Although not strictly a self drive attraction, the Savannahlander Railway journey is one of the great Tropical North Queensland outback tourism experiences. The four day adventure commences at the Cairns Railway Station, at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, on Wednesday mornings at 6.30am. Slipping through the suburbs, the Savannahlander makes it way up the Kuranda Range, using the same track as the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway. However, unlike its cousin, the Savannahlander continues its journey west, past Kuranda and tracking out to the outback, where lush rainforest and rich agricultural fields make way for rugged outback terrain. The first day concludes at Almaden, where you can enjoy lunch and transfer to the Chillago caves. The next day takes you to Mt Surprise, Einasleigh and Cobbold Gorge, before you conclude your outback journey and turn around for the two day trip back to Cairns.
Who would have thought you could enjoy African-style safari tent accommodation in Tropical North Queensland? Well you can, at Jabiru Safari Lodge, in the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve. You may ask yourself, why is this here? Well, according to many South Africans, the conditions, country and climate around Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands, is very similar to their homelands. So I suppose it makes sense to install this unique accommodation on the shores of the wetlands. There are two type of accommodation available Deluxe African-style Cabin and Eco Safari Cabin. Both provide luxurious accommodation, without removing you from the beauty of the surrounding environs. It’s a long drive, down a dirt road, but it is worth it. [Closed in the wet / summer.]
The magnificent Cobbold Gorge is 6km long, connected by a series of waterholes and rock falls and bordered by spectacular 30m cliffs on either side. Tours are provided by the Terry Family, who welcome you to their Robin Hood Station, a massive 1,284sqkm property that runs 10,000 head of Braham cattle. Bordered by the Newcastle Ranges on the eastern boundary and sandstone escarpments in the west, this location really does introduce you to the outback lifestyle of Tropical North Queensland. Cobbold Gorge tours depart daily at 10am between 1st April and 31st October. They last three hours and include walks, a boat cruise and visit to the grave of pioneer John Corbett. An alternative tour is the four hour exploration of Robin Hood Cattle Station with a Fishing Experience. Cobbold Gorge is a 5 ½ hour drive west of Cairns: accommodation is available at Robin Hood Station.
The Gulf Savannah was once a bustling, booming landscape. There was gold fever, a gemstone rush and it was a wealth of mineral richness and resources. Today, most of the mines and miners have moved on, but Terrestrial in Georgetown provides a snapshot of what drew men, women and families into the Gulf Savannah. Located on Low Street, Terrestrial houses the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, which consists of over 4,500 specimens including ammonite fossils, agate, quartz crystals and prehnite specimens. The attraction and collection is housed in a large shed structure, which came from the now-closed Kidston Gold Mines. The courtyard is pebbled and they are worth noting, as the pebbles have been known to contain semi-precious gems, such as topaz. If you like rocks, this is the attraction for you.
Without a doubt, Undara is Tropical North Queensland’s quintessential outback tourism experience. It’s a place where you can explore ancient limestone caves, enjoy country hospitality, stay in refurbished railway carriages and admire local wildlife. It also features truly special events throughout the year including ‘Opera in the Outback’ and ‘Outback Country Rock and Blues’, bringing culture to the country. So what is the Undara Experience? Firstly, it is home to the Undara Lava Tubes, which were created approximately 190,000 years ago with a large volcanic eruption. There are several tubes, each with its own unique geology and ecology. The longest one extends over 160km, although only segments of it are open to the public. Accommodation varies from restored railway carriages to the swags tent village, stockman quarters, safari shelter and outback caravan park and camp ground.
