Awesome Foursome Gulflander & Savannahlander Adventure

Experience the Gulflander and Savannahlander trains, the breathtaking Cobbold Gorge, Undara, Karumba & more!

Trip Summary

Love outback train travel? Then this tour is a must!

All aboard! If you’re passionate about train journeys, this tour is an absolute must-do. Prepare to experience four of Queensland’s most iconic trains on one unforgettable adventure through the heart of Outback Queensland.

Begin your journey with the Spirit of Queensland Overnight Rail from Brisbane to Cairns. Then, take a ride on the historic Gulflander Train from Normanton, followed by the Savannahlander Train (affectionately known as The Silver Bullet), and finally, enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway in luxurious Gold Class.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have the chance to explore the rugged beauty of Outback Queensland, including Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton, Karumba, Cobbold Gorge, Mt Surprise, Undara Lava Tubes, and more, all with the guidance of a wonderful Tour Host.

This tour offers one of the most unique and immersive experiences in Australia. Don’t miss out—get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Outback Queensland!

Itinerary

Depart Brisbane in the afternoon on the Spirit of Queensland train for your overnight journey towards Cairns. Travel in an Economy Seat or upgrade to a Railbed.

Accommodation: Spirit of Queensland train
Included Meals: All meals for railbed passengers. Dining cart available for economy seat passengers at your own expense.

Note: If making your way to Cairns under your own arrangements, please see Day 2 for details.

 

Upon arrival at Cairns, you are greeted by your tour host and coach driver and transferred to the DoubleTree by Hilton where you will have time to freshen up before enjoying the Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Note: If making your way to Cairns arriving today, please check in from 15:00pm.

This morning we depart by coach on our journey across the Atherton Tablelands. Our first stop is the historical town of Herberton for morning tea, before travelling back in time as we enjoy a ride on a 1905 Peckett Steam train and wooden passenger carriage! Learn all about the rich tin mining history of the area and the important role the steam train played to keep the industry alive. We enjoy an included lunch at the historic Station of homemade sandwiches, cakes and scones.

We pass through Ravenshoe, boasting the highest pub in Queensland, on our way to the Undara National Park for our afternoon Archway Tour of the Lava Tubes. About 190,000 years ago, there was a massive eruption and lava flowed from the Undara Volcano at a rate of about 1000 m3 every second. A lava flow this large could fill Sydney Harbour in six days.  More than 50 caves have been found in the park with most to remote to see but we get to visit the 2 best examples with easy access.

Accommodation: Undara Village, Mt Surprise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we start with a special Bush Breakfast experience in the great Australian outback before making our way along the Gulf Development Road to Croydon. We enjoy an included lunch by the banks of Lake Belmore, an aquatic jewel of the Gulf Savannah  before continuing to Karumba.

Arriving in Karumba this afternoon we visit the interactive and state of the art Barramundi Interpretive Discovery Centre which provides the history, stories, lifecycle and habits of the Barramundi. Discover the wetlands and mangroves and learn about the incredible birdlife and stunning southern Gulf flora.

This evening  you can enjoy a cool drink at the Karumba Waterfront Tavern while watching the sunset over the remote Gulf of Carpentaria. We then enjoy an alfresco Reef N Beef Dinner.

Accommodation: Ash’s Apartments, End of The Road Hotel or Karumba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we transfer from Karumba to Normanton Railway Station. Take a journey aboard the legendary Gulflander for a rail journey unlike any other!

Also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, this legendary rail motor is one of the last great characters of the rail world. From wetlands and grasslands to arid Savannah territory, the Gulflander travels through countryside that most people will never see. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area steeped in pioneering history and heritage.

Disembarking the train at Blackbull Siding and following Morning Tea, we board the coach for Croydon and an included lunch stop before making our way to Forsayth and check into our accommodation. This historic township was once paved in gold and a central part of the Etheridge Goldfields in the 1870s. Prospectors flocked to Forsayth, able to find Nugget gold on the ground without the need for expensive equipment and mining. Take the time to look around, as there may still be some to be found.

There is time to refresh before our dinner this evening at the Goldfields Hotel.

NOTE: Try a Goldfields Ale which is uniquely brewed especially for the Goldfields Pub

Accommodation: Finnegan’s Rest, Forsayth
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner

Following breakfast this morning you will be transferred by 4wd Coach to Cobbold Gorge where you will be amazed as you delve into a geological process which began 700 million years ago.

This is an unforgettable highlight of your trip to outback Queensland. The tour begins with an informative insight to the geology of the rugged sandstone formations, followed by a guided bushwalk to the top of the escarpment, with the reward of a magnificent view of the gorge below. Then make your way over the newly constructed Glass Bridge for un unforgettable view below into the Gorge. Then glide on custom-made, electric powered boats in almost eerie silence ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife. There’s every chance of seeing one of the large population of resident freshwater crocodiles.

A delicious Plowman’s buffet lunch is included before some free time to take a dip in the infinity pool or the optional Helicopter ride.

This afternoon we are transferred back to Forsayth in time for our hearty dinner.

NOTE : The Escarpment and Glass Bridge Walk is 2.5klm and requires a good level of fitness to complete. There is a lovely cool spot to sit by the river if you don’t wish to participate in the bridge walk. The cruise boats are easily accessible and a great way to appreciate the magnificence of the gorge.

