16 Day Gulf Savannah & Cape York Tour HER16GSFD

Itinerary

• 1 DAY 1 CAIRNS – HERBERTON HISTORIC VILLAGE - MALANDA (LD)

  After an early morning departure from the selected accommodation, your holiday begins, travelling up the Kuranda Range to the Atherton Tableland and on to Herberton.

  Today we explore the Historic Village of Herberton, where you can live the folklore and romance of yesterday’s Australia in every piece of this eye-opening collection. Sit in the schoolhouse. Stand at the bar of the pub. Enjoy a latte in the Bakerville Tearooms. The award-winning attraction is more than a vintage precinct – it’s a tangible buzz of things past with over 50 original buildings with intact interior displays, original machinery, and vehicles, plus thousands of antique items and period memorabilia.

  Late afternoon we settle in the Malanda Lodge, situated on 11 acres of manicured tropical gardens. All rooms have ground-level balconies and views to enjoy the tranquillity, or maybe spot their resident platypus family in the large pond. Ensuite Bathroom Facilities

• 2 DAY 2 MALANDA – SAVANNAHLANDER - GEORGETOWN (BLD)

  An early start sees us travelling west on the Kennedy Highway towards Mount Surprise, where we enjoy lunch with a snake show.

  After lunch, you travel aboard the “Savannahlander” train as it tracks towards Einasleigh. There is enough time to have a beer in the pub or head down and check out Copperfield Gorge, before the train departs for Forsayth.

  From here we travel on to Georgetown where we stay overnight. Ensuite Bathroom Facilities.

• 3 DAY 3 GEORGETOWN - KARUMBA (BLD)

  Morning “smoko” on the shore of Croydon’s Lake Belmore before Normanton for lunch. Here you can absorb its famous landmarks, the “Purple Pub”, historic Burns Philp General Store and a replica of Krys, the 8.63m crocodile.

  Continue on to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria, where we enjoy a spectacular Gulf sunset. We stay at the Karumba Lodge for the next 2 nights. Ensuite Bathroom Facilities.

• 4 DAY 4 KARUMBA (BLD)

  After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. This afternoon we spend time at the Barramundi Centre with a guided Feed-A-Barra tour and hand-feeding will take you into the brand-new hatchery of for an educational, entertaining and engaging experience!

  This afternoon we head out to sunset point for happy hour. Dinner at Karumba Lodge. Ensuite bathroom facilities.

• 5 DAY 5 KARUMBA – BURKE & WILLS CAMP 119 – NORMANTON (BLD)

  After breakfast we visit Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly campsite of the ill-fated expedition of 1860 on our way back to Normanton for lunch. This afternoon we visit the Mutton hole Wetlands for croc- and bird watching. We overnight in Normanton. Ensuite bathroom facilities.

• 6 DAY 6 NORMANTON – COBBOLD GORGE (BLD)

  This morning we depart from Normanton’s famous Victorian architecture Railway Station. All aboard the historic “Gulflander RM93” train, a Savannah Guides Site, 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 and its Historic Precinct.

  This afternoon we visit Georgetown and Forsayth on our way to Cobbold Gorge, a Savannah Guides Station. Overnight at Cobbold Gorge or Finnigins Rest at Forsayth. Ensuite bathroom facilities.

• 7 DAYS 7 COBBOLD GORGE (BLD)

  This morning we cruise on Cobbold Gorge’s beautiful and secluded waterway surrounded by spectacular carved Hampstead sandstone, 135 million years old. We have ample time to enjoy this beautiful area. Overnight at Cobbold Gorge. Ensuite bathroom facilities.

• 8 DAYS 8 COBBOLD GORGE – UNDARA (BLD)

  This morning we travel via Einasleigh and Mount Surprise to the famous Undara Lava Tubes, a Savannah Guides Station.  There’s campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to your accommodation in either homestays or carriages. (Carriages cannot be guaranteed). Ensuite facilities.

