18 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
FRIDAY 22ND JULY TO MONDAY 8TH AUGUST
Explore Australia’s great adventure drive, the Savannah Way.
This truly outback journey will take you to some amazing world heritage areas, you’ll experience some fantastic rail journeys and a cruise through the magnificent Cobbold Gorge. Immerse yourself in our pre-history at the ancient and alluring Undara Lava Tubes. This exploration of Australia’s Gulf Savannah country is a pioneering journey not to be missed.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Millstream Falls, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge, Croydon Historic Town, Burke & Wills Roadhouse, Mount Isa, Cape Crawford, Katherine, Edith Falls and Adelaide River Australian War Cemetery.
FLIGHTS
Melbourne to Cairns
Darwin to Melbourne
CRUISE
Cobbold Gorge Cruise
Karumba Cruise
RAIL
Savannahlander Train
Gulflander Train
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
2 nights in Port Douglas
2 nights in Cooktown
2 nights in Mareeba
2 nights in Cobbold Gorge
2 nights in Mount Isa
2 nights in Cape Crawford
TOUR COSTS
Twin Share Room First Tour: $9,195 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $9,095 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $9,045 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $8,995 per person
Single Room Supplement: $1,150 per person
Deposit: $500 per person
As a thank you for travelling with O'Shannessy's Quality Tours, you will automatically receive a saving on the total tour price for your second and subsequent tours.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: Friday 22nd july, 2022
MELBOURNE TO PORT DOUGLAS
Welcome to our holiday Across the top of Australia. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport, where we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in, and see us onto the plane for our direct flight to Cairns. Upon our arrival, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage, before we board the coach, for a relaxing and scenic drive to the tropical North Queensland township of Port Douglas for our first 2 night stopover. Before checking in to our accommodation, we will spend some time in the township of Port Douglas, checking out the local wares.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, PORT DOUGLAS
Welcome to our holiday Across the top of Australia. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport, where we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in, and see us onto the plane for our direct flight to Cairns. Upon our arrival, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage, before we board the coach, for a relaxing and scenic drive to the tropical North Queensland township of Port Douglas for our first 2 night stopover. Before checking in to our accommodation, we will spend some time in the township of Port Douglas, checking out the local wares.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, PORT DOUGLAS
day 2: saturday 23rd july, 2022
MOSSMAN GORGE AND CAPE TRIBULATION
This morning we visit the beautiful Mossman Gorge, visiting an indigenous ecotourism development at the gateway to Mossman Gorge. From here we take their shuttle bus, up to the gorge itself. We walk to a lookout with views of the Mossman River and the mountain ranges beyond. The track includes two sections of elevated boardwalk which pass through the lower rainforest canopy. From here we continue further north into the real tropical part of North Queensland, crossing the Daintree River on the Ferry. We visit the Daintree Discovery Centre to view the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, estimated to be over 150 million years old! There are many interesting things to see as we step back into a prehistoric era, learning all about the weird and wonderful things you can see in North Queensland. The Daintree Discovery Centre, is an award-winning world class interpretive facility that allows visitors easy access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest; from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy. To finish our day, we drive up to Cape Tribulation for a look, before returning back to Port Douglas for the night.
OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, PORT DOUGLAS
This morning we visit the beautiful Mossman Gorge, visiting an indigenous ecotourism development at the gateway to Mossman Gorge. From here we take their shuttle bus, up to the gorge itself. We walk to a lookout with views of the Mossman River and the mountain ranges beyond. The track includes two sections of elevated boardwalk which pass through the lower rainforest canopy. From here we continue further north into the real tropical part of North Queensland, crossing the Daintree River on the Ferry. We visit the Daintree Discovery Centre to view the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, estimated to be over 150 million years old! There are many interesting things to see as we step back into a prehistoric era, learning all about the weird and wonderful things you can see in North Queensland. The Daintree Discovery Centre, is an award-winning world class interpretive facility that allows visitors easy access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest; from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy. To finish our day, we drive up to Cape Tribulation for a look, before returning back to Port Douglas for the night.
OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, PORT DOUGLAS
DAY 3: sunday 24th july, 2022
PORT DOUGLAS TO COOKTOWN
After breakfast, our first stop is just down the road at the “Wildlife Habitat” sanctuary. We will spend time enjoying all the beautiful birds and animals as well as attending a Wetlands Tour. After a great morning, we drive up the range to Mount Molloy, where we turn north heading for Cooktown. After a lunch stop, we make a short diversion to visit the “Lion’s Den Hotel”. A stop here is an absolute must to buy a cold drink while admiring the collection of memorabilia. We also learn about the mysterious Black Mountain with its aboriginal legends surrounding it, before arriving in Cooktown - named after the famed navigator and explorer, Captain Cook. This town grew up during the 1870’s as a result of the 1873 Palmer River gold rush and became an access point for prospectors and a busy port. At one time Cooks Town (as it was known) had a population of 13,000. Today Cooktown is a quiet tranquil place with a charm not spoiled so far. We spend 2 nights here giving us time to explore the area.
OVERNIGHT: River of Gold Motel, COOKTOWN
After breakfast, our first stop is just down the road at the “Wildlife Habitat” sanctuary. We will spend time enjoying all the beautiful birds and animals as well as attending a Wetlands Tour. After a great morning, we drive up the range to Mount Molloy, where we turn north heading for Cooktown. After a lunch stop, we make a short diversion to visit the “Lion’s Den Hotel”. A stop here is an absolute must to buy a cold drink while admiring the collection of memorabilia. We also learn about the mysterious Black Mountain with its aboriginal legends surrounding it, before arriving in Cooktown - named after the famed navigator and explorer, Captain Cook. This town grew up during the 1870’s as a result of the 1873 Palmer River gold rush and became an access point for prospectors and a busy port. At one time Cooks Town (as it was known) had a population of 13,000. Today Cooktown is a quiet tranquil place with a charm not spoiled so far. We spend 2 nights here giving us time to explore the area.
OVERNIGHT: River of Gold Motel, COOKTOWN
DAY 4: monday 25th july, 2022
COOKTOWN
Today we experience and learn the history of Cooktown. We drive up to the lighthouse on Grassy Hill to stand where the illustrious Captain did, and survey like him the Endeavour River mouth. Our local guide will take us to Cooks landing and the cemetery, telling us tales of some of the struggles and tragedy endured by the settlers and miners of the Palmer River goldfields. We visit the James Cook Museum and spend time in the township, returning to the motel later this afternoon.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: River of Gold Motel, COOKTOWN
Today we experience and learn the history of Cooktown. We drive up to the lighthouse on Grassy Hill to stand where the illustrious Captain did, and survey like him the Endeavour River mouth. Our local guide will take us to Cooks landing and the cemetery, telling us tales of some of the struggles and tragedy endured by the settlers and miners of the Palmer River goldfields. We visit the James Cook Museum and spend time in the township, returning to the motel later this afternoon.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: River of Gold Motel, COOKTOWN
DAY 5: tuesday 26th july, 2022
COOKTOWN TO MAREEBA
Leaving Cooktown behind, we make our way to Mareeba. This town was settled by European John Atherton in 1877, who arrived with cattle at Emerald End, just north of the town today. It quickly became a busy coach stop for Cobb & Co before the railway arrived in 1893. This afternoon, a local guide tells us the history of the township when we visit the Mareeba Heritage Museum. After spending time walking down memory lane, we will be taken to the motel to unpack. At dinner, we will be joined by the rest of our travelling companions who are have chosen the “Cairns to Darwin” section of the tour.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Cape Gateway Motel, MAREEBA
Leaving Cooktown behind, we make our way to Mareeba. This town was settled by European John Atherton in 1877, who arrived with cattle at Emerald End, just north of the town today. It quickly became a busy coach stop for Cobb & Co before the railway arrived in 1893. This afternoon, a local guide tells us the history of the township when we visit the Mareeba Heritage Museum. After spending time walking down memory lane, we will be taken to the motel to unpack. At dinner, we will be joined by the rest of our travelling companions who are have chosen the “Cairns to Darwin” section of the tour.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Cape Gateway Motel, MAREEBA
