12 Day Journey of the Gulf Savannah 2024 OATGULF12

Itinerary

• 1 12 Day Gulf Savannah Journey 2022

  Day 1: Wednesday – Longreach (D)

  Arrive at Longreach by Qantas flight or Spirit of the Outback train where you will be met by your Savannah Guide Operator driver-guide and transferred to your accommodation.

  3 nights Longreach Motor Inn

  Day 2: Thursday – Longreach (B, L, D)

  Explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes. Take your seat at the exciting  Stockman’s Live Show to see amazing horsemanship and the action of a live muster. Witness the traditional Australian Stockman skills that are still used today.

  Late afternoon, unwind on the Drover’s Sunset Cruise with tasty onboard nibbles followed by a two-course table service dinner under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.

  Day 3: Friday – Longreach (B, L, D)

  Receive a warm welcome to Longreach at historic Rosebank Station, originally settled as a sheep and cattle station some 100 years ago. Enjoy morning tea and a chat with the local Outback Aussie Tours owners. 

  Visit the world-class Qantas Founders Museum, eloquently telling the story of the founding of Qantas. View interpretive displays, interactive exhibits, original and replica aircraft, and an impressive collection of genuine artefacts. Enjoy some free time downtown Longreach after lunch.

  This evening, we return to the Qantas Founders Museum for an exclusive dinner surrounded by aviation history, and the entertaining and informative Luminescent Longreach Sound & Light Show, which brings the 100-year story of Qantas to life.

  Day 4: Saturday – Richmond (B, L, D)

  We’ll travel north east via Muttaburra to Hughenden in the Flinders Shire.  While in town we’ll visit the Flinders Discovery Centre, home to Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus.  Continue along the Overlander’s Way to Richmond.

  Overnight Ammonite Inn, Richmond

  Day 5: Sunday – Cloncurry (B, L, D)

  We start the day with a visit to Kronosaurus Korner to see the most complete marine reptile fossils in the world. These fossils are from the Cretaceous Inland Sea that covered a large section of Queensland 100 million years ago.

  From here we head on Overlanders Way calling in at Julia Creek, before continuing our journey through to Cloncurry.

  Arriving in Cloncurry, we visit the Cloncurry Unearthed and John Flynn Place Museum we discover the great Australian story of our Royal Flying Doctor Service, one of the most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world.

  Overnight Gidgee Inn or Oasis Caravan Park Cabins, Cloncurry

  Day 6: Monday – Karumba (B, L, D)

  We drive north along the Burke Developmental Road to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse. You will be travelling through mostly cattle country along this road.  See the contrasting colours of this rugged landscape; the black trunks of the gidgee scrub, golden Mitchell grass, and enormous rust red termite mounds. 

  In Normanton, take a selfie with Krys the life-size statue of the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught. See the Purple Pub and Queensland’s earliest surviving and heritage-listed Burns Philp store. Arrive in Karumba, also known as ‘outback by the sea’, in time cruise the Gulf of Carpentaria to a remote sand island where we’ll toast the sunset and feast on fresh seafood as spectacular twilight hues colour the skies. 

  2 nights End of the Road Motel, Karumba

  Day 7: Tuesday – Karumba (B, L, D)

  Discover the amazing secrets of the mighty barramundi at The Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish.  Your tour of this state of the art Interpretive Centre includes the opportunity to feed a barramundi.  Enjoy free time after lunch to explore the town or to simply relax and take in this beautiful location.  Late afternoon, we’ll enjoy another Karumba sunset before dinner.

  Day 8: Wednesday – Cobbold Gorge (B, L, D)

  Travel to Normanton for a nostalgic rail journey on the famous Gulflander, affectionately called the ‘Tin Hare’. Visit the historic gold mining townships of Croydon and Georgetown. See the impressive mineral collection display at the TerrEstrial Centre. Arrive at the hidden outback oasis Cobbold Gorge in time for sunset drinks overlooking the stunning infinity pool!  

  2 nights Cobbold Gorge Resort

  Day 9: Thursday – Cobbold Gorge (B, L, D)

  Enjoy a tour of the magnificent sandstone gorge on this privately owned cattle station. The gorge is stocked with a variety of native fish and freshwater crocodiles. On a guided cruise, you’ll glide silently between towering cliffs in a specially designed, electric-powered punt. Join an optional walk to the top of the escarpment for awesome views of the gorge below from the glass bridge!