• 9 DAY 9 UNDARA - CAIRNS (BL)

  After breakfast in the Australian bush, an experienced Savannah Guide will meet you for an informative tour of the world’s largest, longest, and most accessible lava tube system.

  We continue on our scenic and leisurely drive over the Tropical Tablelands past the Wind Turbines at Ravenshoe, stopping off at the magnificent Curtain Fig Tree, before making our way back to Cairns, where you will be dropped off to the Queens Court Hotel.

• 10 DAY 10 CAIRNS – THURSDAY ISLAND – CAPE YORK (D)

  Transfer from the Queens Court Hotel to Cairns Airport for your flight to Horn Island. Transfer by ferry to Thursday Island and on arrival, you will be taken on an informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet.

  This afternoon board your ferry to the mainland, where you will be met by your guide, who will take you to Seisia. Seisia is ideally located for our next few days, being within walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, a famous fishing spot. Our accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park are cottages with ensuite facilities.

• 11 DAY 11 CAPE YORK (BLD)

  An unforgettable day! Stand at the very top of mainland Australia. We then visit Somerset (road conditions permitted), once the home of the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864.

  We have lunch on the palm fringed Anchorage Beach, which overlooks the Albany Passage. A walk on the beach will complete your day before returning to Seisia. Our accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park are cottages with ensuite facilities.

• 12 DAY 12 CAPE YORK – FRUIT BAT FALLS – BRAMWELL STATION (BLD)

  Southward bound, we cross the mighty Jardine River, stopping at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area with its enchanting waterfall. Travelling along part of the Old Telegraph Track, before we make our way to a ‘true blue’ Aussie cattle station, Bramwell Station – ensuite facilities.

• 13 DAY 13 BRAMWELL STATION – WEIPA (BD)

  A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. We head for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Weipa. This afternoon there will be the opportunity of a Wildlife Eco River Cruise (own expense). Your accommodation tonight has ensuite facilities.

• 14 DAY 14 WEIPA – ARCHER RIVER – MUSGRAVE TELEGRAPH STATION (BLD)

  We continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds us arriving at our overnight accommodation at the Old Musgrave Telegraph Station – ensuite facilities.

• 15 DAY 15 MUSGRAVE – LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK – COOKTOWN (BLD)

  After an early start, we head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay where we explore Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted), a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles.

  Travelling on to the old gold port of Cooktown, where we visit Captain Cooks Landing, before settling in to our accommodation in Cooktown – ensuite facilities.

• 16 DAY 16 COOKTOWN – BLOOMFIELD TRACK – CAPE TRIBULATION – CAIRNS (BL)

  The final exciting day has, unfortunately, arrived, but before returning to Cairns, we make our way south passing the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel.

  Traversing the jungle-shrouded Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitted) we see where the ‘rainforest meets the reef’ at Cape Tribulation. We travel through the splendour of a World Heritage-listed rainforest.

  A scenic drive along the Marlin Coast back to Cairns is a perfect way to complete your tour.

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances outside our control. The operator reserves the right to alter itinerary and accommodation if necessitated.

Flight Information
Day prior – flights to arrive anytime into Cairns Airport
Day 16 – 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 are as per the 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.

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. Sat 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 towels, a pair of rubber-soled shoes or joggers, a warm jumper or jacket, a hat, torch, insect repellent, and toiletries.

ACCOMMODATION IN CAIRNS FOR CAPE YORK & GULF SAVANNAH TOURS Pick up and drop off 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.

PICK UP POINT – Times are a guide only, you will be advised of your pick up time depending on tour tour departure.
06:30AM – Top Tourist: 1st City Caravilla Caravan Park, Kelly Street Earlville
06:45AM – Pacific Hotel, 43 Esplanade Cairns
06:50AM – Novotel Oasis Resort, 122 Lake Street Cairns
07:00AM – Queens Court Hotel, 167 Sheridan Street Cairns

DROP OFF POINT
Top Tourist: 1stCity Caravilla Caravan Park, Kelly Street Earlville
Pacific Hotel, 43 Esplanade Cairns
Novotel Oasis Resort, 122 Lake Street Cairns
Queens Court Hotel, 167 Sheridan Street Cairns

Head office will send you a text message ONE day prior to the tour departure confirmation your 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 for your tour.

