Outback Spirit - Leichhardt's Savannah Expedition

Begin the day with a scenic drive through the beautiful Atherton Tablelands. Stop to admire the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls before heading to the Undara Volcanic National Park, home to the longest lava tube cave system in the world. A local Savannah Guide will provide a fascinating tour of these ancient caves, formed over 190,000 years ago by the eruption of Undara Volcano. After exploring, check in to the newly renovated Undara Lava Lodge, where homestead rooms with private ensuite bathrooms offer comfort and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy an outdoor dinner, surrounded by the vast beauty of the outback under a star-filled sky. 

Today travel west through the historic landscapes of Croydon and Normanton, before arriving at the remote coastal town of Karumba, nestled on the banks of the Norman River. Once a vital refueling stop for flying boats in the 1930s, Karumba offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s aviation history. Tonight, relax and settle in for two nights at the welcoming End of the Road Motel.

This morning, hop aboard the iconic Gulflander train for a journey through time, travel from Normanton to Critters Camp aboard one of the last remaining historic railways. Later, delve into the secrets of the legendary barramundi at the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre. Discover the fascinating lifecycle of this prized fish at the world’s only hatchery breeding the Southern Gulf strain. In the evening, enjoy a breathtaking sunset dinner cruise on the Gulf, savoring fresh local seafood as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Travel along the Savannah Way across the Gulf, stopping at Camp 119, the northernmost camp of the Burke and Wills Expedition of 1860/61. The exhausted party of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills set up camp near the seasonal Little Blynoe River in the Gulf of Carpentaria, attempting to cross Australia from south to north. This was the northernmost point of their ill-fated expedition. Continue on to Leichhardt Falls (no swimming). After lunch, head north and reconnect with the Savannah Way via Doomadgee, before reaching the Northern Territory border and arriving at Hell's Gate Roadhouse late afternoon.

Today is all about enjoying a visit to Hell’s Gate, located on Cliffdale Station. Hell’s Gate takes its name from a gap in the escarpment one kilometre south. Activities include a tour of the station and a scenic helicopter flight to the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria, passing over Eight Mile Creek where native birds, wild pigs, brumbies, bulls, crocodiles, and native fish may be spotted from the air. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the second night with friends on this unique outback station.

Journey along the Savannah Way into the Northern Territory, crossing the border and heading to the Pungalina-Seven Emu Wildlife Sanctuary. Check into a safari camp featuring luxury tents with ensuite bathrooms, perfect for a two-night stay in the heart of one of Australia’s most significant conservation areas. 

Today, explore Pungalina-Seven Emu Sanctuary and learn about what makes these two properties such important ecological habitats in northern Australia. Together the two properties cover a combined area of around 305,000 hectares and include coastal monsoon rainforest, tall paper bark forests, palm fringed wetlands, deep gorges, and coastal flood plains. The sanctuary is home to over 40 species of mammals, 190 species of birds and 95 species of frogs and reptiles. Take a cruise on the Calvert River and experience some rarely seen but truly spectacular scenery and enjoy a guided ecology tour led by trained experts.

This morning, the journey resumes along the Savannah Way, heading west toward Borroloola, nestled on the banks of the McArthur River. After exploring the fascinating Borroloola Museum, continue through the vast beauty of Limmen National Park, before reaching the turnoff to Lorella Springs. From here, a scenic 30 km drive leads to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, an awe-inspiring one million-acre expanse that stretches all the way to the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Arriving in the late afternoon, settle in for a three-night stay in this remarkable and remote paradise.

Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Lorella Springs Wilderness Park. Begin with a thrilling helicopter flight over the southern “Lost City,” offering breathtaking views of the landscape below. Afterward, take a scenic drive to explore the ancient sandstone formations, where expert guides will provide fascinating insights into the area’s unique geology, vegetation, and abundant birdlife. At the end of each day's adventures, join your station hosts at the bar for happy hour and mingle with other likeminded explorers journeying across the Gulf.

Continue your exploration of Lorella Springs Wilderness Park with more stunning sights and experiences. Delve deeper into the wonders of this vast and diverse land, uncovering hidden gems and untouched natural beauty. Whether it's relaxing by pristine thermal springs or discovering more of the area's unique flora and fauna, today promises more unforgettable moments in this remote paradise.

Today’s journey takes you along one of the most remote stretches of the Savannah Way, a historic route once heavily traversed by drovers in the 1870s, guiding thousands of cattle from Queensland to the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. As you travel, be captivated by the dramatic landscapes of Limmen National Park, before continuing along the Savannah Way toward Roper Bar. In the afternoon, follow the Roper Highway east, passing through Mataranka, before arriving in Katherine late in the day for a restful two-night stay at the Knotts Crossing Resort.

This morning, enjoy the award-winning Katherine Outback Experience with Tom Curtain. Later, set off on a 2-hour boat cruise along the Katherine River Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. The NitNit Dreaming cruise, one of the region's most sought-after experiences, will take you to the end of the first gorge, where the stunning beauty of towering boulders, serene rock pools, and sandy shores leads into the second gorge. After a day of discovery, return to Knotts Crossing Resort for your second night.

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before embarking on the final leg of the journey to Darwin. Departing Katherine, the route takes you through Pine Creek and Adelaide River, arriving in the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital by early afternoon. Along the way, stop to explore Edith Falls, where you can take a refreshing swim in the paperbark-fringed pool at the base of the waterfall. After checking into the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, spend the afternoon at your leisure, before setting off on the Charles Darwin for a delightful Territory-style sunset dinner cruise, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the incredible experiences of this remarkable journey.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace, soaking in the final moments of your adventure. Later, you will be transferred to your next destination, taking with you unforgettable memories from the extraordinary 15-day Leichhardt’s Savannah Expedition.