Undara Lava Tubes, Mount Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Karumba, Normanton, Leichardt River, Burketown, Gregory Downs, Lawn Hill National Park, Hells Gate, Borroloola, Limmen National Park, Southern Lost City, Roper River, Mataranka Springs, Kakadu National Park, including Nourlangie Rock, Yellow Waters Wildlife Cruise, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge & National Park, Batchelor, Litchfield National Park.

Book the 10 Day 4WD Cairns to Darwin tour today!

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Highlights

  • Atherton Tablelands
  • Mount Garnet
  • Undara Lava Tubes
  • Mount Surprise
  • Georgetown
  • Croydon
  • Karumba
  • Normanton
  • Leichardt River
  • Burketown
  • Gregory Downs
  • Lawn Hill National Park
  • Hells Gate
  • Borroloola
  • Limmen National Park
  • Southern Lost City
  • Roper River
  • Mataranka Springs
  • Kakauda National Park, including Nourlangie Rock
  • Yellow Waters Wildlife Cruise
  • Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge & National Park
  • Batchelor
  • Litchfield National Park

Inclusions

  • Small group- offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service
  • Transfers – from and to your accommodation.
  • Interpretation – friendly, knowledgeable guides explain our unique flora and fauna.
  • Modern 4WD vehicle.
  • All meals as stated in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
  • National Park and Site Fees.
  • Attractions as stated in the itinerary.

Tour Pricing

All prices are per person in AUD.

Twin ShareSingle
2024 Season$ 7,720 $ 8,660

This tour departs Cairns on set dates. Maximum of 6 passengers, per vehicle. Please note that Single Travelers must purchase the optional extra “single supplement” as we don’t offer shared rooms with other single travelers.

Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary. The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required. Please read our terms and conditions carefully. Departure and Return times are approximate. We endeavor to room guests with ensuite facilities where available, once full we use shared facilities.

Please note this tour is not suitable for infants.

Prices & Dates

Tour Options  

Itinerary

This tour operates in both directions – Cairns to Darwin & Darwin to Cairns and the itinerary and inclusions for both options are the same, the tour is just conducted in reverse.

  • 1 10 Day Savannah Way Cairns to Darwin Tour Itinerary

    Day 1: Cairns to Undara/Bedrock via the Atherton Tablelands
    Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Bedrock. (ensuite)

    Departing your Cairns accommodation, we start our journey by heading south and ascending the Gillies Range. Venturing on to the Atherton Tablelands, we wind through dairy country to visit Lake Barrine & Millstream Falls, stopping in Ravenshoe township for lunch. Continuing West to Mount Garnet sees us traverse cattle and outback countryside on our way to the infamous Undara Lava Tubes for an afternoon guided tour of these spectacular tubes. Then heading onto Mount Surprise where we overnight at Bedrock.

    Day 2: Undara to Karumba
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Karumba. (ensuite)
    After breakfast we travel across the outback and onto Georgetown. After an optional stop to view the mineral museum, we continue west to Croydon and enjoy lunch at Lake Belmore, Croydon’s water supply. Our next destination is Normanton on the Norman River. Normanton is home to crocodile statue Krys – Krys was the largest crocodile ever shot in Australia at 8.63m. We take an afternoon drive out to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria, famous for its fishing and industry ports for cattle and zinc mining. We finish the day at Karumba and watch the beautiful sunset.

    Day 3: Karumba to Burketown
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Savannah Lodge. (ensuite)

    After a morning look around the old train station, we keep heading west through the huge cattle stations of the Gulf Savannah region and cross the Leichardt River into Burketown. A tiny battler’s town, Burketown had a population of 238 in the 2016 census! The town is situated 30km inland from the Gulf of Carpentaria and named after explorer Robert O’Hara Burke of ‘Burke and Wills’ fame. Enjoy the Gambumanda Sunset Cruise, you can experience the magic of the vivid crimson shades of an outback sunset as you cruise the calm and pristine waters of the Gambumanda (Albert River) aboard our custom vessel. Along with the Dreamtime stories of the Gangalidda people, your guide will share their traditional knowledge and unique insights into the local river system and its diverse range of animals and birdlife.
    Optional stargazing and/or Indigenous Hot Air Balloon ride (own cost – organised by guide on tour).

    Day 4: Burketown to Hells Gate
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hells Gate Roadhouse. (ensuite)
    Enjoy a relaxed late start as we continue following the Savannah Highway, heading through cattle stations, two of the biggest in the Gulf Country. A day of fun exploring with river crossings, ample wildlife and amazing scenery as we make our way into Hells Gate for the night.
    Optional scenic helicopter flight (own cost – organised by guide on tour).

    Day 5: Hells Gate to Borroloola
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Borroloola. (ensuite)
    We leave Queensland and cross the border into the Northern Territory. Visiting parts of the Western Gulf including King Ash Bay which is the mining port. You’ll appreciate the vastness of the area as we stop ‘somewhere in the unknown’ for lunch before journeying to Borroloola. A small mining and fishing township on the McArthur River, 50km from the Gulf of Carpentaria is our stay for the night.