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 the full payment period.

UNUSED TOUR SECTORS If a passenger fails to join a tour/safari 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 The operator 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.

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, 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 tour that results 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 The Airline’s involvement in these tours is as an air carrier only. Airlines carry no responsibility for statements in this brochure relating to the ground content of these tours and the operator indemnifies them against any claim, action, loss, or damage arising therefrom.

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. 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.

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 Summary:

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.

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 Review

Very enjoyable trip to the Savanah country in FNQ out of Cairns. The guide Mark was excellent and very informative and added much to the experience. The accommodation at Karumba was a let down but Mark made up for this with prawns and bubbles on the beach to watch sundown. Lots of highlights. If you haven’t seen this part of Australia then get on board. Jeff and Ann

This was a marvellous trip from the tip. The driver, Mark, was committed to making this a comfortable, informative and memorable journey. The office staff took my dietary needs into account and assisted us with all aspects of our booking. The ease and fellowship, the accommodation and the planning made this long journey over many terrains so much better than what we could have achieved as ‘off roaders’. Maree P

We had a fantastic trip with John as our guide and driver. John’s commentary and explanation about the geology, flora and fauna of the Gulf land was superb and he also handed out literature regarding the above to read. Meals were great and the accommodations were excellent. We were fortunate enough to have great fellow travellers and the train rides on the Savannahlander and Gulflander were just great with friendly and knowledgeable drivers. Other highlights were the great staff at Adels Grove and the very knowledgeable Kane at Undara lava tubes. Also, a must do trip while these great trains are still in operation. Denis

FAQs

• Are there concession discounts?
  Pensioners (Australia or New Zealand) and Seniors Card holders (Australia) may save with our concession discounts on selected tours. Ask our friendly team which tours you can get a discount on.
• Are your tours suitable for pensioners aged 76 and 84 ?
  Yes, Gulf Savannah tour passengers range from children to adult who are 90 years of age. You are travelling to remote areas where there is very limited medical services so you need to ensure you are health, have all your medications and you have taken out travel insurance in case you need assistance.,
• Do you have any tours on offer during June, July or August ?
  June, July and August are the peak season for Far North Queensland. This is the dry season and most people like to travel north during this time. September is also a great time to visits as there are less tourists and the weather is lovely. There is a lot of wildlife around in September – great for bird watching
• Is accommodation the night after the tour ends included in the price ?
  No, this accommodation will cost extra.
• Is accommodation the night previous to the tour departure included in the price ?
  No, accommodation will be an extra cost.
• Where is the meeting point for the start of tours ?
  The pick up is at the “before tour accommodation” hotel listed in the TRIP NOTES tabs of the specific tour you are looking at. If there is nothing listed please ask one of our helpful team or you will be notified when your tour is confirmed.
• Do I need to arrive before Day 1 of my tour ?

  Please refer to your specific tour and look in the “Trip Notes” information where it may state this: You need to arrive any time the day prior to Day 1. If this is the case we can organise airport pick up and pre tour accommodation on your behalf, this will be an extra cost.

  Other tours start late in the day on Day 1 so you can arrive that morning which will avoid the extra nights accommodation cost.

  Please refer to the “Trip Notes” information for your specific tour which will explain this further.

• How do you calculate the number of days for a tour ?
  If you are doing a 4 day tour commencing on April 8th, the first day of the tour is and includes the 8th, plus 9th, plus 10th plus 11th and the tour ends on April 11.
• Do your tours operate over Christmas and New Year?
  No – most tours in Far North Queensland do not operate during the wet season.
• Are airfares from my home town included in the cost of the tours ?
  Airfares to and from Cairns at the start and finish of your tours are extra.
• Payment Options

  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 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

• Should I buy travel insurance?

  Travel Insurance
  As a valued customer of Gulf Savannah Tours, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. Recieve a free no-obligation quote online or talk to our staff.