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

Undara Experience Undara Experience is situated on the edge of the Undara Volcanic National Park, 275km south-west of Cairns. Highly trained Savannah Guides conduct tours of the incredible lava tubes. Unique accommodation and homestyle meals available or experience Opera in the Outback and Outback Country Rock and Blues. Visit www.undara.com.au for more information.

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
• O’Brien’s Creek Camping Ground Phone: 07 4062 3001
• 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.thegemden.com.au for more information.

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.

• Cobbold Gorge Tours Phone: 07 4062 5470
• 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

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
• Normanton Visitor Information Centre Phone: 07 4745 1065
• Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 1290
• Norman River Fishing and Cruises Phone: 07 4745 1347
• Normanton Gun Club Phone: 07 4745 1261
• 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
• Top Service Station (repairs) Phone: 08 4745 1261
• Blackwater dump site at Council Depot in Philip Street

Carpentaria Shire visitor info There’s so much to do here on any budget. Just ask the locals! Normanton Visitor Information Centre & Library Cnr Landsborough & Caroline St, Normanton Phone: 07 4745 1065. Karumba Visitor Information Centre & Library Walker Street, Karumba Phone : 07 4745 9582. Visit www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au for information.

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.

Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park is owner operated and renowned for quiet, friendly service. It comprises 28 air-conditioned motel rooms, 40 powered caravan and camping sites, licensed restaurant, off-street parking, swimming pool and laundry facilities. Visit www.gulflandmotel.com.au for information.

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.

• Karumba Visitor Information Centre and Library Phone: 07 4745 9582
• Ferryman Cruises Phone: 07 4745 9155
• Barramundi Discovery Centre Phone: 07 4745 9359
• 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.

• Ash’s Holiday Units and Cafe Phone: 07 4745 9132
• End of the Road Motel Phone: 07 4745 9599
• Kerry “D” Fishing Charters Phone 07 4745 9275
• Kathryn “M” Fishing Charters Phone 07 4745 9449
• 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.

Sweers Island and Mornington Shire

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. For more information on Mornington Shire click here.

• Sweers Island Resort Phone: 07 4748 5544

The Savannah Way’s highlights west of Normanton are covered in our Katherine to Normanton section.

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