    Day 6: Borroloola to Mataranka
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Mataranka. (ensuite)

    It’s luxury this morning with ten minutes of sealed road before leaving the bitumen to enter Limmen National Park where we visit the phenomenal rock formations of the Southern Lost City. The erosion of the sandstone escarpment has led to the formation of numerous, large sandstone spires and rounded domes giving it the name ‘lost city’. We cross the Limmen Bight, Cox and Towns Rivers and other numerous wet and dry riverbeds before arriving to the Roper River. We continue through to the old Roper Bar Police Station and Lock Up; this was once where the only crossing was found ‘the Bar’. We head west from this point toward the Stuart Highway and to Mataranka where we overnight. You can rejuvenate yourself in the thermal rock pools found here.

    Day 7: Mataranka to Kakadu
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Kakadu. (ensuite)

    After an early start, we continue north with our first stop being Nitmiluk National Park where we take a cruise down the beautiful and rocky, Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge). Nitmiluk is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘cicada dreaming’. From here it’s onto Edith Falls and time for a swim after lunch. The afternoon’s drive takes us through Pine Creek before we head to Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Highway for our next two nights. This area is filled with spectacular scenery, pristine wetlands,,billabongs, birdlife and wildlife. Our two nights stay in Kakadu allows us to visit a variety of significant areas of the National Park.

    Day 8: Kakadu
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Kakadu. (ensuite)

    Today you enjoy an early morning cruise on the famous Yellow Waters, abundant with many species of birds and the mighty saltwater crocodile, followed by a well-deserved breakfast. View the iconic Waterfalls of Kakadu National Park and visit Jim Jim Falls. There is a bushwalk to access the falls is rewarded with a close up viewing of the Spectacular Cascading Waterfalls. Northern Section of the National Park – Ubirr Rock & Cahills Crossing. The Rock is on the edge of Arnhem Land. A climb to the top is rewarded with staggering 360º views over the Nardab floodplains and into Arnhem land.
    Optional 60 Minute Sunset Scenic Flight (own cost – organised by guide on tour).

    Day 9: Kakadu to Batchelor
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Batchelor. (ensuite)

    Today we travel across the floodplains of the South Alligator River and further through Kakadu National Park to Bark Hut at Annaburroo, where we take a short break. From here we head off to the small village of Corroboree before heading off the main road and travel through the Marrakai region crossing the Alligator River and on our way to Batchelor.

    Day 10: Batchelor to Darwin
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

    Visit Tolmer and Florence Falls for morning tea. Travelling further into the park, we head to Wangi Falls where we have lunch. The afternoon sees us tour through Tumbling Waters (named after the rapids where gold was discovered) and on to Berry Springs (crystal clear warm springs) before rejoining the highway. We pass through the towns of Noonamah and Palmerston before arriving into Darwin city late afternoon – this concludes our memorable tour across two states and over 4000 kilometres.

  • Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary.
  • The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required.
  • Please read our terms and conditions carefully.
  • Departure from Cairns or Darwin is at 7am. Arrival is late afternoon. Times are approximate.
  • Please note this tour is not suitable for infants.
  • Luggage is restricted to ONE Soft Bag per passenger (no suitcases), weighing no more than 10kgs + ONE Small Backpack/Day Pack.

Additional Information

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Experienced and passionate guides with local knowledge and experience
  • Modern, comfortable, air conditioned 4WD vehicles
  • Cold water supplied
  • Food as coded on itineraries
  • Where our schedule permits – morning / afternoon tea
  • Overnight stops in motel suites
  • All National Park, site & ferry fees / accommodation costs

Small, luxury tours to exclusive breathtaking locations, carrying a maximum of six (6) people per trip. Guides are passionate and very experienced, utilizing their bush skills and wealth of local knowledge to ensure your trip runs smoothly. As well as being fun and informative, learn about the wonders of the Indigenous culture, flora and fauna, botany, geology and history of our totally amazing continent.

FOOD On our tours we provide you with all meals as coded in the itinerary. There is always plenty of food at mealtimes and we try to cater to individual tastes where we can, by asking you questions on our booking form about food. Continental breakfast daily consists of fruit juice, cereals, tea & coffee, toast and jams. Lunch and dinner will also be provided as indicated per itinerary. Storage for cold drinks and food is provided when travelling.

HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL Small, Late Model, 4WD vehicles with some special modifications; all vehicles have comfortable, forward facing seats and are fully Air Conditioned.

SMOKING As per Government Regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for “smoking breaks” en route.

TRANSFER OF TOUR DATES Should you wish to transfer to another of tour date, a handling fee of $150 may be charged. No cancellation fee will apply unless the tour is changed inside the full payment period; inside this period, changing dates is the same as cancelling your tour and the cancellation fee will be imposed.

UNUSED TOUR SECTORS If a passenger fails to join a tour as booked or joins in after the tour has departed, or departs prior to the completion of the tour, no refund will be made for any portion of the tour including food, excursions, accommodation, etc., that are not used or undertaken.

