7 Days - 6 Nights Top end to Cairns Tropical Gulf Explorer

Highlights: 

- Atherton Tablelands
- Lake Eacham
- Yungaburra
- Malanda
- Milla Milla Falls
- Mt Garnet
- Undarra
- Mt Surprise
- Georgetown
- Croydon

- Karumba
- Normanton
- Leichardt River
- Burketown
- Savannah Way
- Gregory Downs
- Lawn Hill National Park
- Indari Falls
- Domadgee
- Hells Gate
- Borroloola
- Limmen National Park
- Southern Lost City
- Roper River

- We of the Never Never
- Mataranka Springs
- Katherine
- Palmerston
- Darwin

Day 1

Depart Darwin 8.00am heading south. Fascinating historic town of Pine Creek and the historic Goldfields, full of unusual buildings and memories of the old railway and telegraph line. Located 248 km south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway Pine Creek was named after the local creek which was crossed in December 1870 by the teams constructing the Overland Telegraph Line.

The creek was notable, as the name suggests, for the many pines on its banks. Pine Creek's busiest time was during the Second World War when as many as 247 trains came through in one week in 1944. After an interesting stop at Pine Creek, we continue on to Edith Falls which is located on the western boundary of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). The paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls is safe for swimming throughout most of the year.

After lunch we have a short journey to Katherine, the third largest town in the Northern Territory. Our day concludes by visiting Mataranka and Mataranka Homestead, with natural thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical palms.

Overnight: Mataranka Homestead, Mataranka

Day 2

Today we adventure through the gulf visiting the Roper River which is abundant with Barramundi and stop at various locations to enjoy views of the temporary fishing camps along the way.

After a morning tea break by the river, we head south visiting many lagoons, rivers and enjoying the Towns River and the often seen Johnson River Crocodiles.

After an enjoyable lunch stop at Linnen Bight River and National Park we continue to the fantastic landscape of the Southern Lost City.

Late afternoon we arrive at our bush stay at Borroloola Hotel Motel.

Overnight: Borroloola Hotel Motel, BORROLOOLA

Day 3

This morning we cross the Macarthur River, a very large River system feeding into the Gulf from the Barkley Tablelands.

Onwards through many river valleys to Wollogorang Station on Settlement Creek. Crossing into Queensland, we head off the Gulf trail to venture through the incredible rock formations of Hells Gate, then we continue on to the Nicholson River before turning south through property trails of Bothorn and Lorne Hill Stations, past Mt Oscar Outstation to our idyllic location at Adel Grove to enjoy the next two nights.

Overnight: Adels Grove, Lawn Hill

Day 4

A relaxing day where we visit Lorne Hill National Park (Aboriginal name Boodjamulla) where we enjoy some guided walks such as the Island Ben lookout, the Cascades walk and then canoeing along two gorges to enjoy the ambiance of the area, the wildlife and waterfalls.

We stop for a nice picnic lunch before returning to Adel Grove for relaxing afternoon walks along the stream.

Overnight: Adels grove, Lawn Hill

Day 5

Leaving Adel Grove we head east to Gregory Downs, before northwards again to historic Burketown.

Burketown is the oldest settlement in the Gulf and still has a 107 year old Artesian Bore in working order. Continuing onwards, we head to Floraville Station which has walker monument which relates to the resting place of the explorer Frederick Walker who led one of the Queensland search parties for Australian explorers Burke & Wills.

Then it a short journey with picnic lunch to Leichhardt Falls on the Lichhardt River named after another famous Australian Explorer. Heading east towards Normanton to view Burke & Wills camp 119 where in 1861 they left their marks on trees before leaving on their ill-fated journey to Coopers Creek.

On arrival in Normanton we visit the historical Gulflander train and rain motor.

Overnight: Purple Pub and Brolga Palms Motel, NORMANTON

Day 6

East today through the Gulf with our first stop at Croydon, a once prosperous Gold Village with many hotels and people, including the Chinese.

Then we cross further east on the Savannah Way, we visit the Cumberland Chimney Stack another Gold Mining site. We continue on to Georgetown.

Onwards to Mount Surprise, a very popular gem and fossicking town especially for Topaz. Continuing to Undarra Volcanic National Park. After checking into our accommodation, we do a 2 hour tour (3.30 5.30) of the famous Undarra Lava Tube.

Overnight: Undarra Experience, UNDARRA

Day 7

This morning we head North East travelling 40 miles through Scrub National Park to Mount Garnet another famous fossicking area.

From here, we head to Innot Hot springs and Ravens Hoe, visiting Mill Stream Falls. We then head through the scenic trail of the Southern Atherton Tablelands to Millaa Millaa Village and Waterfall.

From here we head through the lush Atherton Tablelands to Malanda, to the Curtain Fig and Yungaburra. Further enjoying the sites during the afternoon, we visit Cradle Lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine to Gillies Lookout and descend the Atherton Tablelands to Gordon Vale to conclude our journey late afternoon in Cairns.

This tour also operates in reverse
Cairns to Darwin

Tour Cost:
AU$3,625.00 per person twin share
(AU$836.00 single supplement)
AU$2,310.00 per child

Departure Details: On Request
Arrival Details: On Request

Tour Inclusions:
- 4WD Air-conditioned Luxury transport
- All breakfasts
- Light Lunches
- 6 dinners and Morning teas
- All accommodation Twin Share private facilities
* except Lawn Hill
- All entries to National Parks
- Experienced driver guides

What to bring:
- Sturdy Walking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Camera

Discovery Tours Australia
Australian Wilderness Tours

Cairns, 4870 Queensland, Australia
Sales: 1300 661 292 | +61 7 4057 9866
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