DAY 6: wednesday 27th july, 2022
SAVANNAHLANDER TRAIN TO CHILLAGOE
After breakfast we make our way to the Mareeba Railway Station to board the historic Savannahlander Train. Whilst on this unique outback rail experience from Mareeba to Almaden, the talented, witty and downright charming drivers will entertain us in their 1960's classic "silver-bullet" rail motors. We enjoy a relaxed pace and great company whilst travelling in style through country we will never forget. We arrive at Almaden for lunch at the Railway Hotel. Afterwards we board our O'Shannessy's Coach to explore the area and local township of Chillagoe. The old township is still dominated by the Chillagoe smelters, which were built at the turn of the century by miners and speculators. The rail link followed and the town grew to 10,000. The region however failed to live up to its promise and millions were lost in the inevitable bust. The smelter staggered on until the 1940's when it was abandoned. The town today is based on tourism. We return to our accommodation in Mareeba later this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT: Cape Gateway Motel, MAREEBA
After breakfast we make our way to the Mareeba Railway Station to board the historic Savannahlander Train. Whilst on this unique outback rail experience from Mareeba to Almaden, the talented, witty and downright charming drivers will entertain us in their 1960's classic "silver-bullet" rail motors. We enjoy a relaxed pace and great company whilst travelling in style through country we will never forget. We arrive at Almaden for lunch at the Railway Hotel. Afterwards we board our O'Shannessy's Coach to explore the area and local township of Chillagoe. The old township is still dominated by the Chillagoe smelters, which were built at the turn of the century by miners and speculators. The rail link followed and the town grew to 10,000. The region however failed to live up to its promise and millions were lost in the inevitable bust. The smelter staggered on until the 1940's when it was abandoned. The town today is based on tourism. We return to our accommodation in Mareeba later this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT: Cape Gateway Motel, MAREEBA
DAY 7: thursday 28th july, 2022
MAREEBA TO UNDARA
Leave your swimming gear out today, as we head across the Atherton Tablelands making our way to the oldest town on the Tablelands - Herberton. This town sits on a hilly landscape with streets dotted with Jacaranda trees. Herberton's main claim to fame was Tin Mining. We visit The Herberton Mining Museum & Visitor Information Centre, allowing time to see the many mining displays and local history archives. From here, we continue through to the beautiful Millstream Falls, reputedly the widest single-drop falls in Australia. Our next stop is at Innot Hot Springs. Enjoy a dip in the natural mineral springs at Nettle Creek, known for rejuvenating and healing. The water was even bottled and shipped to Europe at one stage. After feeling extremely relaxed, sit back in our coach and enjoy the rest of the journey through to Undara National Park. Tonight some of us will sleep in beautifully restored, turn of the century, ensuited railway carriages, surrounded by tall trees and native wildlife. If you miss out on one of these carriages, your accommodation will be in ensuited Pioneer Huts featuring all the modern conveniences, and a private verandah, enabling you to do some wildlife spotting.
OVERNIGHT: Railway Carriage or Pioneer Huts, UNDARA NATIONAL PARK
Leave your swimming gear out today, as we head across the Atherton Tablelands making our way to the oldest town on the Tablelands - Herberton. This town sits on a hilly landscape with streets dotted with Jacaranda trees. Herberton's main claim to fame was Tin Mining. We visit The Herberton Mining Museum & Visitor Information Centre, allowing time to see the many mining displays and local history archives. From here, we continue through to the beautiful Millstream Falls, reputedly the widest single-drop falls in Australia. Our next stop is at Innot Hot Springs. Enjoy a dip in the natural mineral springs at Nettle Creek, known for rejuvenating and healing. The water was even bottled and shipped to Europe at one stage. After feeling extremely relaxed, sit back in our coach and enjoy the rest of the journey through to Undara National Park. Tonight some of us will sleep in beautifully restored, turn of the century, ensuited railway carriages, surrounded by tall trees and native wildlife. If you miss out on one of these carriages, your accommodation will be in ensuited Pioneer Huts featuring all the modern conveniences, and a private verandah, enabling you to do some wildlife spotting.