Optional Extra: Helicopter Ride over Cobbold Gorge:
15-minute scenic Helicopter flight $205.00 p.p (minimum 2 pax, maximum 3 pax per flight)
30-minute scenic Helicopter flight $385.00 p.p for 2 pax, $305.00 p.p. for 3 pax
*to be booked at Cobbold Gorge

Accommodation: Finnegan’s Rest, Forsayth
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

 

The Savannahlander affectionately known as the Silver Bullet, travels between Forsayth & Mt Surprise and is one of the great rail experiences through the Outback.

Stopping at Einasleigh there is time to visit Copperfield Gorge. With its breathtaking basalt cliff walls that drop into the sandy riverbed below, revealing the lava flow layers that travelled all the way from Undara. Lunch today is at the Einasleigh Hotel before travelling through to Mount Surprise.

From here we travel to Georgetown for our last night in the Outback! Here we visit the Ted Elliot Terrestrial Centre which houses one of the largest private mineral and rear rock collections in the world.

Arriving at Latara Motel we enjoy a beverage or two as we watch the sunset over the outback, with time to freshen up for dinner.

Accommodation: Overnight Latara Motel in Georgetown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After our breakfast, we say our goodbyes to the outback in exchange for the lush tropical rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands.

We stop along the way at The Humpy in Tolga, to taste the local FNQ produce before arriving at the village of Kuranda. There is time to wander the historic village and purchase lunch if you wish before our special journey back into Cairns. We join the Kuranda Scenic Railway for our Gold Class Train experience with afternoon drinks and nibbles included.

Arriving in Cairns, there is time to freshen up for our farewell dinner at the Cairns RSL on the Esplanade. A fitting way to end and incredible adventure to the outback!

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea & Dinner

This morning we transfer to Cairns Train Station for your departure on the Spirit of Queensland.  Travelling overnight to your home destination, enjoying the company of your new found friends.

Note:
If not using the rail service, please check out by 10am and enjoy the rest of your holidays.
Return Rail can be pre-arranged for a later date upon availability.  Extra nights in Cairns can be pre-arranged.

Accommodation: Spirit of Queensland train
Meals: All meals included for railbed passengers, dining cart available for economy seat passengers at your own expense.

Today the Spirit of Queensland will finish the journey arriving into Brisbane in the morning with cherished memories of both the Australian Outback and the vast Gulf Region of Australia.

Inclusions

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Atherton-Herberton Historical Steam Train
  • Undara Lava Tubes & Bush Breakfast experience
  • Mount Surprise
  • Karumba & Barra Discovery Centre
  • Croydon
  • Normanton
  • Gulflander Train
  • Terrestrial Gem Centre Georgetown
  • Forsayth
  • Cobbold Gorge
  • Savannahlander Train
  • Kuranda Village & Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Coach touring and commentary
  • Fully hosted by our Friendly Staff
  • Overnight accommodation is 3 star motel style with own ensuite
  • Included meals are as per Itinerary
  • Spirit of Queensland Train (When combining rail + tour from Brisbane)
  • Gulflander Train Normanton 
  • Savannah-lander Train Forsayth to Mt Surprise  
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class to Cairns 
  • Atherton-Herberton Historical Steam Train

Dates and Pricing

Tour Dates

12/10/2024
26/04/2025
10/05/2025
24/05/2025
07/06/2025
21/06/2025
12/07/2025
19/07/2025
16/08/2025
30/08/2025
13/09/2025
27/09/2025
11/10/2025
Tour Pricing

Tour Cost EX Cairns $3930.00

(8 Days Tour Only )

Tour Cost EX Brisbane $3980.00

(10 Day Tour + Return Rail - QLD Pension Economy Seat)

Tour Cost EX Brisbane $4330.00

(10 Days Tour + Return Rail - QLD Pension Railbed)

Tour Cost EX Brisbane $4600.00

(10 Days Tour + Return Rail - Senior Railbed)

Tour Cost EX Brisbane $4710.00

(10 Days Tour + Return Rail - Adult)

Additional Details

Tour cost is per person in a Double or Twin Room. Add $600 for single room.

Health and Fitness

This is a Moderate Paced Tour– Medium level of fitness required

Travelers must be able to meet the below fitness level requirements or have a carer who is available to assist. GVH Staff are not able to assist with those who have reduced mobility or other health problems. It is Your responsibility to arrange for such a carer if so required:

  • Participate in guided walking tours with time to rest every 20 minutes
  • Participate in walking tours on uneven ground, including bush tracks and sand
  • Get on and off multiple transport types unaided including train, coach and boat
  • Manage you own luggage or with the help of your own carer
  • Not suitable for guests needing wheelie walkers or wheelchairs

GVH reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour or to terminate the travel arrangements during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who is unable to cope with the requirements of the tour, including using coach steps for embarking and disembarking or needing services or facilities that are not available. We will not be held liable for any termination of your travel arrangements or additional expenses incurred. Please be aware that some outback locations may experience high temperatures.

Awesome Foursome Gulflander & Savannahlander Adventure

From $3930.00

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