Forty Mile Scrub National Park
A worthwhile stop to walk the short pathway through “dry rainforest” and take a break from the road. Toilets, no camping.
Undara Experience
The world’s longest lava tubes are a “must see”. Camping, accommodation and tours are available at the Undara Lava Lodge, the only access point to the Undara Volcanic National park.
- Undara Lava Lodge Phone: 07 4097 1900
Mount Surprise
Centre for semi-precious gemstones and alternative base for visiting Undara Lava Tubes. Gemstones are on display in town and you can try fossicking for topaz at nearby O’Brien’s Creek with a permit and some local advice. This is an overnight stop for the Savannahlander train.
- Mount Surprise Gems Phone: 07 4062 3055
- Bedrock Village Caravan Park Phone: 07 4062 3193
- Mt Surprise Tourist Van Park Phone: 07 4062 3153
- Blackwater dump site at roadside toilet block
Gem Fossicking
Join our morning dig at the claim and allow our expert guides to assist you in unearthing gem materials. Browse through the shop see fine examples of gems and jewellery or relax and enjoy the tempting treats at the café. Visit www.mtsurprisegems.com.au for more information.
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Routh Creek
Free camping site with rubbish bins, no toilets or showers.
Einasleigh River
Free camping site with rubbish bins, no toilets or showers.
Georgetown
An administrative and cattle centre for the Etheridge Shire with a history of gold, silver, copper, lead and tin mining throughout the district. Visit the incredible TerrEstrial Centre, a modern display of over 4,500 gemstones and minerals from around the world.
- Terrestrial Information Centre Phone: 07 4062 1485
- Latara Motel Phone: 07 4062 1190
- Wenaru Hotel Phone: 07 4062 1208
- Goldfields Caravan Park Phone: 07 4062 1269
- BP Service Station (repairs) Phone: 4062 1163
- Midway Caravan Park Phone: 07 4062 1219
Cumberland Chimney
Remains of a Cornish miners’ ore crushing plant. No camping or facilities. Birdwatching site.
Gilbert River
Free camping area with rubbish pit, no toilet or showers.
Croydon
A legendary town, with its historic precinct now restored to its goldrush glory. Take a self guided walking tour to relive the past. The Gulflander Train arrives Wednesday afternoon and returns to Normanton on Thursday. Lake Belmore is great for swimming and fishing, with free barbecues.
- Club Hotel Phone: 07 4745 6184
- Gulfgate Roadhouse Phone: 07 4745 6169
- Croydon Gold Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 6238
- Croydon Information Centre Phone: 07 4745 6125
- Blackwater dump site in Reese Park
Blackbull Siding
Midway stop for the Gulflander Train that is now abandoned with no facilities available.
Leichhardt Lagoon
Popular camping spot between May and October with fishing and wildlife.
- Leichhardt Lagoon Camping Park Phone: 07 4745 1330
Normanton
A goldfields port that is now an administrative centre and home of the fantastic Gulflander Train, one of Australia’s great rail journeys. It departs Wednesday morning for Croydon, returning on Thursday. Other shorter trips operate through the week. Take an interesting Heritage Walk and have your photo taken with the replica of the biggest crocodile ever caught (8.63m), spend some time at the historic railway station and Burns Philp building and visit the three pubs that are the social centres of town. The Mutton Hole Wetlands are an internationally recognised birdwatching site, and there are many barramundi waiting to be caught in the Norman River. As The Savannah Way’s intersection with The Matilda Highway Normanton is an important hub on many journeys.
- Gulflander Train Phone: 07 4745 1307
- Norman River Fishing and Cruises Phone: 07 4745 1347
- Normanton Gun Club Phone: 07 4745 1261
- Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 1290
- Albion Hotel Phone: 07 4745 1218
- Purple Pub and Brolga Palms Motel Phone: 07 4745 1324
- Normanton Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 1121
- Central Hotel Phone: 07 4745 1215
- Normanton Visitor Information Centre Phone: 07 4745 1065
- Top Service Station (repairs) Phone: 08 4745 1261
- Blackwater dump site at Council Depot in Philip Street
The Gulflander
The Gulflander is the historic rail experience venturing from Normanton on the remote Gulf of Carpentaria to Croydon 140 km away. If you're looking for an outback adventure with a real difference the Gulflander will provide you with one to remember. Visit www.gulflander.com.au for information, pricing, departures and bookings.
