Trip Highlights

Embark on a 12-day adventure, with a couple of days in Cairns, then 6 days travelling through North Queensland’s Gulf Savannah region before settling down to relax in gorgeous Port Douglas for 4 nights. Watch the picturesque landscapes of outback northern Australia roll past aboard two legendary trains as you journey to places such as Cobbold George, Forsayth and Undara. Finish your holiday with some much needed down time unwinding on the truly beautiful surrounds and beaches of Port Douglas. From geological wonders, historic mining towns, legendary fishing spots and gorgeous rainforests, who knows what you’ll discover along the way.

Enjoy these highlights*:

• Return flights to/from Cairns
• 2-nights Gold standard accommodation in Cairns
• Travel on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon
• 2-nights in Karumba
• Karumba Barramundi Discovery Centre tour
• 2-nights in Forsayth
• Forsayth by night tour
• Cobbold Gorge cruise
• 2-day train journey on the Savannahlander from Forsayth to Cairns
• Overnight stop in Mount Surprise
• Undara Lava Tubes tour
• Transfer to Karumba, Normanton, Forsayth, Cobbold Gorge and Undara
• 5-day SUV car hire from Cairns
• 4-nights Gold standard accommodation in Port Douglas

* Two packages are available. Gold-star package highlights shown. See Inclusions for details of Silver-star package option.

Member Pricing

RETAIL VALUE $4,675pp GETAWAY CASH CREDITS APPLIED -$1,676 YOU PAY* $2,899

DISCOUNT OFF RETAIL VALUE: 38%

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price, Getaway Cash travel credit usage, Free Flights Voucher usage and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available here.

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Inclusions

The world has a different tint out here: the east coast’s green, cloud-tipped mountains and white sandy beaches give way to a flat, red dust–coated landscape of sweeping grass plains, termite mounds, scrubby forest and mangroves engraved by an intricate network of seasonal rivers and croc-filled tidal creeks that drain into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Take the legendary Savannahlander and Gulflander trains through cattle country, see the historic Forsayth, marvel at the Undara lava tubes and much more before settling down in the laid-back, chic Port Douglas. North Queensland is such a diverse region and you’ll be charmed by the ever-changing landscapes, sleepy seaside villages and pretty country towns just waiting to be discovered.

This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

Package inclusions:

Gold-star package:

• Return flights to/from Cairns
• 2-nights Gold standard accommodation in Cairns
• Travel on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon
• 2-nights in Karumba
• Karumba Barramundi Discovery Centre tour
• 2-nights in Forsayth
• Forsayth by night tour
• Cobbold Gorge cruise
• 2-day train journey on the Savannahlander from Forsayth to Cairns
• Overnight stop in Mount Surprise
• Undara Lava Tubes tour
• Transfer to Karumba, Normanton, Forsayth, Cobbold Gorge and Undara
• 5-day SUV car hire from Cairns
• 4-nights Gold standard accommodation in Port Douglas

Silver-star package:

• Return flights to/from Cairns
• 2-nights Silver standard accommodation in Cairns
• Travel on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon
• 2-nights in Karumba
• Karumba Barramundi Discovery Centre tour
• 2-nights in Forsayth
• Forsayth by night tour
• Cobbold Gorge cruise
• 2-day train journey on the Savannahlander from Forsayth to Cairns
• Overnight stop in Mount Surprise
• Undara Lava Tubes tour
• Transfer to Karumba, Normanton, Forsayth, Cobbold Gorge and Undara
• 5-day car hire
• 4-nights Gold standard accommodation in Port Douglas

All packages include:

• Lonely Planet guide for East Coast Australia
• No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
• Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
• Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
• Comprehensive, printed itinerary
• Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
• Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

Carefully selected accommodation:

Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

Fully customisable:

This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

Special value:

Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard (retail) price comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what would be payable by a non-member for the same package. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Valid for 2020 travel subject to availability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

Your Itinerary

A part self-guided, part tour-guided travel itinerary that’s fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

"Once a year, go someplace you've never been before." - Dalai Lama

DAY 1: CAIRNS

Start your holiday with a morning flight into Cairns, the gateway to Queensland's tropical north. Cairns is a laid-back city best enjoyed outdoors. Here, you'll find brilliant cafes, bustling markets and plenty of beaches nearby. Spend your time exploring this tropical oasis while relaxing in luxury.

