Savannah Way Explained: Cairns to Broome Overland

If the words big skies, red dirt, and outback freedom set your pulse racing, the Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome is your ultimate Australian road trip. This legendary transcontinental route links the Coral Sea with the Indian Ocean across roughly 3,700 kilometres of tropical savannahs, ancient gorges, and storied cattle country. It is a journey of contrasts and a masterclass in slow travel, where the day’s biggest decisions often come down to which gorge to swim, which sunset lookout to choose, and where to park up and stargaze.

In this complete guide, you will learn what the Savannah Way is, when to go, how to plan your mileage, what to drive, where to stay, and the must-see highlights in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Whether you want a rapid 10-day transit or a three-week odyssey, this article is your map to an unforgettable Cairns to Broome overland adventure.

What Is the Savannah Way?

The Savannah Way is a cross-country touring route that connects Cairns in tropical North Queensland to Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It threads through the Gulf Country and Top End via a patchwork of sealed highways and unsealed roads, hitting a series of classic outback towns, national parks, and remote roadhouses.

• Total distance: about 3,700 kilometres, depending on detours
• States and territories: Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia
• Terrain: mixed sealed and gravel, with creek crossings in the Northern Territory and Queensland depending on your chosen route
• Signature experiences: Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge, Gulf sunsets at Karumba, barra fishing in Burketown, the sandstone towers of Limmen National Park, Mataranka’s hot springs, Nitmiluk Gorge at Katherine, Lake Argyle and the Ord River, Kimberley gorges, and Broome’s Cable Beach

You can drive it in either direction, but many travellers start in Cairns for a natural transition from reef and rainforest to savannah and finally to the Kimberley coast.

When To Go: Best Time for a Cairns to Broome Road Trip

The Savannah Way is best tackled in the dry season.

• Best months: May to September for clear skies, firm tracks, and cool nights
• Shoulder months: April and October can be rewarding, with warmer temps and fewer visitors, but expect early or late-season storms
• Wet season: November to March brings heavy rain, tropical lows, and river flooding. Many tracks and creek crossings become impassable and are closed for safety. Only seasoned remote travellers with local updates should consider wet-season travel

Book tours, campsites, and station stays ahead of time for peak months, especially June to August, when families and grey nomads are out in force.

How Long Do You Need?

• Express: 9 to 12 days if you prioritise driving and key highlights
• Classic: 14 days for a comfortable pace with rest days
• Immersive: 18 to 24 days to layer in detours like Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill), Riversleigh fossil fields, El Questro, and Purnululu

Your vehicle, appetite for gravel, and daily distance tolerance will shape your plan. Many travellers average 250 to 450 kilometres per day to allow time for sightseeing and midday swims.

East to West or West to East?

There is no wrong direction. A few thoughts:

• Visibility: Morning sun in your rear-view mirror can be gentler when driving west early in the day
• Vehicle relocation and hire: Some travellers find better one-way deals from Cairns. Check both directions
• Seasonal timing: If leaving early dry season, starting in Cairns gets you into the Gulf before lingering water closes routes, giving extra time for the Kimberley at the end

Route Overview: Cairns to Broome, State by State

You will skim rainforest-cloaked tablelands, follow the Gulf Developmental Road across Queensland’s savannah, cross into the NT’s limestone and sandstone country, then roll into WA’s Kimberley boab landscapes before finishing on the Indian Ocean.

• Queensland: Cairns, Atherton Tablelands, Undara, Georgetown, Cobbold Gorge, Croydon, Normanton and Karumba, Burketown
• Northern Territory: Hells Gate, Borroloola, Limmen National Park, Roper Bar, Mataranka, Katherine
• Western Australia: Kununurra, Lake Argyle, El Questro detour, Fitzroy Crossing or Derby, Broome

Two main route choices exist in the NT:

1. Northern option via Nathan River Road through Limmen National Park to Roper Bar. Mixed gravel, seasonal river crossings, 4WD recommended.
2. Southern option via the Carpentaria Highway. More sealed sections and generally friendlier for caravans and 2WD in the dry.

