posted on 15 July 2024
As Australia’s longest route, stretching over 3,700 kilometres from Cairns in tropical North Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, the Savannah Way road trip promises incredible scenery, iconic attractions, and unforgettable natural beauty.
From the laidback atmosphere of outback towns to sprawling national parks, world heritage areas, and Australia’s tropical savannahs, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Whether you’re looking to camp under the stars, explore tropical landscapes, or learn more about the rich Indigenous heritage of the Northern Territory by exploring ancient rock art and more, this road trip has plenty to keep you entertained.
In this complete guide, we’ll be covering:
- An overview of the Savannah Way road trip
- Top tips for driving the Savannah Way
- Top driving itineraries for the Savannah Way drive
- The top places to stop along the Savannah Way
- Frequently asked questions about the Savannah Way drive
Plan your drive: An overview of the Savannah Way road trip
- Route option 1: The Savannah Way Express in Tropical North Queensland (7 days): 1,445 kilometres, 17 hours 13 minutes drive time
- Route option 2: The Savannah Way Explorer (14 days): 4,769 kilometres, 55 hours 27 minutes drive time
- Top stops: Atherton Tablelands, Undara Volcanic National Park, Gulf Savannah region, Katherine, Gregory National Park, Kununurra, Purnululu National Park, Lake Argyle, Nitmiluk Gorge, and the Barkly Tableland to name a few.
- Best time to drive the Savannah Way: While the dry season (April to October) coincides with more tourists, the conditions are more favourable for driving. You’ll experience cooler temperatures, diverse wildlife, and easier access to remote areas. It’s advised to avoid driving the Savannah Way during the wet season (November to March) as sections of the route can be impacted by heavy rainfall, leading to flooding, impassable river crossings, and more hazards.
The Savannah Way drive time
To complete the full length of the Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome will take approximately 41 hours. However, this does not include any detours or stops made along the way.
The Savannah Way road trip distance
The complete stretch of the Savannah Way journeys across the top of Australia, from Cairns to Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Along the quickest route, which takes National Highway 1, it’s a distance of 3,914 kilometres.
The Savannah Way road trip map
What to know before you go: Top tips for driving the Savannah Way
Most of the drive along the Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome takes you along well-maintained, sealed roads. However, some sections are unsealed and better suited to a 4WD, while others may be affected by certain weather conditions, particularly in the wet season when heavy rainfall may make some parts of the route impassable.
For this reason, it’s important to plan your road trip in advance and be sure to check Queensland traffic road reports and operator information before hitting the road. With plenty of stops to make along the way, consider these top tips to maximise your drive.
- Depart early: Avoid driving at peak hours when the roads are likely to be congested. Our tip? Leave before 7 am to ensure you’re not rushed and have time for detours and stops along the way while also beating the traffic!
- What to bring: The Savannah Way is known for its national parks, iconic swimming holes, and outdoor adventures. To make the most of your time outdoors, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Pack sunscreen and a hat, along with plenty of water and snacks. Consider optional add-ons from your Turo hosts, like GPS navigation, fishing equipment, or camping gear.
- Mobile reception: You can generally expect reliable mobile reception as you make your way from Cairns towards Western Australia. However, some remote areas will mean you have poor reception. This is also the case when taking scenic detours in the outback or exploring national parks.
- Best vehicle to drive: With sealed roads for most of the trip, a small compact vehicle or car will manage the drive for the Savannah Way. However, with some national parks offering off-road experiences and outback roads requiring river crossings, it may be more comfortable for you to drive a larger SUV. On Turo, you can easily rent the perfect vehicle to tackle this road trip.
- National Parks Pass: A National Parks Pass is required to visit several of Western Australia’s beautiful national parks, with options for a Day Pass paid on entry, a 5-day pass, a 2-week pass, a 4-week pass, or an Annual Pass. Day passes typically start at $17 per vehicle, while larger vehicles are $8 per person. To purchase a Park pass, visit the Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Choose your Savannah Way road trip itinerary
Traversing a vast range of landscapes, including tropical rainforests and remote desert plains, the Savannah Way road trip is guaranteed to deliver panoramic views of some of Australia’s biggest natural wonders.
