Savannah way, Borroloola – by Felix Dance, Source: Flickr.com
If you have ever wanted to take a family trip and bond with your kids, the Savannah Way is possibly your best bet. This is arguably one of the top travel destinations and it’s simple to see why. It stretches across the northern part of the Australian continent, from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia.
As the journey is too strenuous for families with kids, we suggest you take the shorter route ending in Darwin, Northern Territory. You are above 2,850 kilometers of astonishing landscapes, extraordinary landscapes and interesting cities. If you drive non-stop, it will take you nearly two days to reach Darwin. But it is not about breaking records, it is about the adventure of a lifetime with your family on the Savannah Way.
Before we get started, you may must prepare yourself for a road trip with kidstake a deep breath and switch to Adventure Mode.
Savannah Road, Kuranda National Park – by Dainis Matisons, Source: Flickr.com
Savannah Way – Day 1
When you start your road trip from Cairns, you will find Kuranda National Park fairly quickly – it should not take more than half an hour. The site is included in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and you can admire incredible open eucalyptus forests. Your kids will be delighted with a visit to Kuranda Koala Gardens, where they can see these gentle creatures up close. This is also where you’ll turn sharply south and go through the Danbulla Southern Forest Reserve. If you have time, visit Tinaroo Lake and take your family to the Crystal Caves. At the end of the day, you’ll arrive at Undara National Park, home to the world’s longest lava tube system. This is where you can stay in one of the restored railroad cars.
Savannah Way, Cobbold Gorge – by Vicky, Source: Flickr.com
Savannah Way – Day 2
The next morning, do not miss the “bush breakfast” for a dense nutritional intake before continuing your journey. You’ll continue heading southwest before crashing Cobbold Gorge. This is a distinctive formation that you must see – it looks like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie. You can even take a cruise and take a tour through the canyon. Shortly after you leave Cobbold Gorge, you will turn north until you reach Georgetown, Queensland. This is where you can camp, if you wish, as the town has a tourist information center and a caravan park.
Savannah Way, Croydon, Australia – by Philip Morton, Source: Flickr.com
Savannah Walk – Day 3
Before you leave Georgetown, visit TerrEstrial and admire its extensive mineral collection. The long stretch of road will take you through the heart of the bush. Make sure you have enough water and snacks for your gang. Take a break in the old gold mining town of Croydon and absorb the history of the outback. The historical landscape of orange soil and twisting trees will transport you to Normanton, a small cattle town near the north Pacific coast. This is where you can ride the historic Gulflander train with your kids. You can continue on to Karumba, jump in the sea and camp at the Karumba Sunset Caravan Park with the rest of the family.
Savannah Way, Morning Glory clouds – by Kent Wien, Source: Flickr.com
Savannah Way – Day 4
If you are visiting September through November, head on over to Burketown and rent out a room at the motel. The phenomenon you will see in the morning is called Morning Glory – you will witness a spectacular swirl of clouds as they roll above you at 60 kilometers per hour and spread as far as the eye can see. Continue on to Borroloola and turn southwest again until you reach the Heartbreak Hotel, your first accommodation in the North. This hotel provides prime quality rooms at affordable rates.
Savannah Road, Mataranka, Elsey National Park – by Jimmy Chen, Source: Flickr.com
Savannah Way – Day 5
Be prepared for a long road until you come to Daly Waters at the intersection of the Savannah Way and the Stuart Highway. Be sure to visit the famous pub in this historic city and ask for more details about this place’s interesting history. Continue driving northwest until you come to Elsey National Park. Take the Botanic Walk through the park and visit the Mataranka Waterfall. Mataranka is a community of around 400 people, and the town itself has a population of around 250. There is a small art gallery and cafe where you can see a statue of the character The Fizzler from the book “We of the Never Never” . You can stay at the Territory Manor caravan/camping motel overlooking a serene pond.
Savannah Road, Kakadu National Park – by daniel2177, Source: Flickr.com
Savannah Way – Day 6
Continue driving north until you enter the Kakadu National Park area. A special ecosystem of 20,000 square kilometers will be a spectacular change after many kilometers of dirt roads. There is also an Aboriginal community living there, and a few of the residents will be more than happy to show you the incredible historical rock art. Your kids must be fascinated by this. There is an energetic camp crammed with families from all over the world, so take this opportunity to meet interesting people. Finally, drive north until you ultimately reach the Pacific and the city of Darwin. Be sure to find comfy and affordable shared accommodation and enjoy all that this urban area has to offer. It’s best if you have at least five more days to spend on the city’s beaches before you depart via Darwin International Airport.