Queensland Highlights: Cairns to the Gulf

Atherton Tablelands and Undara

Leave Cairns via the Gillies or Kuranda Range and roll onto the Atherton Tablelands, a country of waterfalls, crater lakes, tea plantations, and rolling farms. Overnight in Yungaburra, Atherton, or Ravenshoe if you want a gentle start.

Further west, Undara Volcanic National Park delivers one of Australia’s great geological experiences. Take a guided tour of the lava tubes that snake beneath the savannah. Twilight wildlife tours reveal wallabies, nocturnal birds, and microbats.

Highlights:

• Millaa Millaa Falls and the Waterfall Circuit
• Crater Lakes National Park
• Undara lava tube tours and sunset wildlife experiences
• Savannahlander rail option for rail enthusiasts

Georgetown, Cobbold Gorge, Forsayth

Continue to Georgetown for a taste of gold rush history. Nearby, Cobbold Gorge is a modern outback icon. Glide by boat along a knife-thin waterway hemmed by 30-metre sandstone walls, then walk the glass bridge strung above the chasm. The private outback resort offers powered sites, cabins, and tours. Book well ahead in peak months.

Croydon, Normanton, and Karumba

Croydon’s heritage precinct is a time capsule. Normanton offers quirky photo stops, including the life-size replica of an enormous crocodile once captured in the area. Detour to Karumba at the mouth of the Norman River for a sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria, a seafood feast, and a chance to spot brolgas and jabirus in nearby wetlands.

Must-do in Karumba:

• Sunset cruise on the Gulf
• Barra discovery centre
• Prawn and mud crab tasting

Burketown and Boodjamulla Detour

Plug northwest to Burketown, a small frontier town famous for fishing and the rare Morning Glory cloud that rolls through in early spring. From this region, keen explorers detour south to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and the Riversleigh fossil fields. Expect limestone gorges of jade water surrounded by paperbarks and pandanus. Allow two to three extra days and carry ample water and fuel.

Northern Territory Highlights: Borroloola to Katherine

Borroloola and Limmen National Park

Cross the border at Hells Gate and continue to Borroloola, a laid-back town by the McArthur River. East of here, Limmen National Park unfolds in a series of sandstone cities, billabongs, and prolific fishing spots. Nathan River Road is a classic NT backroad. It is unsealed and rough in places but rewards with sights such as the Southern Lost City, Butterfly Springs, and Limmen Bight River. Seasonal conditions govern access, so check road reports and travel prepared.

Key stops:

• Southern Lost City walking loops among eroded sandstone towers
• Butterfly Springs for a swim in the dry season
• Limmen Bight River and Towns River for fishing
• Roper Bar, a historic crossing on the Roper River

If you choose the more sealed Carpentaria Highway option, you will bypass some dirt in exchange for faster travel to the Stuart Highway.

Mataranka and Elsey Country

Pull into Mataranka to soak in crystal-clear thermal pools shaded by pandanus, a reward after remote days on the road. Bitter Springs is a favourite for a gentle float through teal water. Nearby Elsey Cemetery and local homesteads bring to life the region celebrated in We of the Never Never.

Katherine and Nitmiluk Gorge

Katherine is the Top End’s adventure hub with supermarkets, mechanical services, and accommodation. Spend a day in Nitmiluk National Park. Cruise, canoe, or walk the gorges carved by the Katherine River. Swim at Leliyn (Edith Falls), visit Cutta Cutta Caves, and browse the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre.

Western Australia Highlights: Kununurra to Broome

Kununurra and Lake Argyle

Cross the NT-WA border near Keep River and roll into Kununurra under the watch of beehive sandstone. Explore Mirima National Park, often dubbed the mini Bungle Bungles. Join an Ord River or Lake Argyle cruise, visit sandalwood plantations and local galleries, and watch sunset from Kelly’s Knob. Lake Argyle, Australia’s largest man-made lake by volume, is a scenic detour with an infinity pool at the caravan park that looks over a lake so big it creates its own microclimate.

