10 Day Darwin to Cairns 4WD 2024 DT10DC

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

10-Day Darwin Gulf Savannah Cairns Tours

This 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.

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 Darwin Gulf Savannah Cairns 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
  • Transfers from and to your accommodation
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • 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. 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.

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 Darwin Gulf Savannah Cairns Tours

    Day 1: Darwin to Batchelor
    Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Batchelor (Ensuite).

    We begin our tour departing Darwin from your Hotel, passing through the towns of Palmerston and Noonamah. We stop at Berry Springs (crystal clear warm springs) and Tumbling Waters (named after the rapids where gold was discovered) before venturing into Litchfield National Park. Covering approximately 1500 square kilometres, Litchfield became a National Park in 1986 and whilst traversing the park, we’ll visit the delightful Tolmer, Florence and Wangi Falls. As our first busy day
    comes to a close, we’ll finish up with a short drive to the small township of Batchelor where we find our overnight accommodation.

    Day 2: Batchelor to Kakadu
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Kakadu (Ensuite)

    Leaving Batchelor, we continue along the Stuart Highway, turning off at Humpty Doo and venturing along the Arnhem Highway. Stopping at Fog Dam – This area is filled with spectacular scenery, pristine wetlands, billabongs, birdlife and wildlife. Lunch at the Bark Hut and then on through to Ubirr Rock Art and Cahills Crossing, which is on the edge of Arnhem Land. Then making our way into Jabiru for the next two nights.

    Day 3: Kakadu
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Kakadu. (ensuite)

    Our two nights stay in Kakadu allows us to visit a variety of significant areas of the National Park. We include visits to:
    The iconic Waterfalls of Kakadu National Park visiting Jim Jim Falls with a moderate bushwalk to access the falls is rewarded with a close up viewing of the Spectacular Cascading Waterfalls. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock Art Site) experience true Arnhem Land with amazing sites including Nourlangie Rock and occupation sites dated in excess of 20,000 years. We explore and view unique aboriginal art & culture, where the art is inspiring, colorful and sacred, from a culture dating back
    more than 45,000 years. Regarded as some of the oldest and finest to be found anywhere in the world recorded on rock walls and inside caves, these occupation sites give a fascinating insight into one of the world’s oldest and most unique cultures in this remote region.
    Optional 60 Minute Sunset Scenic Flight (own cost – organised by guide on tour).

    Day 4: Kakadu to Mataranka
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Mataranka (Ensuite)

    We rise early and head to Yellow Waters where we take the spectacular morning cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong. This is a particularly special time of the day and provides us with the best opportunity to see and experience the wonders of Yellow Waters. Following the Cruise, we have breakfast. After breakfast make our way out of the park, we turn on to the Kakadu Highway heading towards Stuart Highway into Katherine Gorge and Nitmuluk. A special cruise today as we head into the Gorge itself, Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour takes around two hours and explores two sections of this special place. Continuing our journey towards Mataranka, where we arrive late in the afternoon. We make our way over to the thermal Mataranka Spring for a swim – a refreshing way to relax after today’s drive before arrival at our accommodation.

    Day 5: Mataranka to Borroloola
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Borroloola (Ensuite)

    Leaving the tranquility of Mataranka, we head east and away from the Stuart Highway to the old Roper Bar Police Station and Lock Up; this was once where the only crossing was found ‘the Bar’. After departing the Roper River, we pass through the towns of Cox, Limmen Bight and other numerous wet and dry Rivers enroute to Limmen National Park. Within the National Park we visit the phenomenal rock formations of the Southern Lost City. The erosion of the sandstone escarpment here has led to the formation of numerous, large sandstone spires and rounded domes giving it the name ‘Lost City’. Continuing on, we are eventually treated to some luxury in the form of a bitumen road before reaching Borroloola. This small town, located on the McArthur River 50km from the Gulf of Carpentaria, is supported by the mining and fishing industries.

    Day 6: Borroloola to Hells Gate
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hells Gate Roadhouse. (Ensuite)
    Departing Borroloola, you’ll appreciate the size of Australia as we traverse the outback leaving the Northern Territory to cross the border into Queensland and onto Hells Gate and the eerie rock formations found here. In the late 1800s, police stationed at nearby Corinda provided regular escorts for settlers as far as the rocky escarpments of Hell’s Gate, refusing to accompany the travelers past this point because of the fierceness of Aboriginals in the area.
    Optional scenic helicopter flight (own cost – organised by guide on tour).

    Day 7: Hells Gate to Burketown
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Savannah Lodge. (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 Burketown for the night. 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 8: Burketown to Karumba
    Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Karumba. (Ensuite)

    Departing Burketown, we cross the Leichardt River and continue through the huge cattle stations of the Gulf Savannah region to Normanton, on the Norman River. Normanton is home to crocodile statue Krys – Krys was the largest crocodile ever shot in Australia at 8.63metres. Whilst in Normanton we also take a look around the old train station and the ‘Purple Pub’ which is in fact, purple! 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 9: Karumba to Undara/Bedrock
    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    Accommodation: Bedrock Village (Ensuite)

    This morning we depart Normanton and head to the coastal township of Karumba, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, famous for its fishing and industry ports for cattle and zinc mining. We continue through the outback on the Gulf Developmental Road to Croydon and Lake Belmore (Croydon’s water supply). Further on we arrive in Georgetown; here we have an optional stop to view the mineral museum. We travel past Mount Surprise and overnight at Undara.

    Day 10: Undara/Bedrock to Cairns
    Breakfast & Lunch.
    We start today with a guided tour of the infamous Undara Lava Tubes before heading east to Mount Garnet through cattle country and outback scenery. We continue on to Millstream Falls and Ravenshoe township for lunch. Further on is the beautiful then the Tablelands region with its dairy farms, crops, rainforest and greenery – a stark change from the outback regions travelled over the last few days. Heading through World Heritage Rainforest area, before returning to your hotel.

  • 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.
  • Please note that Single Travelers must purchase the optional extra “single supplement” as we don’t offer shared rooms with other single travellers

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

My husband & I had an amazing trip, being the only passengers in a comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser. Our driver, Darryl was fun, efficient, easy-going and went off-road as often as possible to escape the ‘maddening crowds/vans’. Darryl had a wide range of knowledge about the terrain from both an Australian historical and an indigenous significance perspective. We gleaned a taste of geology, local history, agricultural pursuits, Australia during WW11 and prominent wildlife during our 8 day trip. It was impossible not to appreciate the vastness of the Australian countryside as we covered huge distances, witnessing the drought of the Northern Territory and the floods of North Queensland. Such an amazing land of contrasts. We can fully recommend this trip to anyone keen to experience some of the great Australian outback without the need to camp and with an informed guide. Carol