Option 1: The Savannah Way in Tropical North Queensland (7-day road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 17 hours 13 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 1,445 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Cairns to Undara Volcanic National Park (255 kilometres, 3 hours 20 minutes)
- Day 2: Undara to Mount Surprise (47.7 kilometres, 33 minutes)
- Day 3: Mount Surprise to Cobbold Gorge (177 kilometres, 2 hours 21 minutes)
- Day 4: Cobbold Gorge to Georgetown (84.8 kilometres, 1 hour 22 minutes)
- Day 5: Georgetown to Karumba (372 kilometres, 4 hours 1 minute)
- Day 6: Karumba to Gregory (415 kilometres, 4 hours 26 minutes)
- Day 7: Gregory to Boodjamulla National Park (94 kilometres, 1 hour 24 minutes)
- Best for: For those short-pressed on time, tackle this section of the Savannah Way that centres on Tropical North Queensland and ends at the stunning Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park close to the border of the Northern Territory.
On this portion of the Savannah Way, you’ll explore ancient hot springs and tropical rainforests before immersing yourself in the beauty of the outback. Begin by journeying through the Kuranda Range towards Atherton Tablelands, passing mango orchards and cane fields. Before arriving at Undara Volcanic National Park where you can explore the world’s longest lava tube system and tour through caves, consider stopping off at Milstream Falls where you can take a hiking trail leading to the single-drop waterfall.
At Mount Surprise, you can visit Talaroo Hot Springs where you can soak in the thermal hot spring amidst a landscape that’s thought to be 65 million years old. Take a guided tour of the area from the traditional Ewamian owners and learn more about the cultural significance of the land to its people. Then, drive to Cobbold Gorge where you’ll take towering sandstone and dramatic waterholes, wildlife, and native birds in this outback oasis.
Tip from the author: Access to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only to protect the unique environment. You can choose from a range of tours, including walking tours, helicopter tours from above, or a cruise along the water.
You’ll then visit Georgetown in the Gulf Savannah region where you can relax at Teddy Bears Picnic Park, visit the Gem Den to learn more about gemstones and fossils in the region, or take a self-guided heritage walk as you learn more about the historic buildings.
The drive to Karumba is longer, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning sunsets over the Norman River. Surrounded by wetlands, you’ll be able to look for saltwater crocodiles and birdlife that includes herons and black swans. You can even try your luck at fishing, with the region known as Australia’s barramundi fishing capital.
In the remote town of Gregory, soak up the laidback charm and delight in local events and festivals that occur throughout the year and include rodeos and community markets. Be sure to visit Gregory River National Park for its sandstone cliffs and ancient rock formations before making your way to Boodjamulla National Park. With one of the world’s most fascinating fossil sites, explore the waterholes, hiking trails, and rugged cliffs.
Find your ideal car on Turo today – smooth, rugged, or anything in between! Explore car rental in Cairns on Turo.
Option 2: The ultimate Savannah Way explorer (14-day road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 55 hours 27 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 4,769 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Cairns to Undara (255 kilometres, 3 hours 20 minutes)
- Day 2: Undara to Croydon (287 kilometres, 3 hours 4 minutes)
- Day 3: Croydon to Karumba (224 kilometres, 2 hours 28 minutes)
- Day 4: Karumba to Adels Grove (528 kilometres, 6 hours 2 minutes)
- Day 5: Adels Grove to Lorella Springs (962 kilometres, 12 hours 49 minutes)
- Day 6: Lorella Springs to Mataranka (568 kilometres, 7 hours 16 minutes)
- Day 7: Mataranka to Nitmiluk (135 kilometres, 1 hour 26 minutes)
- Day 8: Nitmiluk to Timber Creek (317 kilometres, 3 hours 19 minutes)
- Day 9: Timber Creek to Lake Argyle (238 kilometres, 2 hours 32 minutes)
- Day 10: Lake Argyle to El Questro (116 kilometres, 1 hour 28 minutes)
- Day 11: El Questro to Halls Creek (371 kilometres, 3 hours 57 minutes)
- Day 12: Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing (289 kilometres, 2 hours 57 minutes)
- Day 13: Fitzroy Crossing to Derby (257 kilometres, 2 hours 33 minutes)
- Day 14: Derby to Broome (222 kilometres, 2 hours 16 minutes)
- Best for: If you’ve got more time on your hands, tackle the Savannah Way in its entirety with this incredible journey that sees you leave the lush rainforest of the Cairns coast behind before taking in dramatic landscapes and ancient rock formations in the more remote desert.