  Day 10: Friday – Mount Surprise (B, L, D)

  Enjoy smoko at the Einasleigh pub with its quirky miniature furniture collection and see the impressive rock formations of Copperfield Gorge. We take a scenic drive to Mount Surprise before heading on to the Undara Experience. This afternoon we join a guided tour of the incredible Undara Lava Tubes, part of the world’s longest lava flows from a single volcanic crater. Enjoy learning about the geological and historical features pointed out and explained by your Savannah Tour Guide.  

  Overnight Undara Experience, Mount Surprise

  Day 11: Saturday – Cairns (B, L, D)

  Travel through contrasting landscapes and Forty Mile Scrub National Park to Woodleigh Station. Take a tour through the original homestead built in 1876 and learn how hard life was for Queensland’s early settlers. Relax with lunch in view of their giant 100-year-old bougainvillea and take a stroll around their expansive gardens.

  Travel the Kennedy Highway to the lush Atherton Tablelands and Dimbulah. We’ll pass through Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland at 920m above sea level and the bustling township of Atherton. Next we board the Savannahlander in Dimbulah for a unique outback rail experience on this classic 1960s ‘silver-bullet’ railmotor. Enjoy Happy Hour and spectacular views on the descent into Cairns.   

  Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns

  Day 12: Sunday – Cairns (B)

  Your tour concludes after breakfast. Own transfers to your homeward-bound connections.

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change

Flight Information
Day prior – Flights to arrive anytime into Cairns Airport
Day 12 – We recommend guests to fly out the day after the tour returns to Cairns, as the tour may be delayed getting back to Cairns, due to roadworks etc.
**Flights are not included in the holiday price.

Additional Information

WHAT IS INCLUDED: All fares include meals as per itinerary code: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner. All accommodation costs and entrance fees as per itinerary.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Accommodation, meals, transfers and fares en route from home cities. Meals, unless specifically mentioned on day to day itinerary, any personal items such as drinks, newspapers, telephone, laundry, souvenirs, personal and holiday insurance. Fuel tax levy may apply.

FITNESS TO TRAVEL: Tours include short and long distance walks with varying degree of difficulty from moderate to challenging, and often over uneven ground or including steps. For safety and enjoyment passengers should be in good physical condition to participate in all tours.

Passengers need to be aware of the high temperatures which may be experienced in the outback. Medical Equipment: Please note that in some remote Outback locations electric power may not be available 24 hours per day. Passengers are advised to bring adequate medication (and spare prescriptions for essential medication) for remote travel and emergencies.

• Low level of fitness – minimal walking with some wheelchair/wheelie-walker accessible facilities; please note a Carer is required should guests have mobility concerns with any facilities on tour or boarding the coach.
• Medium level of fitness – guests have no mobility concerns and they have declared any pre-existing injuries which may affect their participation. Please note tours include leisurely walks that can be in excess of 1.5km. Not suitable for guests needing wheelie walkers or wheelchairs.

There are no restrictions for travel for this tour based on your COVID Vaccination status. Please check Queensland border restrictions for travel in relation to COVID.

HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL: Modern air-conditioned 4WD tour vehicles with comfortable forward facing seats, PA system, and contact with Royal Flying Doctors for your safety and peace of mind. Satellite phone all vehicles.

CLOTHING AND WHAT TO BRING: Casual gear is a must. You will need minimal changes of clothing. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, bathers, bath towel, a pair of rubber soled shoes or joggers, a warm jumper or jacket, hat, torch, insect repellent and toiletries. A track suit is most useful, too.

LUGGAGE: Due to Government Workplace Health and Safety Regulations luggage cannot exceed 10kg. Luggage space is VERY LIMITED, so please restrict your luggage to ONE small SOFT travel bag ( 300mm x 300mm x 700 mm) and a small day pack per person. No hard suitcases or bags with wheels please. Any excess luggage can usually be stored at your hotel, or if your post tour accommodation differs, please arrange for your luggage to be transferred to your post tour accommodation.

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 our tours, a handling fee may be charged, but no cancellation fee applies unless within full payment period.

UNUSED TOUR SECTORS: If a passenger fails to join a tour/safari or joins in after departure, or leaves it prior to completion, no refunds can be made. No refunds will be made in respect of any part 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 or damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever or for personal injury, accidents, hospitalisation, illness or medical expenses. Most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their insurance agent and take out adequate travel insurance to cover any event and give full travel protection.

