Savannah Way

The Savannah Way is one of Australia's great adventure drives, a 3,700-kilometre route that carves through the tropical savannah country from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. This epic journey takes you through rugged outback landscapes, ancient gorges, and vibrant frontier towns, offering a raw and authentic taste of the Australian outback. For travellers seeking a self-drive odyssey, the Savannah Way delivers wildlife encounters, Indigenous cultural experiences, and a sense of boundless space that defines the far north.

Highlights & What to See

• Undara Volcanic National Park – Explore one of the world's longest lava tube cave systems, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, with guided tours through eerie, cathedral-like caves.
• Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park – Discover limestone caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, plus Aboriginal rock art galleries that date back thousands of years.
• Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park – Paddle a canoe through emerald-green gorges and spot freshwater crocodiles, birdlife, and ancient cycad palms in this oasis in the Gulf savannah.
• Gulf of Carpentaria – Visit the remote fishing towns of Karumba and Burketown, where you can watch spectacular sunsets over the gulf and try your hand at barramundi fishing.
• Kuranda – A charming hilltop village accessible via the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, known for its markets and Aboriginal cultural performances.
• Cairns Esplanade – Start or end your journey in Cairns, where the vibrant lagoon, waterfront dining, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef provide a perfect bookend to the drive.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers allocate 10 to 14 days to drive the entire Savannah Way, though you can easily spend a week on the Queensland section between Cairns and the Northern Territory border. Break the journey into manageable stages of 3–4 hours of driving daily, with rest days to explore national parks and soak in the outback atmosphere. If you're short on time, focus on the highlights between Cairns and Lawn Hill Gorge for a memorable five-day loop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Atherton Tablelands – Lush volcanic plateaus with crater lakes, waterfalls, and boutique cheese and coffee producers, just a short detour from Cairns.
• Daintree Rainforest – The world's oldest tropical rainforest, where you can walk canopy boards, cruise the Daintree River, and spot cassowaries.
• Great Barrier Reef – Combine your outback drive with a day trip to the reef from Cairns or Port Douglas for a contrast of coral and savannah.
• Normanton – A historic outback town with the famous Purple Pub and the Gulflander train, offering a quirky taste of frontier life.
• Mataranka Thermal Pools – Just across the border in the Northern Territory, these warm, crystal-clear springs are a perfect soak after dusty roads.

Please check official sources for current details.