Exploring Queensland's Gulf Country
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.
Fondly referred to as the old 'tin hare', the Gulflander is an award-winning service, which operates between Normanton and Croydon in Queensland's Gulf Country. A half-day journey, The Gulflander often stops for an impromptu morning tea supplied by the locals and for photo opportunities at Norman River Bridge.
Out on the Gulf the terrain is flat and harsh. The quietness is almost deafening and broken only by the squawk of a native bird or a wandering beast. An occasional Willy-Willy disturbs the landscape but otherwise time almost stands still. Then, from the silence, a soft groan becomes louder and a distinctive clackety-clack heralds the arrival of the Gulflander the Tin Hare.
The Savannah Way is one of Australia's ultimate adventure drives, traversing the top end of Australia and linking Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the historic pearling town of Broome in Western Australia, via the natural wonders of Australia's far north. Some sections of the road are suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles only, but others are sealed, making it possible for anyone with a motor vehicle to complete sections of the drive.
This is a great 2WD bitumen North-South route through central Queensland passing several places of historical significance and some great outback pubs. This fully sealed 1812 kilometre highway stretches from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Matilda Highway affords the unique opportunity to see 'real outback' and its friendly characters, unique attractions and unspoiled natural sites.
For thousands of years, the indigenous peoples of Australia have used a network of tracks to get from one part of the island continent of Australia to another. Following British colonisation, camels and horses were introduced to make these epic journeys easier for the explorers and pioneers. Today, thanks to 4-wheel drive vehicles, the outback has become accessible to just about anyone.
Driving through the outback is not the daunting task it once was, thanks to the sealing of major highway across Australia through remote areas, the increased safety and reliability of modern motor vehicles and other factor. That said, some of the issues that demand care be taken when driving through the outback have not changed - drivers affected by alcohol or fatigue; rock works and washaways; and the danger posed by wandering stock and local wildlife.
