Gulf Savannah Getting there & around

Getting there & around

Bus & tram

Bus

Transnorth (1300 4739 46863, 07-4036 9250; www.transnorthbus.com) runs a service from Cairns to Karumba via the Tablelands and onto Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Blackbull and Normanton. This service departs Cairns on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.30am, arriving in Karumba at 6.15pm. The Karumba to Cairns service operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departing at 6.30am and arriving at Cairns at 6.15pm.

^ Back to top

Air

Macair (13 13 13) has services travelling between Cairns and Normanton, Burketown and Mornington Island; and between Mt Isa and Normanton and Burketown.

^ Back to top

Car & motorcycle

There are two main roads into the Gulf region. The Savannah Way (or Gulf Developmental Rd) takes you from the Kennedy Hwy, south of the Atherton Tablelands, across to Normanton on 450km of sealed road. The Burke Developmental Rd (Matilda Hwy) runs north from Cloncurry to Normanton (378km sealed) via the Burke & Wills Roadhouse, but it’s mostly single-lane traffic and driving requires good concentration. Road trains (the length of 10 cars) have right of way – that means you pull on to the shoulder of the road and, if necessary, stop. Pick up a copy of outback Queensland: Survive the Drive (www.mainroads.qld.gov.au) at visitor information centres for more information.

Other Savannah roads are unsealed so seek advice on road conditions, fuel stops and what to carry with you (plenty of water!). The RACQ (1300 130 595; www.racq.com.au; cnr Mulgrave Rd & Aplin St) in Cairns is an excellent source of ­information.

^ Back to top

Train

The Queensland Rail (1300 131 722) Gulflander connects Normanton and Croydon (economy seat $58, 3½ hours) each Wednesday at 8.30am (arriving in Croydon at 1.30pm) and returns every Thursday at the same time. This service operates from early February to early December (weather permitting).

The historic Savannahlander conducts four-day tours (07-4036 9250, 07-4036 9341; www.savannahlander.com.au) along its traditional route from Cairns to Forsayth between March and mid-December (weather permitting) with coach connections to Chillagoe, Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge. Rates vary depending on the accommodation and tours you book, so call for details.

^ Back to top