Remember Western Australia’s quarantine rules. Fresh fruit, some vegetables, honey, and plant materials are restricted at the border.

El Questro and The Gibb Detour

Although the official Savannah Way keeps to the sealed Great Northern Highway, many travellers dip briefly into the eastern Gibb River Road to visit El Questro. With hot springs, hidden gorges, and station hospitality, it is a showstopper. If you decide to tackle longer sections of the Gibb, plan separately and be prepared for corrugations, creek crossings, and a different set of logistics.

Purnululu, Fitzroy Crossing or Derby, and Broome

A southern loop to Purnululu National Park reveals the striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range and deep gorges like Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge. This is a rough access track and is usually 4WD only in the dry season.

The Great Northern Highway then draws you through Fitzroy Crossing, where you can cruise Geikie Gorge, or Derby, gateway to tidal wonders and Kimberley art. Finish with a triumphant roll into Broome, home to red cliffs, turquoise water, pearl history, and iconic camel trains at sunset on Cable Beach.

Suggested Savannah Way Itineraries

Here are three easy-to-follow plans. Distances are approximate and will vary with detours.

10-Day Express Itinerary

• Day 1: Cairns to Undara or Mount Surprise, 280 to 350 km. Lava tube tour.
• Day 2: Undara to Cobbold Gorge via Georgetown, 270 km. Afternoon gorge tour.
• Day 3: Cobbold Gorge to Karumba via Croydon and Normanton, 380 km. Gulf sunset.
• Day 4: Karumba to Burketown, 380 km. Fishing or wetland birding.
• Day 5: Burketown to Borroloola, 420 km. Remote roadhouse stops, check fuel range.
• Day 6: Borroloola to Mataranka via Limmen NP or Carpentaria Highway, 420 to 520 km. Soak at Bitter Springs.
• Day 7: Mataranka to Katherine, 110 km. Nitmiluk Gorge cruise or canoe.
• Day 8: Katherine to Kununurra, 515 km. Mirima sunset.
• Day 9: Kununurra to Fitzroy Crossing, 650 km. Ord River morning cruise before departure if time allows.
• Day 10: Fitzroy Crossing to Broome, 400 km. Celebrate on Cable Beach.

Good for travellers who want to sample the route with limited time. Prioritise sealed roads where possible.

14-Day Classic Itinerary

• Day 1: Cairns to Atherton or Yungaburra, 70 to 100 km. Waterfalls and crater lakes.
• Day 2: Atherton to Undara, 220 km. Lava tube tour and sunset wildlife experience.
• Day 3: Undara to Cobbold Gorge, 270 km. Gorge cruise and skywalk.
• Day 4: Cobbold Gorge to Normanton, 300 km. Historic pubs and the purple pub in Normanton.
• Day 5: Normanton to Karumba, 75 km. Gulf sunset cruise and seafood dinner.
• Day 6: Karumba to Burketown, 380 km. Leichhardt River free camp options outside the wet.
• Day 7: Burketown to Borroloola, 420 km. Riverside sunset.
• Day 8: Borroloola to Limmen NP camp, 200 to 300 km. Southern Lost City walk.
• Day 9: Limmen NP to Mataranka, 300 to 400 km. Bitter Springs soak.
• Day 10: Mataranka to Katherine, 110 km. Edith Falls swim.
• Day 11: Katherine rest day. Nitmiluk cruise, art galleries, and stock up.
• Day 12: Katherine to Kununurra, 515 km. Border quarantine checks.
• Day 13: Kununurra to Derby or Fitzroy Crossing, 500 to 700 km depending on stops. Optional Ord River morning tour.
• Day 14: Derby or Fitzroy Crossing to Broome, 220 to 400 km. Pearl history walk in Broome.

Balanced driving days with time for swims and tours.

