Savannah Way

Savannah Way This transcontinental road trip, stretches from the historic pearling town of Broome on the northwest coast of WA; travelling past Katherine in the heart of the NT, and finishing at the tourist hotspot of Cairns in the northeast coast of QLD.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesBroome
FinishCairns
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5 Suitable for4WD AWD Camper Bike 
Distance3867.61 kmMinimum Days11
Average Speed72.45 km/hrDriving Time2 days 5 hrs 22 mins
Rating Be the first to rate this item0 Reviews
Article By: ExplorOz Team
Page Updated: 22 Dec 2012

Go to top Description

The Savannah Way is over 3,700kms long, and thus, could possibly be done in as little as 3 days. Although that said - why would you do that!! Make the most of it, and give yourself a couple of weeks to absorb the interesting towns and spectacular attractions along the way. Although most of the trip is sealed, making large sections doable for 2WD sedans; there are sections where a 4WD is required. This includes the stretch between Borroloola and Normanton in the Gulf of Carpentaria (with some sections impassable during the November to April ‘wet season’). Generally, the Savannah Way is an easy to follow route that features clear signage, interpretative displays, maps and brochures, as well as a comprehensive visitor information centre network for travellers.

This fascinating drive passes through some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery, including 4 World Heritage Areas and 15 National Parks - ideally suited for the ultimate getaway!!! Marvel as you journey through diverse and spectacular landscapes featuring ancient gorges, rock pools, waterfalls, salt pans and hot springs. All the things to do and see within this trek are near infinite, although beginning from Broome, the highlights of this trip in respective order could include: Geikie Gorge and the vast flood plains of the Fitzroy River, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle), Lake Argyle near Kununurra, Timber Creek (the doorstep to Gregory National Park), Katherine Gorge (one of NT’s most scenic natural attractions), the small township of Roper Bar, the remote fishing community of Borroloola, the bird-watching wetlands between Normanton and nearby Karumba, and last but not least - the Undara Lava Tubes (in the Undara Volcanic National Park), which boasts the largest and most preserved lava tubes system on earth.

SPONSOR MESSAGE Become a Sponsor
This could be an advert for your business!
Sponsorship of this page is available now – and for much less than you might think. Find out how you can reach Australia's largest online audience in the 4WD/RV/Camping industry.
www.exploroz.com/Advertising/Default.aspx

Go to top Interactive Route Map

Loading...
Loading
Selected Item is not in View - Zoom Out, Pan or Click to Show....
Places

Zoom & Scale Help

Point Control


Point Features










Linear Features



Member Features


Overlays


Place Name Search Help

Enter the place you are looking for.

Address Search Help

Enter the full or part address you are looking for.
Locate Address

Lat/Lon Search Help

Enter the Lat & Lon you wish to view.
Show Position

Route/Driving Directions Help

Enter an address in the 'from and to' then click 'Create Route'.
Create Route

Select Data Format

GPX GeoRSS OziExplorer
CSV
Hema Navigator WKT
NOTE: All downloads are strictly for personal use, all download activity is recorded and limits may be imposed.
Your download is being generated, you will be promoted to Open or Save this file
Full Screen

Show
Mouse Position:

Savannah Way Help

From: Broome
To: Cairns

This trek supports moving map, to take a virtual tour click on the Play button.
Map Legend

Go to top Things to See & Do

Go to top Preparation

The Savannah Way needs to be well planned before undertaking such a long journey. The route is one of Australia’s newest ultimate self-drive adventures, with clear signage, interpretative displays, maps and brochures, and a comprehensive visitor information network for travellers.

Consider taking adequate fuel, water and supplies, and plan the stops where you can fuel up, and even stay overnight to rest. It’s a good idea to carry sun protection, sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, and sufficient clothing for the time of the year. Staying in contact in the outback is vital, and while mobile phones will work in many towns, staying in contact by radio, satellite phone or carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is advisable. Obtain current maps of the route, and if you are venturing off the main road into Aboriginal lands, you will need to enquire about permits - contact the local tourist centre for more information.

