Matt Munro
The epic Savannah Way runs all the way from Cairns to Broome, skirting the top of the country. The Queensland section, linking the east coast with the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Cairns to Burketown, is one of the state's great road trips.
The world has a different tint out here: the east coast’s green, cloud-tipped mountains and sugar-cane fields give way to a flat, red dust–coated landscape of sweeping grass plains, termite mounds, scrubby forest and mangroves engraved by an intricate network of seasonal rivers and croc-filled tidal creeks that drain into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The fishing here is legendary, particularly for barramundi ('barra' season is February to September).
With detours to Karumba, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and Burke & Wills' northernmost campsite, this is a real outback adventure, and you don’t even need a 4WD to explore most of this route in the Dry.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Gulf Savannah.
Historic Site
On 11 February 1861 the exhausted party of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills set up camp close to the seasonal Little Blynoe River, in the hinterland of the Gulf of Carpentaria, in their attempt to cross Australia from south to north. It was the northernmost point of their ill-fated expedition. At the site itself, plaques mark the trees 'blazed' (marked) by the party to prove that they had made it this far, while kangaroos are often found nearby.
Volcano
A worthwhile detour if you're in the area is the signposted drive west to Kalkani Crater. The crater rim walk is an easy 2.5km circuit from the day-use car park, with good views over the surrounding countryside. There are a number of lava tubes in the area, most dating back close to 190,000 years.
Historic Site
This is thought to be the richest mammal fossil site in Australia, with everything from giant snakes and carnivorous kangaroos to pocket-size koalas. Riversleigh D site is the only part open to the public. It's easiest to visit via a guided tour with Adel's Grove. And if you can't make it out here, many of the fossils and replicas are on display at Mt Isa's Riversleigh Fossil Centre.
Hatchery
Big things are happening here. A shiny new centre was due to open in April 2019, and it promises to be one of the gulf region's major attractions. Everything you ever wanted to know about barramundi can be learned on the fascinating guided tours (10.30am Monday to Friday April to October, by appointment November to March) at this hatchery and breeding centre for the Southern Gulf barramundi subspecies. You can also hand-feed 'barra'. Expect a vastly improved exhibition space, longer opening hours and higher entry fees.
Historic Site
Croydon's historic precinct runs along the north side of Samwell St, between Sircom and Alldridge Sts, in a series of timber buildings that date to gold-rush days. They include (from east to west) the former Police Sergeant's Residence (1899), Police Station (1896), Courthouse (1886) and Town Hall (1892).
Hot Springs
Like an apocalyptic science experiment gone wrong, these hot springs (68°C) from a bore drilled in 1897 bubble out of the ground near the southern end of town, next to where the road to Normanton leaves town. Although they were used to supply a public hot shower for a time in the 20th century, the water is unsuitable for either drinking, bathing or irrigation purposes. It's worth a quick look nonetheless.
Lake
Either side of the road to Karumba, northeast of town, these wetlands expand and contract with the rains – they sometimes during the Wet they even cover the road entirely. The wetlands are rich in birdlife; watch for brolga, Sarus crane and jabiru (black-necked stork) in particular.
Statue
Everyone stops to take a photo of Krys the Crocodile on Landsborough St. It's a supposedly life-size statue of an 8.64m saltie shot by croc hunter Krystina Pawloski on the Norman River in 1958 – the largest recorded croc in the world.
Museum
In Georgetown's Terrestrial Centre, this beautiful display features a shimmering collection of more than 4500 minerals, gems and crystals from all over Australia.