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Matt Munro

Gulf Savannah

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.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Gulf Savannah.

  • See

    Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre

    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. The gift shop stocks locally made bags and wallets fashioned from barramundi, crocodile and cane-toad leather.

  • See

    Kalkani Crater

    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.

  • See

    Riversleigh Fossil Field

    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. To make the most of your visit, come here on a tour, and/or come early morning as the heat can be punishing from midmorning. The general fossil areas are labelled but you'll need patience and a keen eye to find the fossils and get a sense of just how they were found here.

  • See

    Historic Precinct

    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).

  • See

    Burketown Thermal 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.

  • See

    Mutton Hole Wetlands

    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.

  • See

    Krys the Crocodile

    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.

  • See

    Ted Elliot Mineral Collection

    In Georgetown's Terrestrial Centre, this beautiful display features a shimmering collection of more than 4500 minerals, gems and crystals from all over Australia.