It is important to take heed of the road conditions, as it can vary from bitumen to gravel and dirt, and can be affected by climatic conditions. It is best not to attempt the route in the wet season from January to March in any vehicle, because you might get stuck for many days or even weeks. Although the most scenic time to travel is in Summer, as this time of year produces lush green foliage, clear, full-flowing waterways and greater numbers waterbirds in the surrounding wetlands. Unfortunately, one of the challenges of travelling in summer is that some of the main routes will be closed. Alternate routes are available and access is possible throughout the year, although certain areas may be temporarily impassable following prolonged periods of rain. Check the road conditions for each state before departing: There are some good PDF brochures on the Savannah Way, including maps and safety information, which is available for download. Please click: Savannah Maps and Brochures.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolBroome, Roebuck Roadhouse, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Warmun (Turkey Creek), Woolah (Doon Doon), Kununurra, Timber Creek, Victoria River Roadhouse, Katherine, Mataranka, Roper Bar, Limmen River Station, Lorella Springs Station, Heartbreak Hotel, Borroloola, Hells Gate Roadhouse, Normanton, Georgetown, Ravenshoe, Atherton, Mareeba, Cairns Diesel4cyl 543 litres ULP4cyl 626 litres LPG4cyl 774 litres
6cyl 593 litres6cyl 701 litres6cyl 681 litres
8cyl 593 litres8cyl 641 litres

Go to top Camp Sites & Accommodation

Go to top Environment

The Savannah Way travels through 19 bioregions across two states (Western Australia and Queensland) and one territory (Northern Territory). The tropical savannah regions, which cover around 1.9 million square kilometres (a quarter of mainland Australia) can be generally described as landscapes of dense grass and scattered trees. Home to hundreds of species of native plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, many of these groups are found nowhere else in the world but within our tropical savannahs. The Gulf Savannah region in particular - is hugely diverse, as it provides habitats within tropical rainforests, rocky gorges, mangrove swamps, wetlands and rivers.

Some iconic fauna and flora you should keep an eye out for are; Wedge-tailed eagles, which have wingspans of 2.5m and are amongst the largest eagles in the world; Camels, as they are an estimated 200,000 ferel camels in the Northern Territory alone, and the Boab tree, which is found in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia and stores water in its bulbous trunk. The town of Normanton in Queensland is internationally recognised as an important location for an estimated third of Australia’s migratory wading birds, such as brolgas and sarus cranes. Another amazing iconic and natural phenomena is the Magnetic termite mounds, which are predominantly found in the Northern Territory are precisely oriented with their narrow edges facing north-south. These mounds are built by tiny blind insects and are oriented so that they get the least sun at the hottest time of the day.

Go to top History

The Savannah Way was officially launched at the Australian Tourism Exchange on June 4th 2004 by Queensland Tourism Minister Margaret Keech and her Northern Territory and West Australian counterparts Claire Martin and Bob Kucera. This tourist route across Australia’s ‘Top End’ was coined under a spirit of cooperation and adventure, reminiscent of the pioneers who first explored the region.

The three ministers signed a Memorandum of Agreement to work together to develop and promote the route - a 3700km route linking Broome in Western Australia, Katherine in the Northern Territory, and Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. The project, which has been jointly funded under the Drive Tourism and Federal Government Regional Tourism programs, have provided more than half a million dollars to make the route more ‘tourist friendly’, including erecting directional road signage, interpretive panels, and publishing dedicated route brochures, map, and a trip planning website - namely: www.savannahway.com.au

Over 80 per cent of the 3700km route has been sealed, but for more adventurous drivers an alternative 4WD unsealed route can also be taken. The route passes through some of Australia's most spectacular scenery, including five World Heritage areas, 15 national parks, the world's longest lava tubes, historic gold mining towns, Outback cattle stations, Australia's oldest pub and a wealth of indigenous culture.

