4 Day Cairns to Undara & Cobbold Gorge DT4CUC

Itinerary

• 1 4 Day Outback Explorer

  Day 1. CAIRNS TO BEDROCK (Morning Tea, L D)
  After collection from your Cairns Hotel at approximately 7:30am we head for the Outback Savannah country west of Cairns. We make our way up the Gilles Highway and on to the Volcanic Crater, Lake Barrine, for the Tea House’s famous scones with spectacular views over the lake and its’ rim covered by Rainforest. We then make our way through the fertile Atherton Tablelands and its agricultural diversity to Ravenshoe, “Queensland’s Highest town”. After time to explore the Town, we head to nearby Millstream Falls before travelling through the Forty Mile Scrub National Park and on to our destination for the first night, Bedrock Village.
  Accommodation (ensuite)

  Day2. BEDROCK TO UNDARA TO COBBOLD GORGE (B L D)
  Enjoy an early breakfast in the before we depart on our way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. Today is full of excitement as your experienced Guide takes you on an informative tour of the fascinating lava tubes. The outer surface of molten lava solidified leaving these unusual tunnel-like formations, set high in the savannah country around the vast cattle properties. These volcanic lava tubes are said to have been formed around 190,000+ years ago when a staggering 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed into a riverbed and kept flowing for 160km, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano in the whole world. The flow left behind huge caves or tubes with some over 21m wide and up to 10m high. This is genuinely an unforgettable geological tour with diverse and unique flora and fauna.

  Leaving Undara Lava Tubes National Park for Cobbold Gorge we travel on along the Gulf Development Road to Mount Surprise and on to Einasleigh. We call in at this old outback pub for a basic lunch at the Einasleigh Hotel, with some spare time to view the Copperfield Gorge just across the road. Then we continue to Forsayth, the end of the line for the Savannahlander train. Enjoy a drink (own cost) by the bar at this newly refurbished outback Aussie pub before travelling on thru the outback to Cobbold Gorge.

  Staying at Cobbold Gorge Village for two nights, we can star gaze as we sit around the nightly prepared campfire and have a yarn with other travelers. Enjoy meals at MacDonald’s licensed bar and bistro which provide good quality home-style meals accompanied by a good beverage offering.
  Accommodation (ensuite)

  Day 3. COBBOLD GORGE (B L D)
  After enjoying a big breakfast, we then head out on our exploration of the geological wonder we have all travelled to see, the Cobbold Gorge. Enjoy all of the activities on offer in this wild unadulterated countryside. Discover the uniqueness of this amazing gorge with its majestic, polished shear walls on our awe-inspiring boat cruise as we punt quietly along the gorge on our silent boat tour in search of freshwater crocodiles and other native Australian wildlife. Your guide will enlighten you with their local knowledge of the local indigenous tribes, past pioneers, and the current stories of the families that call Robinhood Cattle Station home. Add-on options available include helicopter scenic flights over Robinhood Cattle Station, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking on the lake time permitting, and at added cost if required to yourself. There is a lovely swimming pool, hiking trails and other recreational activities for guests to enjoy at Cobbold Gorge as well as laundry facilities for you to freshen up your clothes.
  Accommodation (ensuite)

  Day 4. COBBOLD GORGE TO CAIRNS (B L)
  After leaving Cobbold Gorge we re-join the Golf Development Road at Georgetown where we visit the Information Centre for an opportunity to take in the districts Gem and Gold Mining, and local history. Gold fossicking is still popular with the major find being the 858g Providence Nugget on display.

  Then on our way back through the Atherton Tablelands, we have time to take in points of interest before heading down the Kuranda Range and back to Cairns. Add on attractions as time permits: Innot Hot Springs, The Crater, Herberton’s Historic Village or Gallos chocolate and cheese. Return to your Cairns City Hotel before 6pm.

• Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary.
• Please read our terms and conditions carefully.
• Departure from Cairns is early – this will be confirmed once pre-accommodation is determined. 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 have recently completed an 8 day tour which left from Cairns and included the Daintree, Cooktown, Karumba, Adele’s and Cobbold Gorge, Undara Volcanic National Park and returning to Cairns. We travelled in a very comfortable 4wd Landcruiser and had a great guide, Darryl with his knowledge and many stories. It took us through the tropical rain forest of the Daintree and across Queensland’s Savannah to Karumba, on the Gulf of Carpentaria and through picturesque gorges and volcanic lava tubes at Undara. Dirt roads and river crossings were regular as well as sightings of the local wildlife. We had a great time and many thanks for organising this for us. Jim

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.