Savannah Way, Part 1, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Oct 2nd, 2006
The Savannah Way is one of Australia's ultimate adventure drives, linking Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the historic pearling town of Broome in Western Australia, via the natural wonders of Katherine in the Northern Territory.
It is one of the world's greatest cross-continental road trips - traversing the top of Australia. The route passes through some of Australia's most spectacular scenery. You'll see an amazingly diverse and spectacular landscape of wide horizons, ancient gorges, rock pools, salt pans, hot springs and abundant wildlife.
The Savannah Way is an example of a 'last frontier' style of touring. It's packed with Outback experiences, natural attractions, heritage, culture and adventure. It was officially launched as a touring route in 2004 in a joint venture by the QLD, NT and WA bodies. (It has been known in the past both as the Great Top Road and the Gulf Track.)
The Savannah Way may be one of the nation's ultimate adventure drives, but is suitable for both 4WD and 2WD vehicles depending on the season and the route chosen.
Undara Volcanic National ParrkUndara Volcanic National Park is an excursion in Natural History. One hundred and ninety thousand years ago, Undara (meaning "a long way" in Aboriginal terms) came to life; one of 164 volcanoes within the province.
Over the past 7-8 million years the granite valley has been filled with lava and ash flows. Undara spilled out enough liquid to fill Sydney Harbour 3-4 times. One flow from Undara that travelled in a north-westerly direction for 164km, is considered to be the longest single lava flow from one vent in the world in modern geological time.
Cobbold GorgeCobbold Gorge offers the "Ultimate Outback Adventure". Hidden away within rugged sandstone formations is a unique narrow gorge with spectacular 30 metre cliffs on each side.
A cruise through the gorge in a flat bottomed, electric powered boat is an awesome and unforgettable experience, as are the views from the top of the escarpment. Access to the gorge is by guided tour only, and bookings are essential.
GulflanderFondly referred to as the old `tin hare', the Gulflander is one of the world's last great characters of rail travel and offers a unique experience. This historic little train takes you on a journey with a difference from remote Normanton to far flung Croydon through the tough and inhospitable Gulf Country.
NormantonThe major business centre in the Gulf is Normanton. It houses historic buildings including the Penitentiary, where legend has it that the last Gulf hanging took place. The area has a number of good fishing spots and a wide array of bird life.
FURTHER INFORMATIONCobbold Gorge - Cob & Simon Terry (Father & Son) , PH: (07) 4062 5470, (Toll Free) 1800 669 922
Undara Volcanic National Park - Bram Collins, PH: (07) 4097 1900, Toll Free: 1800 990 992, FAX: (07) 4097 1955