Go to top Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Broome to Milliya Rumurra 6.61 km N 15° 4 min
Milliya Rumurra to Roebuck Roadhouse 27.17 km E 77° 20 min
Roebuck Roadhouse to Bedunburra 76.73 km E 72° 1 hr 50 min
Bedunburra to Great Northern Hwy & Derby Hwy 68.74 km E 89° N/A
Great Northern Hwy & Derby Hwy to Great Northern Hwy & Fairfield-Leopold Downs Rd 172.72 km E 104° N/A
Great Northern Hwy & Fairfield-Leopold Downs Rd to Fitzroy Crossing 43.09 km SE 125° 27 min
Fitzroy Crossing to Mount Campbell 14.08 km S 159° N/A
Mount Campbell to Kellys Pass 81.66 km SE 134° N/A
Kellys Pass to Ngumban Cliff Lookout 1.65 km E 102° N/A
Ngumban Cliff Lookout to Lamboo Gunian 174.22 km E 73° N/A
Lamboo Gunian to Great Northern Hwy & Tanami Rd 2.23 km NE 53° N/A
Great Northern Hwy & Tanami Rd to Halls Creek 16.27 km NE 46° 11 min
Halls Creek to Palm Creek, Great Northern Hwy 27.16 km NE 35° 18 min
Palm Creek, Great Northern Hwy to Little Panton River, Great Northern Hwy 20.99 km N 14 min
Little Panton River, Great Northern Hwy to Upper Panton River, Great Northern Hwy 9.84 km N 343° 8 min
Upper Panton River, Great Northern Hwy to Leycesters Rest 44.15 km NE 24° 32 min
Leycesters Rest to Spring Creek 7.2 km NE 37° 5 min
Spring Creek to Great Northern Hwy & Purnululu NP Access 0.67 km NE 61°
Great Northern Hwy & Purnululu NP Access to Fletchers Creek, Great Northern Hwy 12.45 km NE 32° 9 min
Fletchers Creek, Great Northern Hwy to Warmun (Turkey Creek) 40.41 km NE 26° 28 min
Warmun (Turkey Creek) to Telegraph Creek 20.26 km NE 23° 16 min
Telegraph Creek to Bow River, Great Central Hwy 9.27 km N 360° 6 min
Bow River, Great Central Hwy to Woolah (Doon Doon) 62.46 km N 356° 41 min
Woolah (Doon Doon) to Dunham River Rest Area 25.15 km NE 36° 17 min
Dunham River Rest Area to Great Northern Hwy & Victoria Hwy 35.92 km N N/A
Great Northern Hwy & Victoria Hwy to Cockburn Rest Area 0.51 km W 254°
Cockburn Rest Area to Dunham River, Victoria Hwy 36.94 km E 75° N/A
Dunham River, Victoria Hwy to Kununurra 7.61 km E 82° 6 min
Kununurra to Emu Creek Community 7.11 km SE 132° N/A
Emu Creek Community to Saddle Rest Area 102.99 km E 101° N/A
Saddle Rest Area to Desmonds Passage 6.3 km NE 57° N/A
Desmonds Passage to East Baines River 52.24 km E 68° N/A
East Baines River to Timber Creek 57.14 km E 75° N/A
Timber Creek to Muringung 3.17 km S 163° N/A
Muringung to Victoria River Roadhouse 88.32 km E 85° N/A
Victoria River Roadhouse to Sullivan Campground 17.28 km E 78° N/A
Sullivan Campground to Noel Buntine Memorial 51.25 km NE 45° N/A
Noel Buntine Memorial to Vince Connoly Crossing 68.21 km NE 35° N/A
Vince Connoly Crossing to Tony Green Crossing 23.2 km NE 51° N/A
Tony Green Crossing to King West Rest Area 3.18 km N 18° N/A
King West Rest Area to Katherine 31.49 km NE 39° N/A
Katherine to King Rest Area 47.98 km SE 117° 31 min
King Rest Area to Mataranka Station 43.79 km SE 121° 25 min
Mataranka Station to Stirling Mill Rest Area 0.46 km E 109°
Stirling Mill Rest Area to Mataranka 14.6 km SE 133° 9 min
Mataranka to Mataranka Homestead Resort 8.71 km E 90° 7 min
Mataranka Homestead Resort to Mt Price Rest Area 146.18 km E 81° 1 hr 33 min
Mt Price Rest Area to Roper Bar 38.42 km E 83° 29 min
Roper Bar to Leichhardts Caravan Park 0.84 km NE 63°
Leichhardts Caravan Park to Roper Bar 0.84 km SW 243°
Roper Bar to Queensland Crossing 21.13 km SE 156° 16 min
Queensland Crossing to Lomarieum Lagoon 46.54 km E 72° 37 min
Lomarieum Lagoon to St Vidgeon Ruins 0.54 km SE 132°