OVERNIGHT: Railway Carriage or Pioneer Huts, UNDARA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 8: friday 29th july, 2022
UNDARA TO COBBOLD GORGE
After enjoying a lovely bush breakfast, we are joined by a Savannah guide who will take us on the Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour. This gives us an excellent overview of the Lava Tubes and how they were formed. Our guide will point out other interesting environmental, geological and historical features on our trip to and from the caves.
Back at the resort after a great couple of hours, we enjoy lunch, then board the coach to make our way across The Savannah Way through Mount Surprise and on to Georgetown, where we visit the world class Ted Elliott Mineral Collection in the Terrestrial Information Centre. Teds passion for minerals started back in 1946 on his father’s farm in Wirrimah near Young, NSW. This is now one of the largest and most comprehensive private collections in Australia, consisting of world class specimens from Australia and all over the world. From here we continue through to Cobbold Gorge for our next two night stopover. This is a hidden oasis tucked away within the rugged sandstone formations of North Queensland. An ancient landscape which invites you to breathe in the bush and breathe out your worries.
OVERNIGHT: Cobbold Gorge, FORSAYTH
After enjoying a lovely bush breakfast, we are joined by a Savannah guide who will take us on the Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour. This gives us an excellent overview of the Lava Tubes and how they were formed. Our guide will point out other interesting environmental, geological and historical features on our trip to and from the caves.
Back at the resort after a great couple of hours, we enjoy lunch, then board the coach to make our way across The Savannah Way through Mount Surprise and on to Georgetown, where we visit the world class Ted Elliott Mineral Collection in the Terrestrial Information Centre. Teds passion for minerals started back in 1946 on his father’s farm in Wirrimah near Young, NSW. This is now one of the largest and most comprehensive private collections in Australia, consisting of world class specimens from Australia and all over the world. From here we continue through to Cobbold Gorge for our next two night stopover. This is a hidden oasis tucked away within the rugged sandstone formations of North Queensland. An ancient landscape which invites you to breathe in the bush and breathe out your worries.
OVERNIGHT: Cobbold Gorge, FORSAYTH
DAY 9: saturday 30th july, 2022
COBBOLD GORGE
This morning we take a spectacular 3 hour Cobbold Gorge Cruise and Escarpment walk with a local Savannah guide. Majestic 30 metre sandstone cliffs tower on either side, only 2 metres wide in some places. The silence is broken only by the distant chattering of birds. The gorge is home to fish such as black bream, archerfish, long tom, and freshwater crocodiles. After a great morning, the afternoon is spent relaxing or you may wish to take an optional helicopter flight over the escarpment. (This flight can be booked with your Tour Director who will have further details. Optional flights are subject to availability and at your own expense).
OVERNIGHT: Cobbold Gorge, FORSAYTH
This morning we take a spectacular 3 hour Cobbold Gorge Cruise and Escarpment walk with a local Savannah guide. Majestic 30 metre sandstone cliffs tower on either side, only 2 metres wide in some places. The silence is broken only by the distant chattering of birds. The gorge is home to fish such as black bream, archerfish, long tom, and freshwater crocodiles. After a great morning, the afternoon is spent relaxing or you may wish to take an optional helicopter flight over the escarpment. (This flight can be booked with your Tour Director who will have further details. Optional flights are subject to availability and at your own expense).
OVERNIGHT: Cobbold Gorge, FORSAYTH
DAY 10: sunday 31st july, 2022
COBBOLD GORGE TO KARUMBA
This morning we drive through to the former booming gold town of Croydon. The Croydon Historic Village contains what is left of a much larger gold mining city of the late 1800s including aerated water factories, gas lamps lighting the streets, two foundries, coachbuilders and town criers. Two museums display the early mining machinery from the age of steam and walking tracks provide us with an insight into local environs. After enjoying lunch here, we continue our journey through to Karumba, being the only town along the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. This isolated fishing village is home to a large fleet of prawn trawlers and once an important Catalina Base during World War II. We enjoy a Sunset & Croc Spotting Cruise later this afternoon, which includes bird feeding, and acommentary on the history, industry and wildlife of the area. All this whilst enjoying sunset drinks, nibbles and local banana prawns.
