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Discover the Savannah Way: Your Essential 17-Day Itinerary
You’ve cruised the Great Ocean Road, traversed Tasmania, blitzed the Birdsville Track… but now it’s time to redefine your off-roading with this iconic Australia trail—the Savannah Way. Spanning around 3,500 kilometres from Cairns to Broome, this journey takes you through some of the most diverse and wondrous landscapes in the country—lush rainforests, vast outback plains, ancient gorges, and remote national parks. Whether you're in a 4WD, towing a caravan, or camping along the way, this essential itinerary will help you make the most of your journey along this ultimate Aussie route.
Day 1–3: Cairns to Undara Lava Tubes (260km)
Start your engines in Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests meet. Take time to explore the Atherton Tablelands, home to waterfalls, crater lakes, and charming country towns. Must-see stops include Millaa Millaa Falls and Lake Eacham.
A few hours west, the landscape shifts dramatically as you enter Undara Volcanic National Park, home to one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. A guided tour of the Undara Lava Tubes is an absolute must, giving you a glimpse into the area’s unique geological history.
Day 4–6: Undara to Normanton & Karumba (450km)
Continuing west, you’ll travel through Georgetown and Croydon, historic gold-mining towns with fascinating heritage sites. Then located on the banks of the Norman River, Normanton is home to the famous ‘Krys the Croc’, a life-size replica of the largest saltwater crocodile ever recorded.
For an unforgettable Gulf sunset, make the short drive to Karumba, a fishing village known for its stunning coastal views and fresh seafood. Try your luck at catching a barramundi—or let someone else do the fishing and simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Day 7–9: Normanton to Lawn Hill (450km)
Leaving the Gulf behind, head inland towards Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, one of Queensland’s most spectacular hidden treasures. This lush oasis, surrounded by rugged outback terrain, offers incredible canoeing, hiking, and swimming opportunities.
Stop along the way at Burketown, known for its Morning Glory Cloud, a rare weather phenomenon where long, rolling clouds can extend up to 1,000 kilometres long and 1–2 kilometres high. When you arrive at Lawn Hill, take a kayak through the emerald-green gorge or hike to the Indarri Falls lookout for breathtaking views.
Day 10–13: Lawn Hill to Katherine (700km)
From here, cross into the Northern Territory and head towards Katherine, passing through remote roadhouses and cattle stations dotted along the way. Stop at Bitter Springs or Mataranka Hot Springs for a relaxing dip in natural thermal pools.
You’ve arrived in Katherine! Now it’s time to explore Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. Take a scenic cruise or kayak through the towering sandstone gorges or embark on a hike to soak in the dramatic landscapes.
Day 14–17: Katherine to Broome (1,050km)
The final stretch takes you through the Kimberley region, a storied land of ancient rock formations, waterfalls, and rich Indigenous culture. Key stops include Lake Argyle, the vast Ord River system, and the stunning Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park.
Finally, arrive in Broome, where the Indian Ocean meets the red sands of the outback. Unwind with a camel ride along Cable Beach at sunset, explore the historic pearling town, or take a day trip to Horizontal Falls.
The Savannah Way is more than just a road trip—it’s a journey through time, culture, and Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. The lucky winner of the current $430K Cars for Cancer draw will be all set to take it on with the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu, an Essential Caravans Cruiser F2-6, plus a HUGE $220K in Gold Bullion. Don’t miss your chance to redefine adventure in YOUR life… secure your tickets today!