21-Day Immersive Itinerary

Build on the 14-day plan with the following additions:

• Add 2 to 3 days for Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) and Riversleigh fossil fields after Normanton or Gregory.
• Add 1 to 2 days for Karumba fishing or birding.
• Add 2 days in Limmen NP for fishing and walking, plus a night at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park if open and accessible.
• Add 2 days at Kununurra for Lake Argyle and Mirima, plus a sunset at Ivanhoe Crossing when conditions allow.
• Add 2 days to detour to El Questro or a light taste of the Gibb River Road.
• Add 2 days for Purnululu National Park from the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek.

This itinerary gives you time to fall into the rhythm of the road and really meet the people and places you came for.

2WD vs 4WD, Road Conditions, and Driving Tips

The Savannah Way is a mix of highway and outback track. Your choice of route will determine how much dirt you see.

• 2WD friendly: Large sections of Queensland’s Gulf Developmental Road and the Great Northern Highway in WA are sealed. The Carpentaria Highway route in the NT reduces gravel.
• 4WD recommended: Nathan River Road in Limmen National Park, side trips to secluded gorges, and park access tracks like Purnululu and El Questro. A high-clearance 4WD also makes corrugations more comfortable and gives confidence on water crossings.
• Caravans and campers: Semi-off-road and off-road vans are best if you plan gravel. Many travellers tow on the sealed alternatives and do 4WD day tours to rougher sites. Dust sealing and stone protection are a must.

Practical tips:

• Study road reports from state and territory road authorities and parks departments
• Reduce tyre pressures on corrugations and carry a compressor to reinflate
• Carry two spares if you plan long gravel legs
• Keep fuel and water reserves for the longest gaps. Between Burketown and Borroloola there can be more than 350 kilometres without reliable fuel
• Take your time with river and creek crossings. Walk it first if safe and seek local advice

Permits, Park Passes, and Biosecurity

• National parks: Some parks require entry fees or passes. Booking campsites online is common in all three jurisdictions. Secure permits and passes before you leave coverage areas
• Aboriginal lands: The main Savannah Way corridors use public roads. Permits are required if you venture onto certain Aboriginal land or participate in cultural tours on restricted country. Tour operators organise these
• Fishing rules: Check bag and size limits for each state. NT and WA have strict rules around barramundi and threadfin salmon
• Border quarantine: WA enforces strict biosecurity on fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, and honey. Consume, declare, or dispose before the border. NT and QLD also have movement controls. Plan your grocery shop around these checkpoints

Where To Stay: Camping, Station Stays, and Town Comforts

From shaded national park campgrounds to polished outback resorts, the Savannah Way serves every style.

• Popular campgrounds and stays:

  • Undara Experience near Undara Volcanic National Park
  • Cobbold Gorge Village near Forsayth
  • Karumba caravan parks for Gulf sunsets
  • Leichhardt Falls free camp in the dry season, subject to conditions
  • Limmen NP campgrounds near Southern Lost City and river mouths
  • Mataranka Homestead and Bitter Springs Holiday Park
  • Katherine caravan parks near Nitmiluk
  • Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park
  • Kununurra caravan parks by the Ord River
  • Fitzroy Crossing and Derby caravan parks
  • Broome options around Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay

• Station stays and backcountry: Look out for private stations that open seasonally with 4WD tracks, swimming holes, and rustic bars. These fill fast in peak season

• Booking tips:

  • Reserve tours at Cobbold Gorge and cruise seats at Nitmiluk and Lake Argyle a few weeks ahead from June to August
  • National park camping often requires online booking. Reception can be patchy, so plan a few days in advance
  • Pack cash or have a backup payment method for remote roadhouses

Fuel, Food, and Water Planning

• Fuel: Towns are roughly 200 to 300 kilometres apart for much of the route, but there are longer stretches with limited services. Always top up when you can in the Gulf and Top End. Ask locals about current fuel availability
• Food: Major supermarkets are in Cairns, Atherton, Katherine, and Kununurra. Most other towns have general stores. Stock up on fresh produce around quarantine rules
• Water: Carry at least 10 to 20 litres per person for remote sections, more if you plan hiking. Always treat or boil water from creeks and tanks unless signed as potable