OVERNIGHT: Karumba Lodge, KARUMBA
This morning we drive through to the former booming gold town of Croydon. The Croydon Historic Village contains what is left of a much larger gold mining city of the late 1800s including aerated water factories, gas lamps lighting the streets, two foundries, coachbuilders and town criers. Two museums display the early mining machinery from the age of steam and walking tracks provide us with an insight into local environs. After enjoying lunch here, we continue our journey through to Karumba, being the only town along the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. This isolated fishing village is home to a large fleet of prawn trawlers and once an important Catalina Base during World War II. We enjoy a Sunset & Croc Spotting Cruise later this afternoon, which includes bird feeding, and acommentary on the history, industry and wildlife of the area. All this whilst enjoying sunset drinks, nibbles and local banana prawns.
OVERNIGHT: Karumba Lodge, KARUMBA
DAY 11: monday 1st august, 2022
KARUMBA TO MOUNT ISA
This morning, we catch “the Rattler” – the famous Gulflander motor rail. This historic train takes us through to Critters Camp, where we will alight “in the middle of nowhere” to meet our coach. The Gulflander is probably Australia’s most unusual train service, running along a completely isolated and unconnected 150km line from “nowhere to nowhere”. The line was first planned to be operated between Normanton and Cloncurry, but the 1880’s gold rush at Croydon lead to its diversion to this destination. From here our coach takes us to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse, and a couple of hours further on, we arrive in Cloncurry. In the 1880’s Cloncurry was an important resting spot for drovers overlanding cattle across northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. After a lunch break, we continue our scenic drive through to Mount Isa for our next 2 night stay.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Abacus Motel, MOUNT ISA
This morning, we catch “the Rattler” – the famous Gulflander motor rail. This historic train takes us through to Critters Camp, where we will alight “in the middle of nowhere” to meet our coach. The Gulflander is probably Australia’s most unusual train service, running along a completely isolated and unconnected 150km line from “nowhere to nowhere”. The line was first planned to be operated between Normanton and Cloncurry, but the 1880’s gold rush at Croydon lead to its diversion to this destination. From here our coach takes us to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse, and a couple of hours further on, we arrive in Cloncurry. In the 1880’s Cloncurry was an important resting spot for drovers overlanding cattle across northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. After a lunch break, we continue our scenic drive through to Mount Isa for our next 2 night stay.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Abacus Motel, MOUNT ISA
DAY 12: tuesday 2nd august, 2022
MOUNT ISA
Today, we explore the township and surrounds of Mount Isa, which is nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River. The town is a bustling melting pot of culture and industry being home to one of the most productive single mines and hosts the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo. It’s grown from strength to strength over the years but the harsh picturesque landscape has barely changed. We start with a town tour including the local lookout for a bird’s eye view of Mount Isa City, and also visit the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum. This wartime underground civilian hospital constructed during 1942 was built by off-duty miners from Mount Isa Mines. In the afternoon we head to the information centre to experience the Isa Experience Museum. This will give us a fascinating insight into the mining industry development in the area around Mount Isa.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Abacus Motel, MOUNT ISA
Today, we explore the township and surrounds of Mount Isa, which is nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River. The town is a bustling melting pot of culture and industry being home to one of the most productive single mines and hosts the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo. It’s grown from strength to strength over the years but the harsh picturesque landscape has barely changed. We start with a town tour including the local lookout for a bird’s eye view of Mount Isa City, and also visit the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum. This wartime underground civilian hospital constructed during 1942 was built by off-duty miners from Mount Isa Mines. In the afternoon we head to the information centre to experience the Isa Experience Museum. This will give us a fascinating insight into the mining industry development in the area around Mount Isa.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Abacus Motel, MOUNT ISA
DAY 13: wednesday 3rd august, 2022
MOUNT ISA TO TENNANT CREEK
After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Mount Isa, driving through only one place, Camooweal. This is located just 12km from the Northern Territory border, and still classed as a suburb of Mount Isa. Once a colourful droving centre, Camooweal's droving heritage has not been forgotten. The Camooweal Drover's Festival, held each year at the end of August, is an event which embodies the spirit of the Outback. It provides a chance for drovers, young and old, to share a yarn or two and show off the skills they learned to survive in this harsh land. We cross into the Northern Territory, stopping for a photo stop, then on to our accommodation at Barkly Homestead, an oasis roadhouse in landscaped surroundings with all amenities. Traditional 'Southern Cross' windmills provide good photographic subjects against the flat plains and bright blue sky.
