The Savannahlander is a truly unique journey that travels all the way from Cairns to Forsayth, 423 kilometres away, over two days. Affectionately known as ‘The Silver Bullet’, the 1960’s Savannahlander is one of the world’s greatest rail experiences, offering passengers the opportunity to discover the outback in a very unique and comfortable way.
For most of the journey through the magnificent Tropical North Queensland outback, no other train occupies the railway line used by this train. This allows passengers to enjoy a train journey like no other in the world. And since the Savannahlander travels at a sedate pace, the driver is able to point out interesting landscape features as well as stop at those places passengers find fascinating so they can get off the train and take photos.
Leaving Cairns early on Wednesday morning, the Savannahlander rattles its way up to the spectacular Kuranda Range, with stopovers at Barron Falls and Stoney Creek. At Kuranda, the Savannahlander makes a stopover when the morning is still fresh. It then departs for Mareeba, following the Barron River and after another stop, the Savannahlander makes its way to Mutchilba, for morning tea. After morning tea, it is time to visit Dimbulah, once famous for its tobacco growing.
Soon after leaving Dimbulah, the green fields of the Tablelands, the coffee plantations and the fruit wineries will disappear as the outback is getting closer. Almaden is the day’s destination and passengers will be transferred to Chillagoe, where they can tour the amazing caves, known as ‘The Reef of the Outback’.
Next morning it is again time to keep on travelling. Destinations of the day are Bullock Creek for morning tea, Mount Surprise for lunch, Einasleigh for refreshments and Forsayth for the night. Passengers who wish to can visit the magnificent Cobbold Gorge and overnight there or stay and relax in Forsayth.
The journey back to Cairns starts early on Friday, with a short trip from Forsayth to Mount Surprise. Passengers then have the chance to visit the captivating Undara Lava Tubes and spend an unforgettable night there, or remain in Mount Surprise.
Saturday sees another early start, stopping again in Bullock Creek, Almaden and Dimbulah for morning tea, lunch and refreshments respectively. On the way back, many attractions that were missed are now visited. The journey reaches its final climax descending the Kuranda Range on its way back to Cairns.
