Gulf Savannah starts just south west of Ravenshoe in the Atherton Tablelands and heads west to the Northern Territory border, along the Gulf of Carpentaria. You can get to this region following the Gulf Developmental Road, which passes a number of interesting places along the way.
At the start of the road you will pass the Undara Volcanic National Park, which were formed about 190,000 years ago and are the largest lava tube system of its kind in the world. It is well worth going on a tour of the National Park.
Continuing west you will reach Mt Surprise which has an interesting museum and a small selection of accommodation. From Mt Surprise you can either head north west to the topaz field of the Elizabeth Creek Gem Field, or south to Einasleigh and Forsayth which are old mining towns. There is a small turn off through the villages, giving you the opportunity to see Einasleigh's tin buildings and the lively little town of Forsayth. If you do head along the track, then you should also visit the Cobbard Gorge, where you can join a cruise along the river.
Continuing west is another mining town, but this time a gold mining town. Croydon once had around 5000 gold mines (so it is said), with remains still visible around the area. Within the town, there are a number of interesting historic buildings worth seeing. West of Croydon is Normanton, the port used for Croydon during its busy gold rush. There are a number of historic buildings worth visiting in Normanton, and for anyone who likes fishing Barramundi fishing is popular. There is also a small selection of accommodation.
Just north of Normanton is another fishing centre, Karumba, which offers Crab, Barramundi and Prawn fishing. There are several charters which you can go out on fishing which is worthwhile if you like fishing. Situated along the Norman River, there is also accommodation in Karumba.
Continuing west towards Burketown, you will pass Camp 119, which is the northern most spot where Burke and Willis set down camp. You will also pass the wonderful Leichhardt Falls which are definitely worth seeing. Burketown is situated near the Albert River and is a cattle town. If you are passing through between September - November, then you should definitely stay overnight n Burketown to experience the extraordinary cloud formations of the 'Morning Glory'. West of here is Hells Gate which marked the last police outpost for settlers to heading to Katherine.
From here there are two tracks heading through the Lawn Hill National Park. A sealed route goes past the Burke and Willis Roadhouse, with an unsealed track heading towards Camooweal. The Lawn Hill Gorge, within the National Park, is beautiful creeks and tropical vegetation set amongst arid and dry landscape. Around the park are numerous Aboriginal rock art sites which are now accessible for visitors to see. There is also the spectacular Riversleigh Fossil Field, which is a preeminent fossil site featuring fossils ranging between 50,000 years old - 25 million years old. There are also plenty of walking tracks around the National Park, and a camping ground with facilities at Lawn Hill.
Gulf Savannah Accommodation
| SHARE with |  |
 |
