Discover Secrets of the Savannah Way

Last Updated on August 10, 2025 by Felecia at Road Trips Australia

When you journey along the Savannah Way in northern Queensland, you enter a vast open country rich in history and unforgettable natural wonders! This iconic drive takes you via four ancient gorges, while following the footsteps of Dinosaurs and into underground lava tubes created 190 000 million years ago… This article will share an exclusive road trip itinerary loop that showcases the very best of sections of the Savannah Way in Queensland – perfect for the prepared adventurous traveller…ready to discover?

Best time to visit the Savannah Way in Queensland?

The Savannah Way is located in Northern Australia, stretching 3,750km from Cairns in North Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. The best time to visit the Savannah Way is during the winter months, May to September, for mild temperatures and dry weather.

Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Savannah Way, Queensland:

To kick off this epic journey, Townsville or Charters Towers is the perfect entry to this ancient landscape. Follow the Jurassic giants’ footsteps along the Dinosaur Trail at Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden. Continue through expansive grasslands, and be ready to spot fantastic wildlife from emus, Kangaroos, Bustards, and Brolgas. Finish the day watching vivid sunsets over the unobstructed plains…Admire rock formations ascending into the profound erosion of Porcupine Gorge. Witness spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge, Copperfield Gorge, finishing with the expedition into lava tubes.

This road trip itinerary explores the Gulf Savannah through the north Queensland section on some gravel roads and potential water crossings, which are best for 4WD vehicles.

Preparing for Remote Travel Along the Savannah Way:

While the Savannah Way is beautiful, there are long, remote sections between locations. When travelling through remote sections of northern Australia, it is essential to be well prepared. See our top tips for preparing for a remote area journey:

#1 – Check the Weather: Check the weather conditions and road closures before travelling. There may be damaged roads that have not yet been repaired from the previous wet season.

#2 – Reliable Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is mechanically inspected and in good repair with a spare tyre, engine oil and coolant.

#3 – Fuel Stops: Fuel stations and road houses can be a hundred kilometres apart. Top up fuel when it’s available, or carry a fuel jerry can.

#4 – Communication: Mobile phone coverage is limited in remote areas, and having a UHF radio, Starlink, or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for emergencies is beneficial.

# 5 – Offline Navigation App: A reliable offline navigation app or maps is essential for reaching your destination.

#6 – Pack Supplies: Pack sufficient potable water and food supplies, as restock points are limited.

#7 – First Aid: Carry a first aid kit and a basic medications kit.

#8 – Book in Advance: Book key attractions and National Park campgrounds in advance to avoid disappointment in a remote area.

#9 – Watch for Wildlife: Watch for wildlife or livestock on the roads. Large Kangaroos, wild pigs, emus, and livestock can cause significant vehicle damage.

Scenic Itinerary: Savannah Way North Queensland

Day 1 – Charters Towers to Porcupine Gorge (273 km)

From Charters Towers, continue along the Flinders Highway to the Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden, the first section of the Dinosaur Trail! From Hughenden, 64 km away, is the stunning Porcupine Gorge National Park. Take a short walk for breathtaking views of Porcupine Gorge and the Pyramid rock formation.

Day 2 – Julia Creek (325 km)

Continue along the open plains to Richmond, where you can’t go past Kronosaurus Korner as the Dinosaur Trail continues. Learn about the 115-million-year-old marine reptiles and view the unique fossil specimens found locally. Continue to Julia Creek Free Camp by the lagoon, or Julia Creek Caravan Park.

Day 3 – Gregory River (387 km)

From Julia Creek, follow the Bourke & Wills Development Road towards the Bourke & Wills Roadhouse (Four Ways). This leg of the trip is excellent for spotting Brolga, flocks of Budgies, Bustards, Kangaroos, wild pigs, and more. Follow Burketown Road to Gregory Downs. Gregory River Bridge Camping Area on the Gregory River is a beautiful spot to stop for a few nights. Stay off-grid camping for two nights.

Day 5 – Boodjamulla National Park via Riversleigh (169 km)

Follow the road towards Riversleigh Road, and Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill Gorge) from Gregory Downs. (Note: This section of road is gravel and has water crossings) Riversleigh Fossil site is a fascinating stop, showcasing informative fossil information signs, and a scenic walk and lookout over the landscape, which was once an ocean. Continue to camp at Adels Grove or Boodjamulla National Park camping area by Lawn Hill Creek. Explore the stunning Gorges via walking trails or a boat tour. Stay for two nights.

TRAVEL TIP: Be Cautious of Estuarine Crocodiles in North Queensland Waterways

Day 7 – Karumba (513 km)

Continue north to Burketown, proceeding along Normanton Road towards Normanton. Stop for a scenic lunch stop at Leichhardt Falls on the Leichhardt River crossing. Arriving at Normanton, don’t miss the opportunity for pics at the enormous crocodile Krys! The Normanton Library and Visitor Centre is worth a look at before continuing to Kurumba for a fantastic Gulf sunset. Try your luck at fishing in the Norman River mouth or visit the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre. Rest at Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park. Stay two nights.

Day 9 – Cobbold Gorge Village (457 km)

Hit the road again along the Gulf Developmental Road. Take a rest at Lake Belmore in Croydon and perhaps enjoy a coffee from the shop. The open Savannah County now becomes scenic hills as Georgetown and Forsayth get closer. Stop at the relics at Caschafor Park in Forsayth or a cool drink at Goldfields Hotel. Continue through the picturesque landscape to Cobbold Gorge Resort with campgrounds, accommodation, a restaurant, and guided boat tours of the stunning Cobbold Gorge. Stay for two nights.

Day 11 – Undara Lava Tubes (Undara Volcanic National Park – 347 km)

Carry on the journey to Einasleigh, stopping to see Copperfield Gorge. Why not stop into the Einasleigh Hotel opposite the gorge? Continue the journey through the ancient landscape towards Undara Lava Tubes or Undara Volcanic National Park. The Lava Tubes were created 190,000 years ago and are only accessible via a tour; however, Kalkani Crater lookout is free to access. Discovery Resorts Undara offers campgrounds, resort accommodation, a restaurant and tour bookings. Stay for two nights.

Day 13 – Cairns or Townsville:

From Undara, it’s a short drive to the Kennedy Developmental Road, which leads north towards the Atherton Tablelands or south, to Townsville or Charters Towers. If time is on your side, choose your adventure where the road leads next: Perhaps Cape York or explore tropical waterfalls near Townsville?

Uncovering the Savannah Way, Queensland!

So start planning dates for your adventure along the Dinosaur Trail and Savannah Way in north Queensland. This road trip itinerary showcases the best of northern Queensland and Gulf country, from Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden to the impressive Cobbold Gorge and Undara Lava Tubes. Remember to be well prepared when travelling through remote regions of Queensland, with sufficient food, water, fuel, and communication. So get ready to experience scenic ancient history, while making lasting memories on this epic road trip!

Savannah Way Map

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