DAY 2: CAIRNS

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for activity suggestions and top-rated places to dine.

*OPTIONAL TOUR: ATHERTON TABLELANDS*

Embark on a full-day tour of the Atherton Tablelands, one of Tropical North Queensland's best kept secrets. Journey to destinations such as Lake Barrine, the world famous Mabi rainforest and Millaa Millaa Falls, Paronella Park, and much more. Browse through beautiful colourful gardens with many native ferns, orchids and flowering plants. Witness the magnificent 600-year-old Curtain Fig Tree in the heart of the Mabi rainforest and say hello to its native fauna. If desired, have a quick swim in the crystal clear, cool waters along the way. Return transfers and lunch are all inclusive.

DAY 3: KARUMBA

Today you’ll embark on a 6-day Gulf Savannah experience. Meet your fellow travellers before boarding a coach bus heading to Karumba, where you will spend 2 nights discovering all this quiet coastal town has to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sun set over the Gulf, the display is just spectacular!

DAY 4: KARUMBA

Today you’ll head to Karumba’s Barramundi Discovery Centre where you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and hand feeding experience all the while learning about the amazing secrets of the Southern Gulf Barramundi, the fishing industry, and the stories of the Gulf Savannah.

DAY 5: FORSAYTH

Today you will say goodbye to Karumba and journey to the small cattle town of Normanton, where you will board the legendary Gulflander for a train experience unlike any other. Transferring you from Normanton to Croydon, the Gulflander is the perfect way to discover an area steeped in pioneering history and heritage. The drivers and onboard staff are accredited Savannah Guides; during your journey you will learn about the diverse Gulf landscape and its rich past. Fascinating trivia, species identification, amusing stories and colourful characters, staff aboard the Gulflander will keep you entertained throughout.

Disembarking in Croydon, you have some time to explore before travelling by coach to Forsayth, where you will spend 2 nights.

DAY 6: COBBOLD GORGE

Journey to Forsayth’s hidden outback oasis, Cobbold Gorge. Spend your day exploring the gorge’s ancient geological landforms, wildlife and birds, spot a crocodile, and find out about life on a Gulf cattle station as you cruise down its tranquil waters.

In the evening, head back to the heart of Forsayth where you will be taken on a night tour of the town. On this tour, you’ll learn about the history of the town and discover why the area was previously known as 'Poor Man's Goldfield'.

DAY 7: MOUNT SURPRISE & UNDARA

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day journey onboard the Savannahlander. This unique outback rail experience departs Forsayth and takes you all the way to Cairns, with a short stop in Einasleigh and an overnight stop in Mount Surprise. Travel at a relaxed pace, with great company and in style through country you will never forget.

Reaching Mount Surprise in the afternoon, you will be transferred to Undara where you can explore the Undara Lava Tubes, one of the rare volcanic marvels of Australia.

You will head back to Mount Surprise in the evening where you will spend the night before continuing your Savannahlander journey to Cairns in the morning.

DAY 8: CAIRNS & PORT DOUGLAS

Disembarking the Savannahlander in Cairns in the morning, say goodbye to your newfound friends before picking up your hire car and commencing the journey to the sunny Port Douglas.

After checking into your central accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

DAY 9, 10 & 11: CAIRNS & PORT DOUGLAS

You have 3 full days to explore Port Douglas and its surrounds. Get your toes all sandy on the palm fringed Four Mile Beach, give in to the urge to splurge on Macrossan Street and the Sunday Markets or take in the Coral Sea skies on a sunset sail. The jumping off point to explore both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is the gateway to Mother Nature’s playground.

Your Lonely Planet guide will become indispensable during your time here.

*OPTIONAL TOUR: MOSSMAN GORGE, DAINTREE RIVER & NOAH VALLEY*

Embark on an exclusive rainforest wilderness experience, where you will visit the renowned Mossman Gorge, cruise down Daintree River, journey to Alexandra Lookout, enjoy the spectacular views of Noah Valley, and much more. With guided walks, a relaxing cruise and numerous photo opportunities, this wilderness experience exposes you to some of the most spectacular, pristine rainforests found anywhere in the world.

DAY 12: RETURN TO SYDNEY

Today you will head back to Cairns, where you will finish your unforgettable Golf Savannah and Northern Queensland holiday with a flight home.