CANCELLATION FEES: Cancellations must be received in writing or by email and cancellation fees will apply to the amount of notice given to the operator.
• Bookings cancelled more than 90 days prior to tour departure – loss of deposit paid.
• Cancellation between 90 and 60 days prior to tour departure – 50% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
• Cancellation between 59 and 31 days prior to tour departure – 75% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
• Cancellation 30 days and less prior to tour departure – 100% cancellation fee of total tour cost.

ACCOMMODATION IN CAIRNS FOR CAPE YORK & GULF SAVANNAH TOURS: Pick up and drop of at the following places in Cairns on tours that include accommodation transfers. The 2 caravan parks have storage facilities available for your car and caravan.
Gulf Savannah 9 day Tours departure points & times
• 6:30AM – Queens Court Hotel
• 6:35AM – Coral Tree Inn
• 6:40AM – Novotel Oasis Resort
• 6:50AM – First City Caravilla Caravan park
• 7:00AM – BIG 4, Cairns Coconut Caravan Park

Cape York 7 day Drive / Fly Tours departure points & times
• 7:00AM – Queens Court Hotel
• 6:55AM – Novotel Oasis Resort
• 6:40AM – First City Caravilla Caravan park
• 6:30AM – BIG 4, Cairns Coconut Caravan Park

Cape York 7 day Fly / Drive Tours departure points & times
• 6:40AM – Queens Court Hotel
• 6:35AM – Novotel Oasis Resort
• 6:20AM – First City Caravilla Caravan park
• 6:10AM – BIG 4, Cairns Coconut Caravan Park
The tours depart from above mentioned accommodation venues at the listed time. Please advise our head office as soon as possible from which location you want to depart from, to enable us to coordinate transfers. Please be ready by the listed time and out the front of the venue. Our head office will send you a text message ONE day prior to the tour departure with confirmation of departure time and location, when applicable. If you do not advise us of the venue, where you want to depart from, we are unable to pick you up. Please refer to individual tour itineraries for accommodation information.

GENERAL CONDITIONS: Due to the nature of the trip, it is not recommended for young children. Minimum numbers apply to all tours for the tour to operate. The operator, reserves the right to alter the itinerary and location of accommodation, if necessitated by weather conditions or by any other unforeseen circumstances prevailing at the time of the trip. The operator also has the right to substitute vehicles or an alternative operator, transport, and carrier. The operator is unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times and is not liable for failure to make connections with other services or for any expenses incurred by the client as a result of weather conditions, mechanical defects, or any other unforeseen cause. If for any reason, the itinerary is altered, no refund is payable by the operator. The operator reserves the right without payment or compensation, and whether before or after commencement of travel, to exclude any passenger, if that passenger may appear likely to endanger the health or safety or impair the comfort of other passengers and may be asked to leave the tours immediately, should he/she commit any illegal act.

LIABILITY: The operator and its employees accept no responsibility for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or 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: Airline involvement in these tours is as air carrier only. Airlines carry no responsibility for statements in this brochure relating to ground content of these tours and the operator indemnifies them against any claim, action, loss, or damage arising therefrom.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance to cover against unforeseen circumstances. Recieve a free no obligation quote online or talk to our staff.

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

What an excellent tour. We were entertained by Kathy and Brett, possibly the best guides I will ever meet. Looking forward to booking another tour. Roy L

I fully recommended this tour. Like a lot of Australian tours this is not cheap BUT you get what you pay for. I choose this tour because it combined three iconic rail journeys. Spirit of the Outback, Gulflander and Savannahlander. It was a great tour to do as they got you to the train, picked you up and moved you on. However all the locations and attractions in between were of brilliant quality and were just as good as the train trips. Our two guides, Brett and Kathy were of the highest quality. Extremely knowledgeable Savannah Guides and very customer focussed. The Gulf and the Savannah locations chosen were of the highest standards and make this tour an absolute highlight tour to add to your bucket list! Trevor M

I have many years experience in conference organizing both in Australia and Overseas. As part of these events I have organized many district tours. I have traveled extensively within Australia and overseas. The recent trip with Outback Aussie Tours was one of the most informative, enjoyable and entertaining tours that I have ever experienced. All meals are included, including some very interesting morning and afternoon tea locations. Great staff and always very helpful. If you want to really see the Australian Outback these are the people who can take you there, in comfort. Barry O