Leichhardt’s Savannah Expedition 2024

Departing Cairns early, we trek west and drive through the scenic Atherton Tablelands. Visit beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls before continuing to Undara Volcanic National Park, which protects the longest lava tube cave system in the world.

Today a local Savannah Guide will take us on a tour through the lava tube cave system. Created when the Undara Volcano erupted over 190,000 years ago, the lava that flowed was enough to fill Sydney Harbour 3 times over. The flows lasted a long time, allowing the outer edge to cool while the interior kept flowing, creating the tubes seen today.

This afternoon we arrive at Undara Experience and check in to our unique accommodation, consisting of restored railway carriages. The lodge has recently been fully renovated and upgraded, with all rooms now featuring private ensuite bathrooms. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the outdoor style restaurant as the outback sunset fades into a clear starlit night. (B,L,D)

This morning we join one of the last great characters of rail travel - The Gulflander. This historic little train takes us on a journey from Normanton to Critters Camp.

Later today we discover the amazing secrets of the mighty barramundi at The Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish! The brand new interactive and state-of-the-art Interpretive Centre provides the history, stories, lifecycle, and habits of these sought-after fish.

This afternoon we enjoy a special Sand Island sunset dinner cruise in the Gulf. Dine on local seafood while watching a sensational gulf sunset. (Includes wine and beer. Alternative meals are available).

Tonight, we enjoy our second night at the End of the Road Motel. (B,L,D)

Note: Gulflander journey may change subject to operating hours.

Today is all about enjoying our visit on the station at Hell’s Gate. Located on Cliffdale Station, Hell’s Gate takes its name from a gap in the escarpment one kilometre south. The activities will include a tour of the station and a scenic helicopter flight to the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria via Eight Mile Creek, where you may see native wildlife. Enjoy some free time this afternoon on your second night on this unique outback station. (B,L,D)

Today, we'll explore Pungalina-Seven Emu Sanctuary and learn about what makes these two properties such important ecological habitats in northern Australia.

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 sanctuary is home to over 40 species of mammals, 190 species of birds and 95 species of frogs and reptiles.

Take a cruise on the Calvert River and experience some rarely seen but truly spectacular scenery. We'll also enjoy an informative ecology tour with trained AWC staff.(B,L,D)

Over the next two days we explore all the wonders of Lorella Springs Wilderness Park including pristine thermal springs.

We'll take part in an exhilarating helicopter flight over the southern ‘Lost City’ and also take a drive out to the area to explore ancient sandstone structures where we will enjoy a ground tour with your guides who'll tell you about the local geology, vegetation and birdlife.

At the end of each day's adventures, join your station hosts at the bar for happy hour and mingle with other likeminded explorers journeying across the Gulf. (B,L,D)

Note: weight restrictions apply for legal and safety reasons on all helicopter flights. All passengers must be weighed prior to boarding the aircraft.

Our travels today take us along one of the most remote sections of Savannah Way. Used extensively by drovers in the 1870’s, thousands of cattle have walked this route on their way from Queensland to the Northern Territory and the Kimberley.

We’ll pass through the dramatic scenery of the Limmen National Park before continuing along the Savannah Way towards Roper Bar.

This afternoon we follow the Roper Highway east and press on to Katherine via Mataranka, arriving late afternoon for our two-night stay at the Knotts Crossing Resort. (B,L,D)

This morning we enjoy a leisurely start before the final stretch of the journey to Darwin. Departing Katherine, we'll pass through Pine Creek and Adelaide River before arriving in the Territory's capital early afternoon. Along the way we'll visit Edith Falls, where you can swim in the paperbark-fringed pool at the base of the waterfall.
After checking in to your harbour view room at the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin (Formerly The Doubletree by Hilton), enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before boarding the Charles Darwin for a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise and celebrate a truly amazing trip! (B,L,D)