North Queensland Savannah and Gulf Country

Day 1

Brisbane - Mount Isa
Your flight to Mount Isa will begin your tour through some of our country's most beautiful and untouched wilderness. On arrival, you will be met by our crew before visiting the 'Outback at Isa' complex, which also houses the Riversleigh Fossil display and Isa Experience Gallery; a highlight of any visit to Mount Isa. Later, check into our accommodation before dinner.

Day 2

Mount Isa - Cloncurry
Travelling along the Flinders Highway from Mount Isa towards Cloncurry, you will notice a vast difference in the landscape, including the unexpected hilly countryside. This afternoon, visit John Flynn Place, a museum commemorating the work of John Flynn and the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Also in the grounds of John Flynn Place is the Fred McKay Art Gallery and the beautiful Cloncurry Gardens.

Day 3

Cloncurry - Karumba
Depart Cloncurry after breakfast and join the Burke Developmental Road before stopping at the Burke and Wills Roadhouse, actually located on the route taken by the intrepid explorers Burke and Wills; hence its name. Our journey then takes us via the Bang Bang Jump Up - an unusual solitary rocky hill formation located in the middle of expansive flat grassland. Rivers, spinifex and extensive cattle runs, spectacular outcrops of rock, roads that go on forever and that seemingly lead to nowhere, are all part of the scenery today. Continue on to Karumba where we will settle in for the next two nights.

Day 4

Karumba - Gulflander
This morning will be a slower start to the day as we spend some time exploring. At the mouth of the Norman River in the Gulf Savannah is the easiest access point for the Gulf of Carpentaria. Visit The Barramundi Discovery Centre to uncover the amazing secrets of the mighty Barramundi before heading to Normanton to board the legendary Gulflander train. Your journey will take you through the old gold territory with a history to match the incredible terrain. After your historic rail journey, we venture back to Kurumba. This evening, we'll board the 'Ferryman Karumba' for a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Karumba has some of Australia's most fantastic sunsets, so be sure to have your camera ready. This evening, we will enjoy a later dinner together before a well-earned rest.

Day 5

Karumba - Georgetown
Today we make our way back to Normanton for a cuppa before traversing the Savannah Highway alongside the railway line to Croydon. Situated just south of the base of the Gulf of Carpentaria, this small town has a big history that started with the discovery of gold in 1885. Visit Croydon's True Blue Visitors Centre where you will learn some of the history of this outback area. This afternoon, our journey ventures into the heart of the Gulf Savannah Region and on to the hidden outback oasis of Cobbold Gorge.

Day 6

Georgetown - Forsayth - Georgetown
This morning, visit the unique multi-award winning TerrEstial and the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection before travelling into the heart of the Gulf Savannah Region, to the hidden outback oasis of Cobbold Gorge. After lunch, take a guided tour and cruise through the spectacularly sculpted gorge in almost eerie silence, to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife. Late afternoon, return to Georgetown for dinner.

Day 7

Georgetown - Atherton
We have an early start this morning as we continue our journey eastward. Today's touring takes in some geological wonders, spectacular landscapes and quirky townships. Upon arrival at Undara Lava Lodge, take part in a tour of the spectacular Undara Lava Tubes - the world's largest and longest lava tubes and home to a fascinating array of remnant plants and wildlife. Enjoy lunch in a unique railway carriage setting, before continuing onto the Tablelands, arriving into Atherton for our overnight stay.

Day 8

Atherton - Brisbane
After breakfast, visit the Curtain Fig Tree to explore this unique strangler fig that is estimated to be over 500 years old. The tree is nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres, and has an elevated boardwalk that encircles the tree to allow for uninterrupted views from all angles. Continue on to Yungaburra to see the Avenue of Honour, a living tribute dedicated to the memory of all who served in the fight against terror in Afghanistan, and to those brave and selfless Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom and liberty. We then make our way to Lake Eacham, with its clear blue green waters; a perfect setting for a cuppa. As we make our way down the Gillies Highway into Cairns, take time to reflect on the varied scenery and experiences this tour has had. Enjoy lunch before transferring to Cairns Airport, ready for your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner