ITINERARY
Legend; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Rainforest, Tablelands & Undara
After collection from your Cairns Hotel at approximately 7:30am we head for the Outback Savannah country west of Cairns. We make our way up the Gilles Highway and on to the Volcanic Crater, Lake Barrine, for the Tea House’s famous scones with spectacular views over the lake and its rim covered by Rainforest. We then make our way through the fertile Atherton Tablelands and its agricultural diversity to Ravenshoe, “Queensland’s Highest town”, before heading to nearby Millstream Falls, the widest single drop fall in Australia. We pass through the Forty Mile Scrub National Park before we make our way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. An experienced Guide takes you on an informative tour of the fascinating lava tubes. The outer surface of molten lava solidified, leaving these unusual tunnel-like formations, set high in the savannah country around the vast cattle properties. These volcanic lava tubes are said to have formed around 190,000+ years ago, when a staggering 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed into a riverbed and continued for 160km, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano in the world. The flow left behind huge caves or tubes, some over 21m wide and up to 10m high. This is a genuinely unforgettable geological tour with diverse flora and fauna. We head to our accommodation for the night, Finnigan’s Rest in Forsayth.
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Finnigan’s Rest in Forsayth
Day 2: Talaroo Hot Springs and travel to Cobbold Gorge
Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Talaroo Hot Springs for a guided experience with an Ewamian Traditional Owner. Learn about the area’s cultural and geological significance before enjoying time to relax in the naturally heated mineral waters. Continue through remote outback landscapes to Einasleigh, stopping at the historic Einasleigh Hotel for a relaxed lunch. Take time to explore nearby Copperfield Gorge, located just across the road. Travelling on to Forsayth – the terminus of the Savannahlander train – enjoy a short stop at the local pub before continuing to Cobbold Gorge. Settle in for a two-night stay at Cobbold Gorge Village. In the evening, unwind around the campfire under a canopy of stars and enjoy a hearty meal at the licensed bar and bistro.
- Meals: Breakfast & dinner included
- Accommodation: A Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite
Day 3: Discover the Wonders of Cobbold Gorge
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty of Cobbold Gorge. Experience the gorge on a guided boat cruise, gliding silently between towering sandstone walls polished over millions of years. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles and native wildlife as your guide shares stories of the local Indigenous heritage, pioneering history and life on Robin Hood Station. Optional activities (at an additional cost) may include scenic helicopter flights, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking, subject to availability. Back at the village, you can also enjoy the swimming pool, walking trails and other facilities at your leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Accommodation: Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite
Day 4: Journey from Cobbold Gorge to Cairns through the Outback and Tablelands
Depart Cobbold Gorge and rejoin the Gulf Development Road, travelling to Georgetown. Visit the local information centre to learn about the region’s gold and gem mining history, including the impressive 858g Providence Nugget on display. Journey back through the Atherton Tablelands, with time to stop at select attractions depending on the day. Possible highlights include Innot Hot Springs, The Crater, Herberton Historic Village, or Gallo Dairyland for chocolate and cheese tastings. Descend the Kuranda Range and return to Cairns, arriving at your hotel by approximately 6:00pm.
