Savannah Way

The Savannah Way is an epic 3,700-kilometre self-drive route that stitches together northern Australia from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland, crossing the Northern Territory's Top End. This is a journey through ancient savannah woodlands, rugged gorges, and vibrant outback towns, offering a raw, off-the-beaten-path adventure for travellers who crave wide-open spaces and genuine encounters with Indigenous culture and wildlife. The route follows the path of the original stock routes and overland telegraph line, and it's best tackled in a sturdy 4WD, though sealed sections connect many key stops.

Highlights & What to See

• Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – Paddle or cruise through a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River, with ancient rock art and swimming holes in the dry season.
• Bitter Springs, Mataranka – Soak in the warm, crystal-clear thermal pools surrounded by palm forest; a perfect midday escape.
• Litchfield National Park – Less crowded than Kakadu, with stunning waterfalls (Florence, Wangi, Tolmer) and magnetic termite mounds – swim at Buley Rockhole.
• Kakadu National Park – Australia’s largest national park, a World Heritage site for both natural and cultural values; see Ubirr rock art, Yellow Water billabong cruises, and Jim Jim Falls.
• Gregory National Park – Dramatic escarpments and Victoria River gorges; hike the Escarpment Walk for panoramic views.
• Timber Creek & Victoria River – Historic cattle station country with river cruises spotting freshwater crocodiles and birdlife.
• Kununurra & Lake Argyle – The Ord River irrigation area; take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) or cruise Lake Argyle’s flooded landscape.
• Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu NP) – Iconic beehive-shaped sandstone domes; accessible by 4WD or scenic flight, with walks in Cathedral Gorge.
• Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater – One of the world’s best-preserved impact craters, a remote detour off the Tanami Road.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the Savannah Way, budget at least two to three weeks for a one-way drive from Broome to Cairns (or vice versa). Most travellers spend 10–14 days on the road, allowing for 2–3 nights at major stops like Kununurra, Katherine, and Kakadu. The best time to travel is the dry season (May to October), when roads are open and temperatures are manageable. A 4WD is essential for many side trips, especially to the Bungle Bungles and Wolfe Creek. Pace yourself – this is about the journey, not just the destinations.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broome – Gateway to the Kimberley, with Cable Beach and the historic pearl-fishing district.
• Darwin – The vibrant capital of the Top End, with markets, museums, and easy access to Litchfield and Kakadu.
• Arnhem Land – Remote Indigenous-owned land with ancient rock art and pristine coastlines; permits required.
• El Questro Wilderness Park – A luxury station stay with gorges, hot springs, and 4WD tracks near Kununurra.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – World Heritage-listed beehive domes; combine with a scenic flight from Kununurra.
• Katherine – The main service town of the region, with the famous Katherine Gorge and hot springs.
• Mataranka – Thermal pools and the historic Elsey Homestead from the novel 'We of the Never Never'.
• Cairns – End point of the route, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Please check official sources for current details.