Safety, Wildlife, and Responsible Travel

The Savannah Way rewards prepared travellers. A few fundamentals:

• Crocodiles: You are in croc country from the Gulf to Broome. Do not swim in tidal rivers, estuaries, or any waterway where signs warn of crocodiles. Stay five metres from the water’s edge, never clean fish at the water, and keep camps well back
• Heat and hydration: Start hikes early, wear a wide-brim hat, and drink small amounts often
• Road trains and wildlife: Give road trains space and do not cut in. Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. If you must travel at night, reduce speed and stay alert
• Communications: Telstra has the best regional coverage, but large gaps remain. A satellite phone, personal locator beacon, or satellite messenger is smart insurance
• Recovery and spares: Basic kit should include a compressor, tyre plug kit, two spare tyres, coolant and oil, a snatch strap and shackles, jump starter, and a comprehensive first aid kit
• Respect Country: Seek permission and guidance for cultural sites. Support Indigenous-owned businesses and tours. Pack out what you pack in, use designated fire pits, and leave gates as you find them

Costs and Budgeting

A ballpark budget for two people on a two-week drive:

• Vehicle and gear: Own 4WD costs vary. 4WD hire can range widely depending on season, inclusions, and one-way fees
• Fuel: Expect higher outback fuel prices. Consumption increases with corrugations and headwinds
• Accommodation: Caravan parks range from budget to resort-style. Station stays and park camps vary. Budget extra for premium experiences like Cobbold Gorge or Lake Argyle resorts
• Tours and activities:
  • Undara lava tube tour
  • Cobbold Gorge cruise and glass bridge
  • Karumba sunset cruise
  • Nitmiluk Gorge cruise or canoe hire
  • Lake Argyle or Ord River cruises
  • El Questro gorge access fees and guided tours
  • Purnululu helicopter scenic flight for a once-in-a-lifetime view

Set aside a contingency for roadworks detours or weather-related changes.

Cultural Experiences Along the Savannah Way

Travel is richer when it connects you with people and stories. Look for Indigenous-led tours and experiences that share language, art, and country:

• Gulf Country: Gangalidda and Garawa cultural tours operate seasonally around Burketown and the lower Gulf
• Katherine region: Rock art and storytelling experiences around Nitmiluk and Katherine are available through local operators
• East Kimberley: Miriwoong guides around Kununurra, art centres in Warmun and Kununurra, and cultural cruises offer deep insight
• West Kimberley: Derby and Broome host powerful First Nations art centres and cultural walks on tidal flats and mangrove fringes

Check local visitor centres for current schedules and availability.

Packing Checklist for the Savannah Way

• Essentials:
  • Valid ID, licences, and vehicle paperwork for cross-border travel
  • Physical maps or an offline navigation app
  • Satellite communicator or sat phone for remote legs
  • First aid kit with snake bandage and saline
  • Head torch and spare batteries
• Vehicle:
  • Two spares, jack, wheel brace, and tyre repair kit
  • Air compressor and tyre deflator
  • Basic tool kit, fluids, spare fuses and belts
  • Fuel and water jerry cans, funnels, and straps
• Camping:
  • Shade awning and ground mat
  • Insect repellent, fly net headgear, and sunscreen
  • Sturdy tent or swag rated for tropical conditions
  • Cooking gear and a backup stove
• Clothing and footwear:
  • Light, long-sleeve shirts and long pants for sun and insects
  • Closed shoes for gorge walks, reef shoes for rocky creeks
  • Warm layer for crisp dry season nights
• Nice-to-have:
  • Binoculars for birding and wildlife
  • Fishing gear with state-compliant tackle
  • Camera and spare memory cards
  • Compact recovery tracks for sand and mud

Frequently Asked Questions: Savannah Way

Q: How long is the Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome? A: Around 3,700 kilometres, depending on detours like Karumba, Boodjamulla, El Questro, and Purnululu.