OVERNIGHT: Barkly Homestead, TENNANT CREEK
After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Mount Isa, driving through only one place, Camooweal. This is located just 12km from the Northern Territory border, and still classed as a suburb of Mount Isa. Once a colourful droving centre, Camooweal's droving heritage has not been forgotten. The Camooweal Drover's Festival, held each year at the end of August, is an event which embodies the spirit of the Outback. It provides a chance for drovers, young and old, to share a yarn or two and show off the skills they learned to survive in this harsh land. We cross into the Northern Territory, stopping for a photo stop, then on to our accommodation at Barkly Homestead, an oasis roadhouse in landscaped surroundings with all amenities. Traditional 'Southern Cross' windmills provide good photographic subjects against the flat plains and bright blue sky.
OVERNIGHT: Barkly Homestead, TENNANT CREEK
DAY 14: thursday 4th august, 2022
TENNANT CREEK TO CAPE CRAWFORD
After breakfast we hit the road, and turn off northwards onto The Tablelands Highway - a 378 km single lane sealed road taking us to Cape Crawford. A remote stop, home of the famous Heartbreak Hotel, at the junction of the Carpentaria and Tablelands Highway. Despite the first part of its name, Cape Crawford is situated approximately 120 kilometres from the ocean and is so named because it is situated at the northern extremity or 'cape' of the Abner Ranges, which were first discovered by drover Lindsay Crawford in 1880. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights will be in basic "donga" style motel rooms. Our meals will be at the hotel, where we should be able to catch up and hear some of the yarns from the locals that live in this remote area of the Northern Territory. This afternoon, we will have time to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful part of Australia.
OVERNIGHT: Heartbreak Hotel, CAPE CRAWFORD
After breakfast we hit the road, and turn off northwards onto The Tablelands Highway - a 378 km single lane sealed road taking us to Cape Crawford. A remote stop, home of the famous Heartbreak Hotel, at the junction of the Carpentaria and Tablelands Highway. Despite the first part of its name, Cape Crawford is situated approximately 120 kilometres from the ocean and is so named because it is situated at the northern extremity or 'cape' of the Abner Ranges, which were first discovered by drover Lindsay Crawford in 1880. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights will be in basic "donga" style motel rooms. Our meals will be at the hotel, where we should be able to catch up and hear some of the yarns from the locals that live in this remote area of the Northern Territory. This afternoon, we will have time to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful part of Australia.
OVERNIGHT: Heartbreak Hotel, CAPE CRAWFORD
DAY 15: friday 5th august, 2022
THE LOST CITY
Today we drive into Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, viewing clusters of weathered pillars, some as high as 25 metres, which make up the spectacular Lost City. Time for walks, and if you’re a keen bird watcher you may see lots of Kingfishers, Herons and Brolgas around the waterhole. For those more energetic, you can take the Loop Walk taking you into a different world exploring the impressive sandstone spires of the “Lost City” formation. Upon our return, there will be time to relax around the pool at Heartbreak Hotel in Cape Crawford.
OVERNIGHT: Heartbreak Hotel, CAPE CRAWFORD
Today we drive into Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, viewing clusters of weathered pillars, some as high as 25 metres, which make up the spectacular Lost City. Time for walks, and if you’re a keen bird watcher you may see lots of Kingfishers, Herons and Brolgas around the waterhole. For those more energetic, you can take the Loop Walk taking you into a different world exploring the impressive sandstone spires of the “Lost City” formation. Upon our return, there will be time to relax around the pool at Heartbreak Hotel in Cape Crawford.
OVERNIGHT: Heartbreak Hotel, CAPE CRAWFORD
DAY 16: saturday 6th august, 2022
CAPE CRAWFORD TO KATHERINE
An early start today, travelling across the Carpentaria Highway to Daly Waters for our lunch stop at the oldest pub in the Territory – Daly Waters Pub. This is an experience not to be missed! From here we travel on the Stuart Highway north passing the township of Larrimah and into Katherine for our night’s accommodation.
