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Gulf Savannah Way Darwin to Cairns tour 9 days …

Day 1 – Depart Cairns traveling via the scenic Atherton Tablelands to Undarra Lava Tubes, where we explore these fascinating formations created by ancient volcanic activity some 190,000 years ago. The lava tubes are part of the world’s longest lava flow from a single volcano in modern geological time.After a 2-hour tour and lunch, we head west through Georgetown, with its multi-award-winning Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, before arriving at George town for an overnight stay. BLD

Day 2 – Karumba & Gulflander RailwayToday we follow the Gulflander Railway line, traveling via the Gulf Development Road. We explore Croydon, once home to 7,000 people and122 pubs during the gold rush era. Continuing west, we reach Normanton,a town steeped in history with its Burns Philp store and the iconic Purple Pub. We then head to Karumba, located on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria, where we enjoy a spectacular sunset river cruise.Overnight in Karumba, where you can dine at a local restaurant famous for fresh seafood. BL (Dinner at own expense)

Day 3 – Burke & Wills Last Camp and Gregory Downs We travel through historic frontier towns, stopping at Burke & Wills Last Camp 119, the site of the explorers' final camp before their ill-fated journey. We visit Burketown, a town established in 1865 to serve new pastoral holdings, then cross the Plains of Promise, a region visited by the H.M. Brig Beagle in 1841. Crossing the Leichardt River, named after the explorer Ludwig Leichardt, we continue to Gregory Downs for our overnight stay, where we base ourselves to explore Adel’s Grove and Lawn Hill National Park (Boodjamulla National Park). BLD

Day 4 – Adel’s Grove and Lawn Hill National Park - Today we visit Adel’s Grove, originally an experimental botanical garden established by Albert de Lestang (ADEL) in 1920, before exploring Lawn Hill National Park. Enjoy walks, canoeing, or a swim in the stunning lagoons andrivers with picturesque waterfalls. In the afternoon, we explore the Riversleigh Megafauna Fossil Fields, one of the richest fossil deposits in the world,revealing a fascinating prehistoric landscape. Return to Gregory Downs (or the "Helton" at Hells Gate Roadhouse for overnight. Hel;ls Gate is an iconic landmark where settlers once needed police escorts due to the fierce local Aboriginal tribes. BLD

Day 5 – Hells Gate and Borroloola - We head west toward the Northern Territory, (on the dirt Highway 1) crossing many rivers in the Gulf region via the MacArthur River mine to Borroloola,known for its fascinating mix of Aboriginal cultures and frontier history, which we see on display in the old police station. Overnight Borroloola BLD

Day 6 – Lost City and Lorella Springs Wilderness Park - Today, we enter Limmen National Park to explore the spectacular Southern Lost City, and walk amongst these giant columns of sandstone that look like an ancient city, formed when the region was once underwater. An optional helicopter flight over these impressive sandstone pillars may be available- please advise if interested.Then we enjoy a relaxing evening at the beautiful Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, with its many rock pools and thermal springs. BLD

Day 7 – Lorella Springs Wilderness Park - Spend the day at Lorella Springs, a one-million-acre outback cattle station surrounded by pristine wilderness. You can relax in the numerous thermal pools, explore the nearby Flying Fox Swamp, or visit the popular Nanny’s Pool. The area is a haven for birdlife, and there are many opportunities for adventure and exploration. Overnight at Lorella Springs. BLD

Day 8 – An early morning soak in the nearby hot springs could suit you, before departure for Roper Bar and Matarranka We depart Lorella Springs, to scenic Butterfly Falls named diue to the massive numbers of butterflys that breed here. Traveling north with stop at Roper Bar, an historic location on the Roper River and the border of Arnhem Land. Learn about the area's steamboat history and its role in supplying materials for the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1860s and 1870s. Overnight at Mataranka. BLD

Day 9 – Mataranka to Darwin On our final day, we enjoy Mataranka, famous for its hot springs and the setting of the novel "We of the Never Never." Take a dip in the refreshing thermal waters or enjoy learning about the area's history before continuing to Katherine, the Northern Territory’s third-largest town. We then travel via Pine Creek, known for its gold and railway heritage, before arriving in Darwin to conclude the tour. BL Accommodation own arrangements

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