Australia
The Savannah Way
Australia - The Savannah Way
Embarking on the Savannah Way might feel like venturing into the living heart of Australia—a sweeping outback odyssey that stretches from Cairns in Queensland all the way to Broome in Western Australia. Covering rugged coastline, lush wetlands, and red desert tracks, this route often weaves through some of the country’s most remote yet captivating landscapes. If you have a taste for adventure and don’t mind a bit of red dust on your boots, the Savannah Way may well call you in with its promise of wide skies and timeless stories waiting to be discovered around every bend.
Distance and Journey time
The Savannah Way stretches roughly 3,700 kilometres from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, winding through some of Australia’s most intriguing and varied landscapes. If you were to drive without many stops, you might complete the journey in about five or six days. However, the true magic of this route often lies in lingering at outback towns, exploring winding gorges, or pausing at scenic lookouts you’ll rarely find on a map. Many travellers therefore devote two weeks—or even longer—to savouring the region’s raw beauty, ensuring that each new stretch of red-dust road adds a fresh page to an ever-evolving travel tale.
A Journey Like No Other
Driving the Savannah Way can be many things: a lesson in Australia’s ancient geology, a window into the vibrant cultures of remote communities, and a test of your sense of adventure. Blazing red sunsets, unexpected encounters with wildlife, and friendly roadhouse chats often weave themselves into your memories, creating a tapestry of wonder and accomplishment. If you’re willing to go the distance, you’ll likely come away with a deeper understanding of both the land and yourself—reflections shimmering in the heat-hazed horizon, as you recall the roar of dusty roads and the gentle hush of hidden gorges along this truly epic Australian journey.
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You might begin by leaving behind the tropical bustle of Cairns, where lush mountains tumble towards the Coral Sea. Before long, you’ll sense the humidity ease as the road snakes inland towards the famed Undara Lava Tubes. These ancient volcanic tunnels, formed by molten lava flows millions of years ago, can offer an otherworldly experience—picture stepping beneath tall arches of basalt rock in a landscape shaped by fire and time. In the evenings, the wide outback sky often reveals a dazzling array of stars, making it tempting to linger a little longer at a bush campsite.
Cairns to Undara Lava Tubes
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As you continue heading west, outback townships such as Georgetown and Croydon usually emerge like welcoming oases in the vast, sun-baked plains. Their history is often laced with gold-rush tales and stories of resilient pioneers. You might wander through a small local museum, marvel at weathered photographs of yesteryear, or perhaps chat with friendly locals at a homely café, discovering how life unfolds amid these endless horizons.
Georgetown and Croydon
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Venturing deeper, you might find Normanton—a place steeped in character, from its brightly painted historic railway station to the life-sized statue of the region’s biggest crocodile on record. Nearby Karumba, perched on the Gulf of Carpentaria, could tempt you with fresh seafood and sunsets of tangerine and gold shimmering on vast salt flats. Many travellers suggest pausing here to watch the sun dip below the horizon, glass of something cool in hand, feeling the gentle hush of the outback night slip in.
Normanton, Karumba, and Beyond
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From there, a detour south-west might lead you to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, where emerald waters wind through deep gorges framed by sandstone cliffs. A canoe trip along the tranquil gorge can be magical—keep an eye out for curious turtles or the flash of bright-blue kingfishers, as the canyon’s towering walls reflect in the still water. Here, it’s not unusual to feel entirely removed from the modern world, enveloped by the timeless rhythms of nature.
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
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Eventually, you’ll carry on towards the Queensland–Northern Territory border, entering landscapes famed for their dramatic transitions—from savannah grasslands to wetlands teeming with birdlife. Katherine and its surrounding region may greet you with stunning waterways, hot springs, and ancient rock art. If time allows, you might make a short trip north to Kakadu or Litchfield National Park, marvelling at cascading waterfalls, monsoon forests, and crocodiles lazing along the riverbanks. In Katherine itself, a sunset boat ride through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge could be a highlight, the warm glow of evening making the red cliff faces appear almost aflame.
Crossing into the Northern Territory
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Crossing into Western Australia, you’ll be entering the Kimberley—a vast domain of hidden gorges, immense boab trees, and Aboriginal rock art sites older than many civilisations. The towns of Kununurra and Halls Creek may serve as convenient stop-offs for supplies and fuel, with the region’s local art and cultural centres giving a glimpse into the rich Aboriginal heritage of the land. There’s an almost palpable sense of timelessness here, as if the rust-red ranges, spinifex plains, and winding rivers have been patiently standing witness to millennia of stories.
Gradually, the road could guide you to Broome, nestled beside the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach’s iconic white sands. Famous for its pearling history and spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean, Broome often delivers a breathtaking contrast to the outback days behind you: camel rides on the beach at sundown, bustling outdoor markets, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
