Gulf Savannah Rail Wanderer

Duration: 9 Days

Price: from AU$4,299

Departure From: Cairns

Departure Date: Wednesdays (May-Oct)

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: All meals included

Physical Grading: 3/5

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Explore the spectacular Gulf Country on the Gulf Savannah Rail Wanderer which includes the enjoyably historic Savannahlander & Gulflander trains.

The Gulf Savannah Rail Wanderer is the perfect tour to transport you back in time – in more ways than one. Over the course of a week’s looping journey, there are villages that remind you what life was like in the Queensland outback in early colonial times. Trains that nod to yesteryear. Monuments that speak of pioneering explorers. And natural wonders that wind back the clock millennia: steel yourself for epic Undara Lava Tubes tour and a visit to Cobbold Gorge. The Gulf Savannah Rail trip is a journey you won’t regret.

Cobbold Gorge

Gulf Savannah Rail Wanderer Highlights & Inclusions

  • Step aboard the historic Gulflander and Savannahlander trains
  • Explore the Herberton Historic Village
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria
  • Stop at the historic Burke and Wills’ northernmost campsite
  • See the spectacular sandstone escarpments of Cobbold Gorge
  • Visit the world’s longest and largest lava tubes at Undara
  • One way travel on the Savannahlander from Mount Surprise to Forsayth
  • One way travel on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon
  • Accommodation and meals as specified in your itinerary.
  • Herberton Historic Village
  • Karumba Sunset Cruise
  • Cobbold Gorge Cruise
  • Undara Lava Tubes Tour
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Your Gulf Savannah Rail Journeys

The Gulf Savannah rail trips are two distinct heritage rail journeys operated by distinct heritage rail motor vehicles. Both Gulf Savannah rail journeys now exist as tourist railways and are described as more of an adventure than a train ride. The crews are qualified guides on both trains and will stop and talk about points of interest.

Gulflander Rail Journey

Discover the incredible Gulf Savannah country aboard the Gulflander, a legendary rail journey unlike any other. The Heritage-listed Normanton to Croydon 151 mile line is an icon of the Outback, an isolated railway line affectionately said to go from ‘nowhere to nowhere’ and to this day, retains its patented steel sleepers, laid between 1888 and 1891.

Gulflander-train-in-north-west-Queensland

Savannahlander Rail Journey

Experience the heritage and rugged natural beauty of the Savannah Country as you travel from Cairns to Forsayth on the Savannahlander. Departing once a week from March to November, The Savannahlander
travels along the route of the Kuranda Scenic Railway and continues stopping overnight at three different outback towns – Almaden, Forsayth and Mount Surprise.


For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Cairns to Cairns rail tour, please see below. Tours depart on Wednesdays

2025 Departure Dates:

  • Please contact LOCO Journeys

Click here for alternate Queensland rail tours.


Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities or international flights to your Gulf Savannah Rail Wanderer, please be sure to let us know at the time of booking.

Tour Inclusions

  • One way travel on the Savannalander from Mount Surprise to Forsayth
  • One way travel on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon
  • 8 nights in 3-3.5 star accommodation
  • Travel by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
  • 8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • Sightseeing and inclusions as per itinerary
  • Services of a tour guide

Tour Pricing

  • From prices are a guide only, subject to change and availability in Australian Dollars.
  • Price for rail packages are per person per package twin share
  • Prices are based on travel in low season
  • Full payment is required at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Cairns - Atherton (L,D)
An early start this morning as you travel up the Kuranda Range to the Atherton Tablelands and on to Herberton. Explore the Historic Village of Herberton. The award-winning attraction is more than a vintage precinct – it’s a tangible buzz of things past with over 50 original buildings with intact interior displays, original machinery and vehicles, plus thousands of antique items and period memorabilia. Overnight in Atherton.
This morning, head west on the Kennedy Highway to Mount Surprise, where you’ll enjoy lunch and a snake show. Travel aboard the Savannahlander train as it tracks towards the former copper mining town of Einasleigh. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the pub or visit the sparkling Copperfield Gorge, before the train departs for Forsayth. Transfer from Forsayth to Georgetown for your overnight stay.
Enjoy morning tea on the shore of Croydon’s Lake Belmore before lunch in Normanton. Established as a Gold Rush port, Normanton is the Gulf Savannah’s largest town. See its famous landmarks, the ‘Purple Pub’, historic Burns Philp General Store and a replica of Krys, the 8.63m crocodile. Continue to Karumba for a spectacular Gulf sunset. Stay the next two nights at Karumba Lodge.
After a leisurely breakfast take a cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. This afternoon spend time at the Barramundi Centre with a guided Feed-ABarra tour. Tour the hatchery for an educational, entertaining and engaging experience. This afternoon, head out to Sunset Point for happy hour. The perfect place to enjoy a magnificent Gulf sunset. Dinner at Karumba Lodge.
After breakfast, visit Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly campsite of the ill-fated expedition of 1860. It’s then on to Normanton for lunch, followed by a visit to the Mutton Hole Wetlands for crocodile and bird watching. The wetlands are rich in bird life and you may see brolgas, Sarus cranes and jabiru (black-necked storks). Overnight at Normanton.
This morning, depart from Normanton’s famous Victorian architecture railway station. Board the historic Gulflander RM93 train, for a ride through the savannah landscape across the Norman River to Critters Camp. On to Black Bull Siding, then the old gold mining town of Croydon. Peek into pioneering history as you wander through Croydon’s Heritage Precinct. This afternoon, visit Georgetown and Forsayth on the way to Cobbold Gorge. Stay the next two nights at Cobbold Gorge.
Cruise the secluded waterway of Cobbold Gorge and see the spectacular 135 million year old sandstone cliffs. There is ample time to enjoy this beautiful area. You may choose to walk to the top of the escarpment and across the gorge’s glass bottomed bridge to take in the spectacular views of the gorge.
Today, travel via Einasleigh and Mount Surprise to the famous Undara Lava Tubes. Enjoy campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to restored antique railway carriages or Pioneer cabins. Overnight at Undara.
After a bush breakfast, an experienced Savannah Guide will meet you for a tour of the world’s largest, longest and most accessible lava tube system. Continue the scenic drive over the Tropical Tablelands past the Wind Turbines at Ravenshoe, stopping off at the magnificent Curtain Fig Tree, before returning to Cairns where your tour concludes.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.