Q: Is the Savannah Way sealed? A: Large portions are sealed, especially in Queensland and Western Australia, but many travellers choose unsealed sections in the Northern Territory for access to Limmen National Park and outback gorges. You can choose a more sealed route via the Carpentaria Highway.

Q: Can I do the drive in a 2WD? A: Yes, if you plan your route carefully and stick mostly to sealed roads. A 4WD is strongly recommended for the Limmen NP section, Purnululu access, and most station detours.

Q: Are caravans and camper trailers suitable? A: Yes for the sealed route and well-graded sections in the dry. Off-road rated rigs are better for gravel. Always check road reports and slow down on corrugations to protect your van.

Q: When is the best time to go? A: The dry season from May to September is the safest and most comfortable. Avoid the wet season unless you are flexible and experienced with remote travel logistics.

Q: Do I need any permits? A: You may need national park entry passes and camping bookings. Indigenous land permits are required if visiting restricted areas off the main public roads. Check park and tourism websites before you go.

Q: What about crocodiles? A: Saltwater crocodiles live in coastal and tidal rivers across the Top End and Kimberley, and can move far up river systems. Only swim where it is clearly signed as safe. Follow local advice at all times.

Q: Will I have phone coverage? A: Coverage is patchy outside towns. Telstra provides the broadest regional coverage. Carry a satellite device for emergencies.

Q: Where can I get fuel? A: Most towns and some roadhouses supply fuel. The longest sections between fuel can exceed 350 kilometres. Always maintain a buffer and ask locals for current distances and availability.

Q: Are pets allowed? A: Pets are usually permitted in many caravan parks but are not allowed in national parks. Plan pet care around park visits.

Savannah Way Travel Style: Guided vs Independent

• Independent road trip: Ultimate freedom to stop where you like, linger at favourite camps, and detour on a whim. Requires more planning and preparation.
• Small group tours: Great for time-poor travellers or those without a 4WD. You will get expert interpretation, exclusive permits in some places, and logistics handled. Book well ahead in peak months.

If you are between the two, consider a hybrid approach. Self-drive the main route and book targeted local tours for special sites like Cobbold Gorge, Nitmiluk, Lake Argyle, and Purnululu.

Sample Day on the Savannah Way

Morning: Sunrise coffee at camp as corellas wheel overhead. Pack an esky lunch, check tyre pressures, and hit the road as the light softens over termite mounds.

Midday: Pull into a shady rest area by a river crossing. Photograph jabirus hunting in the shallows. Eat lunch, then walk among sandstone towers at the Southern Lost City.

Afternoon: Roll into a small town. Refuel, top up water, and buy a fresh loaf. Book tomorrow’s gorge cruise while you have coverage.

Evening: Camp under river red gums. Watch the Milky Way ignite as a warm breeze sighs through the leaves. Swap stories with neighbours and plan tomorrow’s waterfall swim.

These are the rhythms that make the Savannah Way so addictive.

Responsible Marketing Note

Remote Australia is fragile. Tourism sustains small communities and helps protect cultural and ecological values when done respectfully. Choose operators that support Traditional Owners, tread lightly, and take your time. The best sales pitch for the Savannah Way is simple: it changes how you travel.

Conclusion: Your Savannah Way Starts Now

From the first hairpin out of Cairns to the last golden hour on Cable Beach, the Savannah Way is a drive that gets under your skin. It blends the ease of highway travel with the thrill of remote tracks, the comfort of outback pubs with the stillness of star-pricked skies, and the joy of discovery with the wisdom of Country.

Plan your season, pick your route, and match your vehicle to your ambitions. Book key tours early, give yourself rest days, and leave room for serendipity. Most of all, go with respect and curiosity. The Gulf Country, Top End, and Kimberley will reward you with stories, sunsets, and friendships that last long after the dust settles.

Ready to turn the map into memories. Start pencilling your Cairns to Broome overland itinerary today, secure your 4WD and stays, and get set for Australia’s great savannah adventure.