Overview
Explore the Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome on a 21-day 4WD campervan adventure, with waterfalls, wildlife, remote landscapes and the rugged Kimberley.
Trip Details
Day 1: Cairns to Ravenshoe
Distance: 118 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
Climb from the Coral Sea into the cool Atherton Tablelands, swapping palms for giant figs, crater lakes and misty farm country as you head for Queensland’s highest town.
Where to stop between Cairns and Ravenshoe
Pause in Kuranda for rainforest boardwalks and Barron Falls lookouts, then continue to Lake Eacham or Malanda Falls for an easy leg-stretcher and picnic. Near day’s end, detour to Millstream Falls, reputedly Australia’s widest single-drop waterfall.
Things to do in Ravenshoe
Explore heritage main street cafes, scan the skies for riflebirds and cockatoos, and wander short rainforest trails on the town’s fringe.
Where to stay in Ravenshoe
Ravenshoe Railway Caravan Park offers shaded powered sites beside the creek, a peaceful base to ease into Savannah driving.
Day 2: Ravenshoe to Mount Surprise
Distance: ~170 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
Roll out of the Tablelands into open savannah country dotted with eucalypts and termite mounds on the approach to ancient lava fields.
Where to stop between Ravenshoe and Mount Surprise
Stop at Innot Hot Springs to dip your toes, then continue to Undara where rugged basalt plains hide one of the world’s longest lava tube systems.
Things to do in Mount Surprise
Join a guided Undara Lava Tubes tour, spot wallaroos at dusk, or fossick for topaz at nearby O’Brien’s Creek. Birdlife is prolific at dawn around seasonal waterholes.
Where to stay in Mount Surprise
Choose powered sites at Discovery Parks Mount Surprise or Mount Surprise Tourist Park, both with shade, camp kitchens and easy access to Undara tours.
Day 3: Mount Surprise to Georgetown
Distance: 92 kms
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Short and scenic today, with time to browse outback history and glittering mineral collections in the Etheridge Shire.
Where to stop between Mount Surprise and Georgetown
Stretch your legs at the historic Cumberland Chimney and wetland bird hide, where brolgas and jacanas often feed among the lilies.
Things to do in Georgetown
Pop into the Terrestrial Centre to see thousands of gemstones, then wander the riverbank for late afternoon birdwatching.
Where to stay in Georgetown
Set up at Goldfields Caravan Park for powered sites and a handy in-town location.
Day 4: Georgetown to Normanton
Distance: ~300 kms
Travel time: ~3.5 hours
Follow the Gulf Development Road through gold rush heritage towns to the crocodile country of the lower Norman River.
Where to stop between Georgetown and Normanton
Break in Croydon’s Heritage Precinct to step inside restored 1880s buildings, then detour to Lake Belmore for a picnic and possible freshwater fishing. Keep an eye out at Blackbull Siding where the Gulflander heritage train passes.
Things to do in Normanton
Meet Krys the Savannah King crocodile, visit the classic railway station and watch the late light sweep across the Mutton Hole wetlands where magpie geese and brolgas forage.
Where to stay in Normanton
Normanton Tourist Park provides roomy powered sites, shade and a pool to cool off after a warm Gulf day.
Day 5: Normanton to Burketown
Distance: ~225 kms
Travel time: ~3 hours
Head west across big sky plains and river flats toward the Gulf’s oldest town and gateway to famed barramundi waters.
Where to stop between Normanton and Burketown
Pause at Burke and Wills Camp 119 for a slice of expedition history, then wander the Nicholson River bank for birdlife and saltwater crocodile spotting from safe vantage points.
Things to do in Burketown
Cast a line for barra on a charter or from designated banks, learn about the rare Morning Glory cloud, and enjoy a fiery Gulf sunset over the mangroves.
Where to stay in Burketown
Burketown Caravan Park offers powered sites, laundry and easy walking access to town services.
Day 6: Burketown to Hells Gate
Distance: ~180 kms
Travel time: ~2.25 hours
Travel through sandstone outcrops and boab-studded plains to the last fuel and friendly faces before the NT border.
Where to stop between Burketown and Hells Gate
Pull in at Leichhardt Falls in the dry season to explore the broad rock shelves and watch kites wheeling overhead.
Things to do in Hells Gate
Soak up the outback vibe, walk short station tracks for panoramic views and keep an eye out for wallabies and red-tailed black cockatoos at dusk.
Where to stay in Hells Gate
Hells Gate Roadhouse campground has powered sites, showers, a simple store and a sunset lookout that lives up to the name.
Day 7: Hells Gate to Borroloola
Distance: ~300 kms
Travel time: ~4 hours
Cross into the Northern Territory and traverse one of the Savannah Way’s remotest sections. This road is often unsealed and corrugated. Obtain Apollo’s written approval before travelling this restricted section and drive to conditions.
Where to stop between Hells Gate and Borroloola
Break at the Calvert River crossing to birdwatch and scan for freshwater crocs, then continue past pandanus-lined creeks that hint at the Gulf’s rich wetlands.
Things to do in Borroloola
Walk the riverbank in the cool of day, browse local Aboriginal art and, if time allows, arrange a fishing outing on the McArthur River or nearby King Ash Bay.
Where to stay in Borroloola
McArthur River Caravan Park provides powered sites, shade and a relaxed base close to town.