Before arriving in Undara with its lava tubes, take in the lush rainforests of Atherton Tablelands and the Millaa Millaa Falls. In Croydon, you’ll be able to soak up the history of the area and the remnants of the Golden Gate Mine and Battery, one of the town’s historic gold mines. From there, you’ll then venture to Karumba before making the drive to Adels Grove.
At Adels Grove, explore the stunning oasis of sandstone cliffs, lush greenery, and sparkling emerald pools in Lawn Hill Gorge (Boodjamulla National Park). You can canoe or kayak in the gorge, take a dip in the cool waters, or hike one of several scenic walking trails leading to panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
The drive to Lorella Springs is a lengthy one, but it’s worth it for Lorella Springs Wilderness Park. This remote area in the Gulf region of the Northern Territory offers plenty of adventure for those with a 4WD as you can drive through rugged trails, rocky outcrops, and river crossings. You have hot springs to soak in with therapeutic qualities, natural waterholes, hiking trails, and wildlife watching, too.
As you drive to Mataranka consider exploring the Limmen National Park with its sandstone spires before reaching your destination in the Top End with its hot springs and thermal pools. The drive to Nitmiluk is shorter, allowing you plenty of time to explore Katherine and Nitmiluk Gorge at your own pace. Here, you’ll see the iconic gorges and red sandstone cliffs and can hear more about the Dreamtime stories from traditional owners of the land.
Situated on the banks of the Victoria River, Timber Creek is the perfect place to relax and take a scenic cruise along the river or explore the nearby Gregory National Park with its bushwalking trails. At Lake Argyle, look out for 270 bird species in the area or take a refreshing dip in its clear waters. In El Questro, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities, with horse riding, river cruises, 4WD tours, and fishing all on offer.
From there, you’ll head to Halls Creek in the East Kimberley region where you can visit the famous China Wall with its unique geological features, the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park with its sandstone domes, or cool off at Palm Springs. Then, you’ll visit Fitzroy Crossing and Derby, before finally making your way to Broome. Once you’ve arrived, be sure to explore the vibrant town with its Pearl Luggers Museum, incredible restaurants, and rich culture.
Top places to stop along the Savannah Way
Best national parks on the Savannah Way drive
Fancy a hike or panoramic views of Australia’s diverse landscapes? Check out these picturesque national parks teeming with wildlife and native flora along the Savannah Way drive.
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park: With towering sandstone walls and rocky hills, this spectacular national park features rainforest trees, water lilies, and palms. Consider hiking up the rocky hills for unbeatable views or canoeing down the gorge.
- Elsey National Park: When visiting Mataranka, be sure to venture to Elsey National Park where you can take a relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Heated to 34 degrees Celcius, it instantly soothes any aches and pains and has you feeling rested and restored.
- Nitmiluk National Park: Take in the natural beauty of Katherine Gorge with a sunset cruise as you marvel at the ancient rock formations, wildlife, and sandstone cliffs. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from with panoramic views from Baruwei Lookout.
- Kakadu National Park: Though a detour is required to reach Kakadu National Park, it’s worth considering when it means you can take in this World Heritage-listed area with its natural beauty and cultural significance. With its tranquil billabongs, cascading waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art, there’s plenty to discover.
