When you visit this Northern region of Australia, you will get a feel of the vast open country dotted with exciting and unique places to explore. Did you know four ancient gorges are highlighting this driving holiday while following in the footsteps of Dinosaurs? This article will share an exclusive road trip itinerary loop showcasing what the Savannah Way offers…
When to Visit the Savannah Way?
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 August. This road trip itinerary explores the Gulf Savannah through Northern Queensland.
So kick off this epic journey by following in the footsteps of the Jurassic giants along the Dinosaur Trail. Get close to Dinosaur fossils at Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden, and extend exploration into the early Cretaceous period at Kronosarus Korner in Richmond.
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 Cobbold Gorge…Ready to go?
Follow this Itinerary Through the Savannah Way North Queensland
To ensure you are equipped for a successful journey, please see our meal planning guide and a helpful packing list!
VISIT: Porcupine Gorge National Park, Boodjamulla National Park, Cobbold Gorge.
NOTE: 4×4 vehicle suggested, unsealed roads, and self-sufficient camping.
Length: 12 days
Distance: 2500 kilometres.
From Townsville, continue west towards Charters Towers and progress through open grass plains towards Hughenden on the A6 Flinders Highway and the Dinosaur Trail!
Experience the Dinosaur Trail Hughenden to Julia Creek
Day 1/2 – Pull into Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden to kick off the Dinosaur Trail of Discovery! Visit Porcupine Gorge National Park Lookout north of Hughenden. Take a short walk for breathtaking views of Porcupine Gorge and The Pyramid rock formation—Continue towards Richmond. You can’t go past Kronosaurus Korner as the Dinosaur Trail continues. Time to rest; perhaps Lakeview Caravan Park for some R & R. Stay for one night.
Day 2/3 – Just past 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.
Continue this Savanah Way Itinerary to Stunning Boodjamulla National Park
Day 5 – Follow the unsealed road to Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill Gorge) from Gregory Downs. Camp or stay in accommodation at Adels Grove or camp at Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Boodjamulla National Park. Both locations offer camping by Lawn Hill Creek. Explore the stunning Gorges via walking trails or boat tour. Just 49 km away is Riversleigh Fossil Centre/Australian Fossil Mammal Site, a continuation of the Dinosaur Trail well worth a visit. Stay for three nights.
TRAVEL TIP: Check weather conditions and National Park closures before travelling to remote locations.
TRAVEL TIP: Be Cautious of Estuarine Crocodiles in North Queensland Waterways
Day 8 – Return to Gregory Downs, then north to Burketown. From Burketown, follow Burketown Normanton Road, Savannah Way, towards Normanton. Perhaps a lunch stop at Leichhardt Falls on the Leichhardt River crossing. Arriving at Normanton, stop for pics at The Big Crocodile Krys! The Normanton Library and Visitor Centre is worth a look before continuing to Kurumba for a fantastic Gulf sunset. Rest at Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park. Stay two nights.
Day 10 – Hit the road again along the Gulf Developmental Road—time to rest at Lake Belmore in Croydon and perhaps enjoy a coffee from the shop. The open Savannah County now becomes scenic hills as Forsayth gets closer. You can continue through the picturesque landscape to Cobbold Gorge Resort with campgrounds, accommodation, a restaurant, and guided boat tours of Cobbold Gorge. Stay for two nights.
Day 12 – At Einasleigh, check out Copperfield Gorge and enjoy a drink at the Einasleigh Hotel opposite the gorge. Follow the Gregory Highway to the Lynd Junction. From there, choose your adventure: travel north towards Cairns or south to Townsville.
Please be prepared when you travel in remote areas like the Savannah Way.
- Plan and Prepare: research where you are going.
- Vehicle Readiness: with a well maintained vehicle.
- Safety First: first aid kit and essential medications. Communication device.
- Self-Sufficiency: appropriate food, water, gas and fuel.
- Environmental Respect: dispose of waste appropriately, and minimize harm to nature.
So start planning dates for your adventure along the Dinosaur Trail and Savannah Way in Northern Queensland. This road trip itinerary showcases the very best of northern Outback Queensland, from Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden to the impressive Cobbold Gorge. Remember to be well prepared when travelling through remote regions of Queensland, with sufficient food, water, fuel, and communication. So get ready to make lasting memories on this epic road trip.
In addition, make your North Queensland driving holiday run smoothly. See our camping essentials guide and meal planning guide for easy camping meals while on the road creating beautiful memories while enjoying new experiences.
Explore more with Road Trips Australia, and find your next driving holiday adventure right here.
