Cape York, East Coast & Outback QLD

Atherton Tablelands - Savannah Way - Cobbold Gorge

Departing Cairns early we trek west and climb through the scenic Atherton Tablelands. Our first stop is at beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls for morning tea before continuing along the Kennedy Highway. Travel through Mount Surprise and Georgetown before arriving at Cobbold Gorge late this afternoon. This geological wonderland is set on Robin Hood Station, home to around 10,000 cattle and 1,284 square kilometres of wilderness. We overnight at Cobbold Village on the banks of the Robertson River. All accommodation has ensuite bathrooms.

Cruise Cobbold Gorge - Gulflander Train - Karumba

This morning enjoy a 2 hour river cruise on Cobbold Gorge. We then trek further west to Croydon and the small siding of Critters Creek where we catch one of the world's last great characters of rail travel - The Gulflander. This historic little train takes us on a journey through to Normanton where we meet up with the coach and continue on to Karumba. Tonight we enjoy a special sunset dinner cruise in the Gulf with Croc and Crab tours. Enjoy freshly caught mud crabs, prawns and fish while watching a sensational gulf sunset. (Includes wine and beer. Alternative meals available). We overnight at the End of the Road Motel, Karumba.

Barramundi Discovery Centre - Lawn Hill National Park

First up today is a visit to the Barramundi Discovery Centre. Discover the mysteries of the infamous barramundi and experience the thrill of feeding these giant fish (if you're game!). Later this morning we depart Karumba and follow the Savannah Way across the gulf to Leichhardt Falls (no swimming). We continue on to Lawn Hill National Park, arriving mid-afternoon to set-up camp at Adel's Grove for the next 2 nights.

Lawn Hill National Park

The name 'Adel' comes from the initials of Albert de Lestang when in 1920 he took up some land, which was once a miner's lease, and transformed it into an experimental Botanical Garden. By 1939 over 1,000 species of exotic native plants, shrubs and trees had being planted supplying the Botanic Gardens of the world with seeds produced by his nursery. In the early 1950's fire swept through the nursery destroying everything including his home and all research that had being carried out over 20 years. Today the Botanic Gardens of Brisbane still holds 536 samples of seeds sent to them by Albert de Lestang.

Today we visit Lawn Hill Gorge where we enjoy a swim or take a canoe through the tranquil and pristine waters of the gorge. We also enjoy a visit to the World Heritage Listed Riversleigh Fossil site, where we enjoy a site walk with an experienced local guide.

We return to camp mid-afternoon.

Savannah Way - AWC'S Pungalina and Seven Emu

This morning we bid farewell to Lawn Hill and continue along the Savannah Way, crossing over the border into the Northern Territory. Not far into the Territory we turnoff and head into the Australia Wildlife Conservancy's (AWC) 'Pungalina' and 'Seven Emu'. Together the two properties cover a combined area of around 305,000 hectares and include coastal monsoon rainforest, tall paper bark forests, palm fringed wetlands, deep gorges and coastal flood plains. The properties are home to over 40 species of mammals, 190 species of birds and 95 species of frogs and reptiles. We arrive at Pungalina late this afternoon and set up camp for the next two nights.

Note: Seven Emu is owned by Mr Frank Shadforth with 110,000 hectares of the property leased to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy for conservation. Pungalina is wholly owned by AWC.

Exploring Pungalina - Helicopter flight - Ecology Tour

Today we spend our time exploring Pungalina and Seven Emu and learn about what makes these two properties such important ecological habitats in northern Australia. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the property and follow the spectacular Calvert River. We also take an informative ecology tour with a trained AWC staff member.

Savannah Way - Borroloola - Cape Crawford

This morning we pack up camp and travel back to the Savannah Way, also known as the 'Great Top Road'. We make our way to Borroloola and then on to Cape Crawford, a good base for exploring the geological formation known as the "Lost City". We arrive at Cape Crawford mid-afternoon and set up camp for the next two nights at the Heartbreak Hotel. Dinner and breakfast for the next two days will be at the hotel.

Lost City Helicopter Flight and Ground Tour

Today we take part in an exhilarating helicopter and ground tour of the "Lost City". Accompanied by a local guide from Cape Crawford Tourism, you will be told about the unique geology of the area that is 1.4 billion years old. You will also visit two Aboriginal art sites where ancient rock art of goannas and food sources can still be seen. The area is only accessible by helicopter and your flight will take you over the Abner Escarpment before landing amongst the enormous sandstone structures of the Lost City. We return to Cape Crawford mid-afternoon.

Bauhinia Downs and Poppy's Pool - Roper Bar

Our travels today take us north along one of the most remote sections of the Savannah Way. Our first stop this morning is at "Poppy's Thermal Pool" located on Bauhinia Downs Station. These superb thermal pools are some of the most untouched, tranquil and peaceful in the Top End. The water has a high mineral content and remains at 27 degrees Celsius year round, making them very therapeutic. The pools are lined by beautiful Pandanus palms and feature a cascading waterfall. As the pools are located on Aboriginal Land, access to the area is very limited.
After a swim and some time to take in the beautiful surrounds of "Poppy's Thermal Pool" we trek on to Roper Bar, travelling through the Limmen National Park. We arrive at the remote village of Roper Bar late afternoon and set up our camp for the night.

Roper River Cruise - Katherine

The Roper River was first explored by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845. By the 1870's the river was lined with paddle steamers bringing in supplies for the men building the Overland Telegraph Line. This morning we enjoy a 1 hour cruise on this remote Pandanus lined river and learn of its incredible history.
Later this morning we depart Roper Bar and head towards Katherine. We arrive late afternoon and spend the night at the Paraway Motel.

Nitmiluk Gorge Boat Cruise - Darwin

This morning we travel out to Nitmiluk National Park, home to Katherine Gorge. Enjoy a 2 hour boat cruise in Katherine River Gorge before departing for Darwin.
Upon arrival into Darwin we check-in to our accommodation, the Mantra Hotel on the Esplanade. Enjoy staying in premium rooms with harbour views. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together and celebrate our trip through some of the most remote country in Australia.

Darwin City Sights Tour - Home Ports

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including the National Museum, Cullen Bay and the Port. You are then transferred to the airport late morning for your flight home.