OVERNIGHT: Knotts Crossing Resort, KATHERINE
An early start today, travelling across the Carpentaria Highway to Daly Waters for our lunch stop at the oldest pub in the Territory – Daly Waters Pub. This is an experience not to be missed! From here we travel on the Stuart Highway north passing the township of Larrimah and into Katherine for our night’s accommodation.
OVERNIGHT: Knotts Crossing Resort, KATHERINE
DAY 17: sunday 7th august, 2022
KATHERINE TO DARWIN
An early morning cruise for those interested, up beautiful Katherine Gorge (This cruise can be booked with your Tour Director who will have further details. Optional cruising is subject to availability and at your own expense). Later this morning, we leave Katherine making our first stop at the lovely Edith Falls for a quick dip. This is a real Oasis, where there is lush green grass and a beautiful refreshing swimming hole that is very safe. From here we continue through to Pine Creek for a look at the old Ghan Train and Station, then on to Adelaide River, site of the only Australian War Cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, buried in the cemetery. Our last night together and our destination tonight is in Darwin.
OVERNIGHT: Double Tree by Hilton, DARWIN
An early morning cruise for those interested, up beautiful Katherine Gorge (This cruise can be booked with your Tour Director who will have further details. Optional cruising is subject to availability and at your own expense). Later this morning, we leave Katherine making our first stop at the lovely Edith Falls for a quick dip. This is a real Oasis, where there is lush green grass and a beautiful refreshing swimming hole that is very safe. From here we continue through to Pine Creek for a look at the old Ghan Train and Station, then on to Adelaide River, site of the only Australian War Cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, buried in the cemetery. Our last night together and our destination tonight is in Darwin.
OVERNIGHT: Double Tree by Hilton, DARWIN
DAY 18: MONDAY 8th august, 2022
DARWIN TO MELBOURNE
Completing our memorable tour of the naturally beautiful top of Australia, we are transferred to Darwin Airport for our return flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us home with many interesting stories to tell of our Savannah Discovery adventure.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
Completing our memorable tour of the naturally beautiful top of Australia, we are transferred to Darwin Airport for our return flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us home with many interesting stories to tell of our Savannah Discovery adventure.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary Chauffeur Driven Transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas. At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.
Luxury Touring Coaches
Our full size, 3 axle luxury coaches have only 32-36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and extra leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, restroom, climate control air conditioning and Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. Our coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier.
Flight
Economy flights from Melbourne to Cairns and Darwin to Melbourne included.
Tour Directors
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure your travel experience is memorable.
Accommodation
Ensuited accommodation and shared facilities for 2 nights as per itinerary. We will be staying in the “real outback”. Some places don’t have all the luxuries that you are accustomed to with our tours, but we promise you there will be a lot of adventure, laughter and fun! The accommodation is varied, with all places having ensuite bathrooms, with the exception of the Heartbreak Hotel in Cape Crawford where ensuites can not be guaranteed at this stage.
Attractions
All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
Meals
All breakfasts, some morning teas, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily. 6 lunches at own expense as per itinerary.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... Luxuriate in the healing properties
associated with mineral hot springs …”
Drivenorthwestqld.com.au
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Receipt of payment of funds will be taken as acceptance of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours conditions of travel for this tour. Prices include GST and all taxes.
Deposit is fully refundable until 61 days prior to departure date.
Balance due on invoice approximately 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation 60 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost.
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date, No Refund.
On or after tour date departure, No Refund.
If a tour is cancelled for any reason by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before the departure date, all passengers will be offered the option of transferring to another tour of their choice, hold the funds in trust for a future tour or a full refund. There is no time limit as to when this must be used. If a lockdown is implemented while a tour is in progress, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and ensuring that we get each and every one of them home safely, and therefore we treat every situation individually. Travel insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommend our passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is paid. Our office can provide contact information for companies we know are now providing travel insurance. It is a condition of travel that all passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID19 unless medically exempt, and confirmation must be provided to our office upon payment of your invoice/booking.