INSURANCE Tour Operators and/or its agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever, nor for personal injury, accidents, hospitalization, illness or medical expenses. In our experience, most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance agent and take out adequate travel insurance to cover events that may effect your ability to travel (including, but not limited to, health, baggage, loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness or personal liability prior to travel and early return, for example, following the death of a relative). Recieve a free no obligation quote online or talk to our staff.

CLIMATE Winter in the tropical north is the dry season and temperatures will be mild with low humidity. Through the months of September and October, the temperatures become increasingly warmer.

FITNESS Tours have been designed to suit a reasonable level of fitness; the ability to be able to do some walking along nature trails and cope with remoteness is essential. People suffering from lack of tolerance or not of general good health should consult their GP before taking part on these tours. Please Note: Passengers accept that it is their responsibility to ensure that their health is in a state which will allow them to enjoy the tour and successfully complete the activities that the tour offers. If you are unsure, we highly recommend seeking advice from your GP

LIABILITY The operator and its employees accept no responsibility for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or group tours which result in any loss, damage, accident, diversion, or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from all liability in respect of direct or indirect consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability, and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident, failure of machinery or equipment, accommodation, transport, or other services.

AIRLINE INDEMNITY (where applicable) Airline involvement in these tours is as air carrier only. Airlines carry no responsibility for statements in tour itinerary relating to ground content of these tours and the operator indemnifies them against any claim, action, loss, or damage arising there from.

CLOTHING AND WHAT TO BRING Clothing and footwear should be casual, comfortable and suited to tropical conditions.

  • Clothing – shorts, trousers, shirts, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, a jacket and a change of warm clothes in case of inclement weather are advisable.
  • Footwear – some form of fast-drying wet-shoe would prove useful. Personal – sun protection, insect repellent, medications, toiletries, (overseas travellers should bring a suitable adapter).
  • Don’t forget to bring your video or camera along with plenty of film & spare batteries (recharge facilities are available).
  • Money and/or credit card for personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs and optional extras.

LUGGAGE Each passenger is entitled to take one bag (soft sided), 80cm x 30cm x 30cm. (No more than 10kgs as space is very limited) and no suitcases. You may also have a small day bag or pack weighing no more than 4kg, however most guests tend to carry a bottle of water and their cameras only. Baggage over the prescribed limit cannot be carried without prior arrangement.

LUGGAGE CHECKLIST:

  • 1 x soft bag per person, as described above
  • Photo ID
  • Clothing 3 to 4 changes (t-shirts and shorts)
  • Light jacket & long pants
  • 1 x pair of sandals
  • 1 pair of light walking shoes
  • 1 x pair of bathers
  • 1 x beach towel
  • Toiletries
  • Hat, sunglasses
  • Torch
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunblock
  • Camera
  • Small personal water bottle
  • Small daypack

Booking Terms and Conditions

Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions Cancellation Summary:

  • Bookings cancelled more than 61 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 50% of deposit or $400 whichever is greater.
  • Bookings cancelled between 60 and 46 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 25% of tour total.
  • Bookings cancelled between 45 and 31 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 50% of tour total.
  • Bookings cancelled 30 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 100% of tour total.

Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary. The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required. Please read our terms and conditions carefully. Departure and Return times are approximate. We endeavour to room guests with ensuite facilities where available. Once full we use shared facilities. Please note this tour is not suitable for infants or children under 4.

We strongly recommend all intending passengers take out adequate travel insurance to cover events that may effect your ability to travel (including, but not limited to, health, baggage, loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness or personal liability prior to travel and early return, for example, following the death of a relative).

Caravan Park Accommodation – Cairns
There are three Caravan Parks to choose from with limited storage options available at one of these properties. The Caravan Parks usually request a minimum stay of at least 4 nights pre/post tour to store your caravan/car/campervan/motorhome. Storage prices are anywhere from $20-$30 per night. These Caravan Parks are located all around the Cairns region and if applicable to your chosen tour itinerary your 4WD safari vehicle will either pick up or drop off at your chosen Caravan Park. We will provide you with these Caravan Park options once your selected tour booking has been confirmed. Should passengers choose to stay elsewhere, we can advise you which pick-up point is the closest to your chosen accommodation.

Motel Accommodation – Cairns
We work with a local motel located in the Cairns CBD that offers quality, clean, and a range of good value room styles (see below). The room styles and inclusions can include free Wi-Fi, guest laundry, a swimming pool, and maybe luggage storage whilst you are on tour. Pick-up will be at the hotel or nearby. We’re happy to make the booking for you or we will give you the motel details, pick-up times, etc after you have booked your Gulf Savannah Tour. If your tour goes through to Darwin, we can also book accommodation in a similar price range that will be convenient for your trip.

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when the processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: 171 Howick Street Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

Trip Reviews

We just came back from the Cairns to Darwin – Savannah Way tour. This was the best trip ever. The constant change of landscapes and wildlife was amazing. Our guide Darryl is very knowledgeable on any subject and easily communicates at all levels. The flexibility and small groups in a friendly atmosphere make these tours unique and unforgettable. We are booking the next tour! Bozena