Day 8: Borroloola to Cape Crawford
Distance: ~105 kms
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Turn inland along the Carpentaria Highway into red rock country framed by cycads and sandstone towers.
Where to stop between Borroloola and Cape Crawford
Stretch your legs at Caranbirini Conservation Reserve on the short loop trails among weathered sandstone pillars and a tranquil billabong alive with birdlife.
Things to do in Cape Crawford
Base yourself for Limmen National Park day trips, enjoy a quiet sundowner at the iconic roadhouse and watch red-tailed black cockatoos drift over the escarpment.
Where to stay in Cape Crawford
Heartbreak Hotel caravan park has powered sites, hot showers and a friendly outback welcome.
Day 9: Cape Crawford to Limmen National Park
Distance: ~160 kms
Travel time: ~3.5 hours
Ease into the remote Nathan River Road with a shorter run into Limmen’s sandstone and savannah country. Roads are largely unsealed and conditions vary through the dry.
Where to stop between Cape Crawford and Limmen National Park
Call into Southern Lost City for a short walk among fantastically eroded pillars, then continue to Butterfly Springs to cool your feet when flowing.
Things to do in Limmen National Park
Wander among sandstone domes, watch for hooded parrots and azure kingfishers, and enjoy a campfire evening under bright outback stars.
Where to stay in Limmen National Park
Choose a simple bush campground at Butterfly Springs or Towns River. Facilities are basic and unpowered, so arrive prepared with water and supplies.
Day 10: Limmen National Park to Roper Bar
Distance: ~180 kms
Travel time: ~3.5 hours
Continue north through Limmen’s rugged heart to the Roper River country. Expect gravel sections and shallow creek crossings in the dry season.
Where to stop between Limmen National Park and Roper Bar
Pause at designated river pull-offs to spot brolgas and jabirus, and take in views over sandstone ranges from signed lookouts.
Things to do in Roper Bar
Visit the historic crossing, cast a line where permitted and enjoy a quiet evening on the riverbank as jabirus stalk the shallows.
Where to stay in Roper Bar
Roper Bar Park and Store offers powered sites, fuel and basic supplies right by the river.
Day 11: Roper Bar to Mataranka
Distance: ~180 kms
Travel time: ~3.5 hours
Transition from rugged sandstone to pandanus and paperbark-lined waterways en route to the famous thermal springs of Elsey National Park.
Where to stop between Roper Bar and Mataranka
Pause at river pull-offs for birdwatching, then continue to Elsey Cemetery and historic sites that inspired We of the Never Never.
Things to do in Mataranka
Float through crystal Bitter Springs under lush palms, swim at Mataranka Thermal Pool and wander riverside walks alive with honeyeaters.
Where to stay in Mataranka
Bitter Springs Cabins and Camping or
Mataranka Homestead campground
both offer powered sites close to the water.
Day 12: Mataranka to Katherine
Distance: 108 kms
Travel time: ~1.25 hours
A short run north on the Stuart Highway delivers you to the outback hub and adventures of Nitmiluk National Park.
Where to stop between Mataranka and Katherine
Join a guided tour of Cutta Cutta Caves to see glittering formations, then swing by the Katherine Hot Springs for a quick dip.
Things to do in Katherine
Book a sunset cruise or canoe on Katherine Gorge, visit local art galleries and sample bush-inspired fare in town.
Where to stay in Katherine
Discovery Parks Katherine and Breeze Holiday Parks Katherine both provide shady powered sites and pools for a refreshing end to the day.
Day 13: Katherine
Devote a full day to Nitmiluk’s sandstone country. Hike to viewpoints above the gorge for sweeping views or drive to Leliyn and Edith Falls for a swim beneath cascading rock pools. Birdwatchers can scan for azure kingfishers and red-winged parrots along the river. A helicopter flight reveals the scale of the gorge system if you want a bucket list perspective.
Where to stay in Katherine
Stay a second night at your chosen Katherine holiday park to maximise time on the trails and water.
Day 14: Katherine to Timber Creek
Distance: ~290 kms
Travel time: ~3.5 hours
Head west on the Victoria Highway through escarpments and boab country with plenty of scenic stops to break the drive.
Where to stop between Katherine and Timber Creek
Call into Victoria River Roadhouse for short lookout walks over the river cuttings, then explore Judbarra’s easy trails at Joe Creek or Escarpment Walk for spinifex and cycads.
Things to do in Timber Creek
Enjoy sunset over the Victoria River floodplain, spot corellas mobbing boabs and consider a short billabong stroll if time allows.
Where to stay in Timber Creek
Timber Creek Travellers Rest Caravan Park has powered sites, a pool and pub meals within walking distance.
Day 15: Kununurra
Distance: ~210 kms day trip
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Settle into Kununurra and use today for a relaxed day trip to Wyndham without relocating camp, or spend the whole day exploring Kununurra’s lakes and sandstone domes.
Where to stop between Kununurra and Wyndham
On the Wyndham loop, call at Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve to birdwatch at Marlgu Billabong, then continue to Wyndham’s historic wharf precinct and the Five Rivers Lookout for a grandstand view at sunset.
Things to do in Kununurra
Walk Mirima National Park’s short loops for mini dome views, browse local galleries and consider an Ord River or Lake Argyle cruise for freshwater crocs and birdlife.
Where to stay in Kununurra
Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park
and Discovery Parks Lake Kununurra both offer powered sites on the water’s edge.
