Australia’s Savannah Way is an epic road trip running from Cairns through to the border of the Northern Territory. The route spans approximately 3700 kilometres and you’ll need to budget at least two weeks to do the whole thing. You’ll see a little bit of everything en-route from tropical rainforest and turquoise waterfalls to grassy plains, outback towns, and aboriginal rock art.
Choosing the right car
If you don’t already own a car, you’ll need to rent one before your trip. It’s important to locate a reliable car that’s comfortable and gives everyone enough space to stretch out. An SUV can be a great choice for a road trip. SUVs can handle a variety of terrain, which makes off-road driving a breeze. They’re also spacious, comfortable, and easy to drive. Alternatively, a sedan may be the right car for you — they’re comfy, roomy, and make for a quiet and enjoyable drive. Also, remember to plan for a roadside emergency and pack jumper cables, flares, flashlight, jack and lug wrench, and a first aid kit just in case.
Cairns to Undara
Image Source: Queensland
Start your road trip off in Cairns and drive through the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park — you’ll see amazing views, stunning mountains and waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Be sure to drive to the Atherton Tablelands and check out the volcanic geography — you’ll pass beautiful cane fields and mango orchids on the way. You’ll soon reach Undara, which is home to the Undara National Park and the world’s longest lava tube system. You can also camp here overnight.
Undara to Burketown
The next morning, drive out to Cobbold Gorge and take an electric boat tour through the awesome sandstone cliffs — you’ll see birdlife and even freshwater crocodiles. You can then carry on through to Karumba and visit the Sunset Tavern for delectable local seafood. Make time to visit the exceptional Boodjamulla National Park (just south of the Savannah Way) for walking and kayaking opportunities. From here, you can drive to Burketown and stop off at one of the many great bush pubs en-route.
Image Source: Cangoaustralia
Once you reach Burketown, you can visit the charming Copperfield Gorge. In late September to early November, you may even get to witness the Morning Glory: a rare natural phenomenon involving spectacular rolling clouds as far as the eye can see — a truly magical end to your epic road trip.
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