Welcome to Part 2 of our 'Go North' series: The Savannah Way.

Explore the far north of Queensland and the Top End of the Northern Territory on this amazing outback road trip.

With temperatures cooling off down south, there’s no better time than now to chase the sun and go north.

Whether you’re starting your journey in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, or even heading across from Tassie, here are three of the most popular itineraries for this year’s northern adventure. 

Part 2: The Savannah Way 

A Cairns to Darwin road trip via The Atherton Tablelands/Mount Surprise/Mount Isa/Tennant Creek/Darwin/Lake Argyle

Distance: 3,260 km

Time: 18 days

Credit: Pintrest - Undara Lava Tubes

The Savannah Way is a spectacular outback road trip that traverses the sparsely populated northern belt of Australia from Cairns to Broome. 

Only suitable for travellers with access to a reliable 4WD, or at least a sturdy 2WD vehicle, the range of terrain, landscape, and climate in this part of Australia has to be seen to be believed.

Linking approximately 20 national parks and three states, you can explore tropical rainforests, volcanic lava tubes, ancient hot springs, and World Heritage sites as you wind your way from coast to coast through red desert and savannah hinterland.

Stop 1: Cairns 

Credit: G'day Parks - Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track Tour

Although the Savannah Way begins in Cairns, you’ll regret it if you don’t spend at least a few days here. 

As a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, there is no better location than the tropical town of Cairns. The nearby Daintree Rainforest is a natural phenomenon with epic walks and wildlife experiences not to be missed.

Fitzroy Island is easily reachable from Cairns, and a great way to get a taste of the world’s largest reef system.

Stop 2: Atherton Tablelands

Distance from Cairns: 100 km

Credit: Cairns & Great Barier Reef - Millaa Millaa Falls

You could easily spend two weeks exploring this part of Far North Queensland alone.

The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most picturesque drives, including the well-known Millaa Millaa, Zillie, and Ellinjaa Falls. 

A little further along the road is Millstream Falls, one of the widest single-drop waterfalls in Australia. Enjoy the views and don’t forget your camera!
 

Stop 3: Mount Surprise

Distance from Atherton Tablelands: 200 km

Credit: Top Hot Springs - Innot, Owen Allen

It's time to drive from Cairns to Mount Surprise. Home to the Undara Volcanic National Park, Mount Surprise is one of the Savannah Way's must-sees. However, before you arrive, be sure to stop at Innot Hot Springs, one of North West Queensland’s best-kept secrets.

Well known for its incredible lava tubes and hiking trails, a number of guided tours are available at Undara Volcanic National Park via a network of trained Savannah guides. Explore the incredible lava tube system or go on a sunset wildlife tour.

Not far away are the Talaroo Hot Springs, set in the heart of Gulf Savannah country and Copperfield Gorge, both worth a refreshing dip.

First established in 1864, the area’s railway and mining history are a fascinating look at Queensland’s pioneering history.

Stop 4: Cobbold Gorge

Distance from Mount Surprise: 175 km

Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

The next leg of your outback adventure should include a stop at the deep, narrow Cobbold Gorge. Available by guided tour only, this hidden oasis is just over an hour's drive from the tiny country town of Forsayth.

Breathtaking from every angle, you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, or fly above this amazing piece of geology. 

Stop 5: Normanton

Distance from Cobbold Gorge: 385 km

Credit: Queensland Rail Travel - Gulflander Train

Once you leave Cobbold via Georgetown, you start to leave the dusty, red desert behind you.

Most famous for its Gold Rush heritage, you can still ride the heritage Gulflander train, which was originally built to connect the town to the rich goldfields of Croydon.

Stop at the ‘Purple Pub’ for refreshments before continuing on to the laid-back town of Karumba, located right on the Gulf of Carpenteria, and often included in Queensland’s list of top fishing spots.

Stop 6: Cloncurry and Mount Isa

Distance from Normanton: 382 km

Credit: Outback Queensland - John Flynn Place Museum

After briefly touching the coast at Karumba, it’s time to venture back into the heart of the Queensland outback!

Cloncurry and Mount Isa are about ninety minutes apart, but both contain some of Australia’s most authentic mining and outback heritage.

Mount Isa is renowned as the rodeo capital of Australia, and the annual Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo is a fast and furious community event that always brings the region together.

Nearby, Lake Moondarra is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing that is also home to a wide variety of native wildlife. On the way to Mount Isa, the John Flynn Place Museum is a fascinating insight into the founding of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Remember, there's not much between Mount Isa and your next stop across the NT border, so be sure to drop into town, pop into the fuel station, use mobile reception while you've got it, and stock up on essentials!

Stop 7: Tennant Creek

Distance from Mt Isa: 661 km

Credit: Barkly Regional Arts - Harmony Festival 2023

With not much to see before you start hitting some of the NT’s remote outposts, a big day behind the wheel will get you over the border to the Northern Territory. Congratulations, you’ve come a long way!

Tennant Creek sits about halfway between Katherine and Alice Springs, and makes a fascinating stopping point before you begin your approach to Darwin.

Approximately half the population of the town is of Indigenous descent, which makes it a great place to absorb as much Aboriginal culture as possible. 

The Nyinkka Nyunyu Arts and Cultural Centre is an exhibition in five parts and includes the story of how the Traditional Owners reclaimed their land. If you’re travelling in July or August, the annual five-day Desert Harmony Festival is the region’s platform for a culturally diverse population and showcases a wide range of talented local artists.

Stop 8: Katherine

Distance from Katherine: 675 km

Credit: Northern Territory Government

Arriving in Katherine will feel like you’ve returned to the ‘big smoke’ after the last two drives. Considered a large town in these parts, Katherine is a great base to explore some of the NT’s most iconic attractions.

These include Nitmiluk National Park (home to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls), the Cutta Cutta Caves, and the Katherine Outback Experience. Plus, you have to take a dip in the famous thermal pools at Katherine Hot Springs.

Stop 9: Darwin

Distance from Darwin: 320 km

Credit: Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

You’ve made it to the final leg.

After nearly three weeks of driving across Queensland and the Northern Territory, you’re in the tropical oasis of Darwin! The dry season is the best time to plan your Darwin road trip itinerary, from May to October.

Boasting year-round temperatures of about 32 degrees Celsius, all you’ll want to do is relax by the pool for a few days.

After that, a visit to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets is a must-do, Litchfield National Park is the locals' favourite for waterholes and wildlife, and the Darwin Waterfront is the perfect place to be for rest and relaxation in some of Australia's most unique bars and restaurants.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy!

From the lush tropics of Far North Queensland to the Top End delights in the Northern Territory, this Cairns to Darwin Road Trip is an unforgettable adventure.

G'day Parks has a wide range of camping sites and accommodation options along the route of your Cairns to Darwin trip. Get ready to enjoy rainforest scenery, wild swimming spots, night stargazing, and walks through beautiful national parks, with fantastic caravan parks along the way.

CONTINUE TO PART 3 OF GO NORTH: 3 AWESOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES 
The Red Centre

Much more than a big rock, Australia's Red Centre is a must-do for Aussie travellers. Practically a right of passage, reaching the Red Centre is reward for an epic journey.