9 Day Gulf Savannah Tour

  • Clear Refund Terms
  • No Booking Fees!
Best Available Price From
$4,375 Per Person
Deposit From Only
$1,400 Per Person
Call Us - (07) 4051 1120

Overview

9-Day Gulf Savannah Tour

Gulf Savannah Wanderer

Explore spectacular Gulf Country! Take the Savannahlander Train into cattle country, see historic Normanton, enjoy a Gulf of Carpentaria sunset cruise, and explore Burke & Wills’ infamous Camp #119. Explore Karumba at leisure, enjoy time at Cobbold Gorge, and marvel at the Undara lava tubes. Start and finish in Cairns so you can add some additional nights and enjoy the amazing activities in the area.

Highlights: Herberton Historic Village, Savannahlander Train, Karumba Cruise, Barramundi Centre, Burke & Wills Camp 119, Normanton, Gulflander Train, Croydon, Cobbold Gorge Cruise, Undara Lava Tubes.

Journey:

Departs & Returns to Cairns

Difficulty:

Medium

Group Size:

24

Tour Code:

HERG90

HER Gulf Savannah Tour 9 Day

  • 1 Day 1: DAY 1 CAIRNS - HERBERTON HISTORIC VILLAGE TO 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.

    Stay: Malanda Lodge Motel

  • 2 Day 2: DAY 2 MALANDA - SAVANNANLANDER - Mt SURPRISE TO 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.

    Stay: Latara Motel

  • 3 Day 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.

    Stay: 2 nights, Karumba Lodge, Kurumba

  • 4 Day 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 for an educational, entertaining and engaging experience! This afternoon we head out to Sunset Point for happy hour.

    Stay: Karumba Lodge, Kurumba

  • 5 Day 5: DAY 5 KARUMBA TO 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.

    Stay: Normanton

  • 6 Day 6: DAY 6 NORMANTON - GULFLANDER - 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.

    We board the coach and continue 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 Forsyth. Ensuite bathroom facilities.

    Stay: Cobbold Gorge or Finnigins Rest, Forsyth

  • 7 Day 7: DAY 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.

    Stay: Cobbold Gorge

  • 8 Day 8: DAY 8 COBBOLD GORGE TO UNDARA LAVA TUBES (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 faithfully restored antique railway carriages or Pioneer cabins. Ensuite facilities.

    Stay: Undara Railway Carriages or Pioneer Cabin

  • 9 Day 9: DAY 9 UNDARA TO 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 taken back to selected accommodation.

    Approximate arrival back into Cairns is 5:00pm.

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change

 


Tour Inclusions

  • Highlights
    • Herberton Historic Village
    • Savannahlander Train (Mt Surprise to Einasleigh)
    • Karumba Cruise
    • Barramundi Centre
    • Burke & Wills Camp 119
    • Normanton
    • Gulflander Train (Normanton to Critters Camp)
    • Croydon
    • Cobbold Gorge
    • Undara Lava Tubes
  • Inclusions
    • Meals as Indicated
    • Air-Con 4WD Vehicle
    • All Tours as per Itinerary
    • 8 nights accommodation (ensuite)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.


Tour Pricing

All prices are per person in AUD.

Twin ShareSingle
2025 Season$ 4,375$ 5,275

The operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary & location of accommodation if necessitated. Itineraries are subject to change. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all tours in remote locations.  Medium level of fitness required


Availability

Tour Options  
Other Dates

    Additional Information

    • 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.

      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 or trip cancellation cover. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from NIB 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 processing: Mastercard – 1.20%, Visa – 1.40%, American Express – 1.80%, Diners Card – 2.5%, International Credit Cards – 3%

      Direct Deposit

      Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please call your consultant to confirm bank details, and notify us when your payment has been made

      Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
      Reference: Your Trip Number
      BSB: 062-504 Account: 1### ##68
      Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, 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

      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.
    • 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