​​​Experience the Gulflander with a self-drive holiday​​

Thousands of visitors journey from all corners of Australia and beyond each year, drawn to the Gulf Savannah as part of their caravanning or self-drive adventures – with the Gulflander always a highlight on their itineraries. 

The trip out there is half the fun, setting the stage for your unforgettable rail adventure!

Plan your self-drive journey with these suggested itineraries. 

Being a remote region, we recommend before commencing your drive, be prepared and plan well. Check road conditions and take your time to stop and explore the many towns and attractions along the way.​

6 Day Gimuy (Cairns) to Normanton - 680 kilometres

From the tropical coast of Cairns take the venture by car to explore the incredible Gulf Savannah region and experience the historic Gulflander rail journey. The Gulflander travels through Country of the Gkuthaarn, Kukatj, Kurtijar and Tagalaka Peoples.

Day 1 Saturday – Gimuy (Cairns) to Atherton Tablelands region (2 hours driving time)​​

Explore the spectacular Atherton Tablelands with lots of local treats to stop and savour along the way. Travel to the historic town of Herberton or continue to Ravenshoe, the highest town above sea level in Queensland.  

Day 3 Monday – Atherton Tablelands to Mount Surprise (2.5 hours driving time)

Join the Savannah Way and drive to Mount Surprise. Discover the ancient lava tubes at Undara or alternatively, continue onto Talaroo Hot Springs, located 50 kilometres from Mount Surprise. Talaroo Hot Springs unites one of outback Queensland’s most extraordinary geological wonders with the Aboriginal hospitality of the Ewamian people.

Day 5 Wednesday – Mount Surprise to Croydon (2.5 hours driving time)

Continue the drive along the Savannah Way to the old gold town Georgetown and spend time at TerrEstrial Centre showcasing the Ted Elliot Mineral collection. 

Arrive in Croydon to explore the historic township and the many heritage-listed buildings. Wander through time as you explore the streets, each telling a tale of the goldfields and the bustling gold rush era that once defined this town. 

Day 6 Thursday – Croydon to Normanton (Gulflander and 1.5 hours shared driving time)

This morning join the historic Gulflander for an unforgettable rail journey across Gulf Savannah country. Share the Gulflander experience, if you are travelling with others on a self-drive adventure. 

From Croydon, the morning ride on the Gulfander to Blackbull, takes you through the once gold-mining area of Golden Gate. Enjoy a morning cuppa at Blackbull then swap drivers to continue the drive and share the train experience. The Gulflander arrives into Normanton at 1.30pm. Make sure you don't miss exploring the heritage-listed Normanton railway station, with a self-guided walk and a museum filled with memorabilia. Then head into town to meet the locals and take in the sights.  

Plan your Gulflander experience

​Continue your drive​

There is plenty to see and do in Normanton and the surrounding region, including the incredible sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria in Karumba. 

The drive back towards the coast is just as spectacular with many places to explore. To plan your Savannah Way drive adventure, visit savannahway.com.au​

6 Day Townsville to Normanton - 887 kilometres

​From the tropical coast of Townsville take the venture by car to explore the incredible Gulf Savannah region and experience the historic Gulflander rail journey. The Gulflander travels through Country of the Gkuthaarn, Kukatj, Kurtijar and Tagalaka Peoples.

Day 1 Saturday – Townsville to Charters Towers (1.5 hours driving time)​​​

Travel west to Charters Towers and explore the historic gold mining sites as well as the charming architecture of the Stock Exchange Arcade and the Venus Battery.

Day 2 – Charters Towers to Greenvale (2.5 hours driving time)​​

Greenvale is located 203 kilometres north of Charters Towers along the Gregory Developmental Road, also known as the Lynd Highway and home of the Three Rivers Hotel made famous by Slim Dusty with the song of the same name – a stop here is a must!

Day 3 – Greenvale to Forsayth via Einasleigh (2.5 hours driving time)​​

Take in the stunning scenery as you drive north-west to Einasleigh, approximately 132 kilometres from Greenvale. Originally named Copperfield, see the stunning Copperfield Gorge with its sheer walls dropping into a sandy riverbed revealing the ancient lava flow layers.

Forsayth offers plenty of natural wonders and history to explore. It’s a popular base for fossickers with some of the world’s best agates at nearby Agate Creek. Agate is a member of the quartz family of stones known as silicates. Cobbold Gorge, located 45 kilometres (along gravel road) from Forsayth, is a spectacular gorge system with tours and accommodation options. Not to be missed.

Note: The Lynd Highway to Forsayth via Einasleigh is 129 kilometres of gravel road. An alternative route from Greenvale is to continue along the Kennedy Development Road to Mount Surprise and then onto Forsayth (3.5 hours driving time).

Day 5 - Forsayth to Croydon (2 hours driving time)​​

Continue along the Savannah Way to Croydon and explore the historic township with many heritage-listed buildings. Wander through time as you explore the streets, each telling a tale of the goldfields and the bustling gold rush era that once defined this town. Accommodation can be limited so make sure you book ahead. The local pubs serve amazing food, including Barramundi which is a local fish in the area.

Day 6 – Croydon to Normanton - (Gulflander and 1.5 hours shared driving time)​​

Today you'll join the historic Gulflander for an unforgettable rail journey across the Gulf Savannah. Share the Gulflander experience if you are travelling with others on a self-drive adventure.

This morning join the historic Gulflander for an unforgettable rail journey across Gulf Savannah country. Share the Gulflander experience, if you are travelling with others on a self-drive adventure.

From Croydon, the morning ride on the Gulfander to Blackbull, takes you through the once gold-mining area of Golden Gate. Enjoy a morning cuppa at Blackbull then swap drivers to continue the drive and share the train experience. The Gulflander arrives into Normanton at 1.30pm. Make sure you don't miss exploring the heritage-listed Normanton railway station, with a self-guided walk and a museum filled with memorabilia. Then head into town to meet the locals and take in the sights.

Plan your Gulflander experience

Continue your drive​

There is plenty to see and do in Normanton and the surrounding region, including the incredible sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria in Karumba.

The drive back towards the coast is just as spectacular with many places to explore. To plan your Savannah Way driving adventure, visit savannahway.com.au.