GULF SAVANNAH

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Welcome to the tropical Gulf Savannah. A vast 186,000 sq kilometre expanse of healthy, winding rivers, pristine waterfalls, tree studded grass lands where abundant bird and wildlife merge with wetlands.

Part of the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, the tropical Gulf Savannah extends west of the Atherton Tablelands from Mt Garnet to Karumba and is made up of six shires - Etheridge, Croydon, Carpentaria, Burke, Mornington and Doomadgee.

Unlike Cape York, most roads of the Gulf Savannah region are accessible by all types of vehicle, all year round. 4WD, motor homes, caravans and standard family cars frequent the highways here and dozens of visitors disembark the Savannahlander train on their way to explore the region’s abundant grazing, fishing, mining, and tourism experiences year round. (IMPORTANT NOTE: Always check road conditions before you travel at www.racq.com.au or www.mainroads.qld.gov.au)

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Try your hand at fossicking in an old gold rush town, battle a barramundi in a creek, get whip cracking at a rodeo then explore ancient indigenous culture and rock art.

A network of professional Savannah Guides, identified by their Savannah Guides logo operate at many points including shops and cultural attractions throughout the tropical Gulf Savannah region to help answer questions and guide visitors along their Gulf Savannah journeys.

Various accommodation options from camping grounds and caravan parks to historic hotels, motels, railway carriages and lodges – even working cattle stations - are an exciting and much talked about part of every visitor’s Gulf Savannah experience.

All the time is the best time to visit the Gulf Savannah. The two seasons – wet and dry – each have unique, enjoyable aspects but it is always best to check all current road conditions and maps before you begin your journey.

Important things you should know before you explore the Gulf Savannah

The Australian outback is a special place where the pace and culture of life can be quite different to what we’re used to – that’s why it’s so popular. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your outback experience.

Increase your Gulf Savannah IQ:Read some reference books such as Gulf Savannah Development’s Gulf Savannah Information Guide, road maps, and websites before you leave and pay attention to Savannah Guides and interpretive signs en-route to make the most of your Gulf Savannah experience.

Private Holdings: Some Gulf Savannah roads cross private properties (usually indicated by gates and/or signs) called ‘private holdings’ which are off limits to the public without prior arrangement. Contact relevant land owners or consult Savannah Guides for permission or more information before entering and always respect these areas.

Extreme Weather:Just like the rest of the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, the tropical Gulf Savannah is subject to monsoonal rain and seasonal cyclones – even in the outback. While it rejuvenates and brings new life to our tropical landscapes, rivers can swell very quickly and roads can also be blocked for extended periods, particularly during December-March. By contrast, the region also experiences dry periods where rivers, swamps, and lagoons dry up and bushfires become prevalent. Know where you stand and plan your journey safely by checking road conditions at www.racq.com.au and download Gulf Savannah Development’s Gulf Savannah Guidebook.

Communications:

3G network coverage is available in major towns, but you will need a ‘Blue Tick’ regional approved handset and 3G SIM card.
Public internet access, usually dial-up or satellite is available in major towns of the Gulf Savannah.

Caring for the Environment: Please come and explore the wonders of the tropical Gulf Savannah - take lots of memories - but leave only footprints so many more people can enjoy the same wonderful experience in years to come. Here’s a few tips to make your Gulf Savannah journey an eco-friendly one:

Dispose of rubbish only in designated areas – carry a plastic container to hold rubbish between dumping sites.
Burn toilet paper or put it in the rubbish. Bury solid human waste 15-30cm below the surface, at least 100m from watercourses and/or campsites.
Do not use soap/detergent in creeks or rivers. Use organic, eco-safe products instead.
Don’t feed any animals or birds. They’ll get sick.
Visit www.cowry.com.au/planetsafe for more planet safe travel tips.

Savannah Guides: Friendly Savannah guides with a wealth of local knowledge operate all over the Gulf Savannah. Talk to them and ask questions to make the most of your Gulf Savannah experience.

Useful Links & Further Information:

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UndaraIndiana Jones – Australia style! Visit the Undara Lava Tubes and explore awesome natural architecture and wildlife inside the longest lava flow from a single volcanic crater in the world

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Fishing
Barramundi, mangrove jack, coral trout, black jew, blue salmon, king salmon, cod and barracuda – just some of the fish you can catch in Gulf Savannah waters. This area is also home to renowned fishing hot spots Karumba and Sweers Island.

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Cobbold Gorge
Close to Forsayth, stunning Cobbold Gorge is hidden away within the rugged sandstone formations of the tropical Gulf Savannah. 6 kilometres long and extremely narrow in places, with spectacular 30 meter cliffs, Cobbold Gorge is an awesome, unforgettable sight.

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Dave the Dinosaur
Modelled on a complete Elasmosaur fossil, found roughly 60kilometres west of Chillagoe about 10 years ago, Dave the Dinosaur is the Gulf Savannah’s newest icon.

Savannahlander Train
Reflecting the pace and grace of a by-gone era, the grand Savannahlander train travels throughout the Gulf Savannah stopping at various locations for the train driver to point out interesting historical and landscape features to the passengers. A unique and comfortable way to explore the Gulf Savannah departing Cairns every Wednesday.

Sightseeing, Off Road/4WD Safari , Wilderness, Bush walking, Birding, Nature Park, Guided Tour, Produce , Drive, Wildlife spotting, Cruise,

Backpacker, Caravan and Camping Park, Lodge,

Fishing: Over 97% of land in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region is protected, including the ocean! Find out exactly where you can (and can’t) go fishing, what types, and how many fish you can keep, as well as which permits you’ll need for your Gulf Savannah fishing adventure from the Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries.

Camping: Special rules apply to camping in National Parks and on protected land in the Gulf Savannah. Each area is different and some require you to book or pre-purchase a camping permit. Find out what camping permits you’ll need from the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency.

Fossicking: Stay on the right side of the law and gain permission to enter any/all designated fossicking areas in Queensland with a fossicking permit from the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water.