St Vidgeon Ruins to Towns River 48.66 km SE 130° 36 min
Towns River to Cox River 37.52 km SE 155° 29 min
Cox River to Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon 12.72 km E 77° 13 min
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon to Limmen River Station 7.43 km NE 58° 11 min
Limmen River Station to Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon 7.43 km SW 238° 11 min
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon to Cox River 12.72 km W 257° 13 min
Cox River to Burketown Crossing 21.26 km S 161° 18 min
Burketown Crossing to Southern Lost City 51.93 km S 171° 46 min
Southern Lost City to Lorella Springs Station 47.19 km NE 64° 52 min
Lorella Springs Station to Batten Creek 82.73 km S 174° 1 hr 23 min
Batten Creek to Leila 1st Crossing 35.69 km S 185° 31 min
Leila 1st Crossing to Cape Crawford 15.16 km S 161° 13 min
Cape Crawford to Heartbreak Hotel 0.62 km SE 125°
Heartbreak Hotel to Leila Crossing (Carpentaria Hwy) 15.82 km NE 59° 10 min
Leila Crossing (Carpentaria Hwy) to Leila Hill 1.82 km E 71° 1 min
Leila Hill to Borroloola 99.73 km NE 38° 1 hr 6 min
Borroloola to Burketown Crossing 3.87 km SE 142° N/A
Burketown Crossing to Snipe Lagoon 6.01 km E 73° N/A
Snipe Lagoon to Echo Gorge 218.86 km SE 131° N/A
Echo Gorge to Wollogorang 30.3 km E 99° N/A
Wollogorang to Savannah Way, NT-QLD Border 5.26 km E 92° N/A
Savannah Way, NT-QLD Border to Westmoreland 34.38 km SE 117° N/A
Westmoreland to Lake Morgan 4.48 km S 159° N/A
Lake Morgan to Dilldoll Rock 12.72 km SE 136° N/A
Dilldoll Rock to Hells Gate Roadhouse 1.67 km SE 119° N/A
Hells Gate Roadhouse to Savannah Way & Doomadgee Access 82.07 km SE 137° 2 hr 50 min
Savannah Way & Doomadgee Access to Savannah Way & Wills Dev Rd 73.76 km E 82° 2 hr 57 min
Savannah Way & Wills Dev Rd to Burketown 25.9 km NE 57° N/A
Burketown to Leichhardt Falls 70.58 km SE 147° N/A
Leichhardt Falls to Burketown Rd & Savannah Way 2.59 km SE 118° N/A
Burketown Rd & Savannah Way to Armstrong Waterhole 99.58 km E 69° N/A
Armstrong Waterhole to Savannah Way at Little Bynoe River 15.28 km NE 59° N/A
Savannah Way at Little Bynoe River to Normanton 37.44 km NE 51° N/A
Normanton to Glenore Crossing 25.07 km S 163° N/A
Glenore Crossing to Blackbull Camping Area 69.56 km E 98° N/A
Blackbull Camping Area to Croydon 60.39 km SE 120° N/A
Croydon to Turkey Knob Hill 13.75 km SE 114° N/A
Turkey Knob Hill to The Jump Up 10.38 km E 79° N/A
The Jump Up to Gilbert River Bridge 48.53 km E 86° N/A
Gilbert River Bridge to Georgetown 74.77 km E 98° N/A
Georgetown to Mount Surprise 92.12 km E 79° N/A
Mount Surprise to Forty Mile Scrub National Park 60.07 km E 85° N/A
Forty Mile Scrub National Park to Mount Garnet 63.36 km NE 32° N/A
Mount Garnet to Innot Hot Springs 15.43 km E 86° N/A
Innot Hot Springs to Archer Creek Rest Area 12.87 km E 78° N/A
Archer Creek Rest Area to The Millstream Rest Area 0.28 km W 249° N/A
The Millstream Rest Area to Ravenshoe 15.51 km E 77° N/A
Ravenshoe to Atherton 53.2 km N 358° N/A
Atherton to Tolga Recreation Reserve 4.43 km N N/A
Tolga Recreation Reserve to Rocky Creek Camp area 6.76 km NW 336° 6 min
Rocky Creek Camp area to Walkamin 7.02 km NW 331° 9 min
Walkamin to Mareeba 15.42 km N 359° N/A
Mareeba to Cairns 67.45 km E 78° N/A
Broome to Cairns 3867.61 km     2 day 5 hr 22 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

Go to top Trek Feedback
ReviewCreate a Review/Discussion
You must be registered and logged in to 'Have Your Say'



Registration is free and takes only seconds to complete!
Loading...