- Gregory National Park: With its vast landscape, this national park features hiking trails to scenic lookouts and waterfalls, birdwatching, fishing, and ancient rock art sites. With hidden waterholes and sandstone escarpments, it’s also a photographer’s dream.
Best foodie destinations on the Savannah Way drive
From waterfront dining to outback meals and charming cafes, we’ve rounded up a handful of the top dining destinations to add to your radar when tackling the Savannah Way drive.
- Skybury Cafe and Roastery: Coffee lovers can treat their tastebuds while looking out at panoramic views over the Atherton Tablelands. With the region being known for its coffee plantation, you can rest assured that the coffee here is some of Australia’s best.
- Forsayth’s Goldfields Hotel: For those venturing through Talaroo, be sure to stop off at this establishment that’s been awarded the ‘Best Outback Pub in Queensland’ award several times. As well as serving up refreshing drinks, the meals are hearty and full of flavour.
- Ash’s Cafe: When travelling through Karumba, be sure to stop at Ash’s! The cafe offers a range of meals, snacks, and delicious drinks, including gluten-free meal options. But the speciality here really is the seafood, with its barramundi burger being renowned.
- Sunset Tavern: Located at Karumba Point, this restaurant excels at producing delicious meals made with local produce and fresh ingredients. You can expect mouth-watering seafood dishes, including mud crabs and barramundi.
- Papa Fuego: While we’d always recommend trying iconic Aussie flavours, sometimes you can’t help but crave some hearty South American meals. Papa Fuego is your ticket, then, as it’s known for an incredible menu that includes succulent pork belly and delightful cocktails.
- Sunset Grill: With buffet breakfast options and an incredible seafood menu that boasts local produce and fresh flavours, Sunset Grill is a casual spot that offers up big flavours and local charm.
- Matso’s Brewery & Restaurant: In Broome, be sure to visit this humming brewery that’s famous for its ginger beer, mango beer, and ice-hot chili beer. With live music and a courtyard to relax in, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the vibrant atmosphere Broome is known for.
Make memories in motion! Find your perfect Savannah Way car on Turo today! Explore car rental in Cairns on Turo.
Northern Territory road trip guide: keep the drive going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car just yet? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from the Northern Territory.
- Darwin to Alice Springs road trip
- Perth to Darwin road trip
- Darwin to Broome road trip
- The best day trips from Darwin
The Savannah Way drive: Frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Savannah Way drive in reverse?
Yes, you can complete the Savannah Way drive in reverse. Simply reverse the itinerary we’ve outlined above and you’ll be on your way from Broome to Cairns in no time.
How many days does it take to drive the Savannah Way?
With a distance of over 3,900 kilometres and a driving time of 41 hours along the fastest route, you’d need at least seven days to make the journey from the Savannah Way comfortably. Ultimately, we recommend 14 days to truly experience the diversity of the landscapes, explore the national parks, and learn more about the rich cultural heritage.
What other public transport options are available to cover the Savannah Way?
Due to the remote and vast nature of the Savannah Way drive, public transport options are limited when it comes to completing the distance. However, some coaches and bus services cover distances across Cairns and towns between Broome and destinations in Western Australia. Your best option would be to find an organised tour tackling the distance.
It’s also possible to fly from Cairns to Broome and vice versa, however, you will require a connecting flight which will typically be in Perth, Darwin, or Brisbane.
Is it worth driving the Savannah Way?
Absolutely! From the tropical rainforests of North Queensland to the dramatic mountain ranges and rugged national parks as you venture towards Western Australia, there’s plenty to explore along the Savannah Way. Driving allows you to make countless detours and soak up the natural beauty of the area at your own pace.
Final advice for the Savannah Way road trip of a lifetime
Ultimately, the drive from Tropical North Queensland to the Northern Territory border along the Savannah Way is all about soaking up the natural beauty of outback Queensland and plenty of World Heritage listed areas. From turquoise waters to rugged mountains and ancient rock formations, there are plenty of opportunities to discover hidden gems and iconic Australian attractions.
Want to secure the perfect vehicle for your Savannah Way road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