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Karumba
The prawn and barramundi fishing capital of Australia at the mouth of the Norman River was once a flying boat base. Visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre for a great insight into sustaining this industry. Try to time your visit for the Karumba Katch Seafood festival in October, and when in your tinnie please stay well clear of the ore carrying ships. Excellent birdwatching opportunities in the coastal and mangrove habitats. Choose from the Suave Bar or the Animal Bar when it’s time for a cold one.
- Barramundi Discovery Centre Phone: 07 4745 9359
- Ferryman Cruises Phone: 07 4745 9155
- Croc and Crab Tours Phone: 07 4745 9009
- Karumba Golf Club Phone: 07 4745 9100
- Matilda’s End Holiday Units Phone: 07 4747 6500
- Karumba Lodge Hotel Phone: 07 4745 9121
- Gulf Country Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 9148
Karumba Point
Visitor centre with some of the best sunsets in Queensland over the Gulf of Carpentaria. A mecca for recreational fishers with fishing charters and boat hire available and an interesting self-guided walk. The Sunset Tavern is popular at the end of the day.
- Kerry “D” Fishing Charters Phone 07 4745 9275
- Kathryn “M” Fishing Charters Phone 07 4745 9449
- Ash’s Holiday Units and Cafe Phone: 07 4745 9132
- End of the Road Motel Phone: 07 4745 9599
- Gee Dees Units and Boat Hire Phone: 07 4745 9433
- Jay Seas Holiday Units Phone: 07 4745 9414
- Savannah Shores Cabins Phone: 07 4745 9126
- Karumba Point Tourist Park Phone: 07 4745 9238
- Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 9277
- Blackwater dump site at Sunset Caravan Park
End Of The Road Motel
Multi award winning End of the Road Motel situated on the beach front overlooking the spectacular Gulf of Carpentaria, where the outback meets the sea in style. The motel offers AAA 4 Star rating accommodation at Karumba Point. 21 fully self contained apartments including studio, one and two bedroom and beach front executive suites. Visit www.endoftheroadmotel.com.au for more information.
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Sweers Island
Accessible by charter plane from Normanton or Burketown this is a favourite fishing retreat. Note that the island is subject to the Alcohol Management Plan of Mornington Shire, so no alcohol can be carried onto the island, which has its own bar and general supplies.
- Sweers Island Resort Phone: 07 4748 5544
The Ootan/Chillagoe Alternative Route
Travel via Chillagoe for an additional experience with unsealed roads. A former mining centre, Chillagoe is renowned for its marble, Australia’s finest, and limestone caves that have regular tours. Check your map for access via Mareeba and Dimbulah to the east or on the Ootan Road to the south which rejoins The Savannah Way 13 km east of Mount Surprise. More remote adventure is available by taking the Burke Development Road through south west Cape York. You’ll need to be self-sufficient on this route as there are no public facilities between Normanton and Chillagoe.
Einasleigh and Forsayth Alternative Route
Mostly unsealed loop roads travel through scenic country south of The Savannah Way to include several very worthwhile attractions. At Einasleigh Copperfield Gorge’s sheer walls drop into a sandy river bed revealing the lava flow layers, and the historic pub boasts an amazing collection of miniature antique furniture. Try fossicking at Agate Creek gemfields (licence required - ask at Information Centres en route) for the world’s most colourful agate. Cobbold Gorge is a favourite stop for many travellers with gorge cruises and walking tours. Forsayth is the Savannahlander train’s western terminus and the Goldfields Hotel has a marvellous collection of agates and thunder eggs.
- Einasleigh Hotel Phone: 07 4062 5222
- Copperfield Lodge Caravan Park, Einasleigh Phone: 07 4062 5102
- Forsayth Goldfields Hotel Phone: 07 4062 5374
- Forsayth Tourist Park and Store 07 4062 5324
- Cobbold Gorge Tours Phone: 07 4062 5470
The Savannah Way’s highlights west of Normanton are covered in our Katherine to Normanton section.
