PRICE
$3500
Rugged. Iconic. Unforgettable.
Embark on a 10-day tagalong 4WD adventure from Byron Bay to Cairns through Australia’s Great Divide. Explore ancient lava tubes, iconic Aussie towns, historic pubs and remote goldfields. Drive along the breathtakingly beautiful Condamine River with thrilling river crossings. Travel through the North Queensland’s goldfields and over the stunning Kuranda Range.
This tour kicks off at the easternmost point of Australia in Byron Bay. It heads west into the Outback, stopping at iconic Australian towns and places of interest along the way. Experience the drive along the breathtakingly beautiful Condamine River, with its many river crossings.
The tour then turns north, deep into Queensland’s cattle country, until we arrive at the famous Undara Resort for a tour of the Lava Tubes.
On our way to Cairns, we travel through the old North Queensland goldfields, with traces of bygone days everywhere. We check out the Kuranda markets before heading down the Kuranda Range and into Cairns.
DURATION
10 Days
DISTANCE
2845 km
START LOCATION
Byron Bay, QLD
PERCENTAGE OF BITUMEN / DIRT: 25/75
AVERAGE DISTANCE PER DAY: 280km
GROUP SIZE: 6-10 vehicles
GLAMPING OPTIONS: 3 out of 10 days
TOUR START LOCATION: Byron Bay, NSW
TOUR FINISH LOCATION: Cairns, QLD
ACCOMMODATION: Bush camp & Campground
TOUR GRADE: Easy. Offroad caravan or camper OK.
HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Bush Camps
- Carnarvon Gorge
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Porcupine Gorge
- Outback Pubs
- Bush Cooking
- Condamine River crossings
- 4WD Recovery training
- Off-road information talks
- Fishing
- Kuranda Markets
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Two additional evening meals
- Accredited guides with senior first aid certification
- Free Wi-Fi at each camp
- 4WD backup vehicle equipped with a winch
- All recovery equipment
- UHF radio and satellite phone
- Tyre repair gear
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- National Park permits and camping fees
- All Aboriginal land access permits
- BBQ plate provided at each camp
- Licensed and accredited tour operator
ITINERARY
Day 1: Byron Bay to Condamine River
220km (B D)
We kick things off at Australia’s eastern tip. After a quick snap at Cape Byron, we swing west. The route blends sealed roads with gravel as we trace the Condamine River’s upper reaches. With more than ten crossings along the way, the drive into Killarney is a stunner.
The afternoon takes us deeper into the countryside, winding along backroads to our bush camp at Hogan Creek. First day done, it’s time to swap yarns around the fire.
Day 2: Condamine River to Barakula
433km (B)
We follow the Condamine upstream to Slatters Crossing, then roll on through quiet country roads. By late arvo, we pull into Barakula for the night.
Day 3: Barakula to Injune
327km (C M R)
Heading north, we stick to rural and unsealed roads. By evening, we reach Injune where a hot shower and a cold one at the pub await.
Day 4: Injune to Dargonelly Rock Hole
126km (C)
A short morning drive takes us into Carnarvon National Park. With camp set up early, the rest of the day is yours to explore the park’s rugged beauty.
Day 5: Dargonelly Rock Hole to Barcoo River
289km (B)
We leave the ranges behind and cruise through black soil country. It’s a cruisy day with time to throw in a line or chase red claw before dinner by the Barcoo.
Day 6: Barcoo River to Horsetailers Gorge
275km (B)
If the fish are biting, we’ll stock the esky before hitting the road. Most of the day’s spent on station tracks, ending at an old Cobb & Co stop where weary horses were once swapped out.
Day 7: Horsetailers Gorge to Hughenden
556km (C D R)
An early start for a long haul north. It’s a big day behind the wheel, so we pace ourselves and settle in at Hughenden by evening.
Day 8: Hughenden to Porcupine Gorge
62km (C)
After yesterday’s stretch, today’s a breeze. We reach Porcupine Gorge early, giving you plenty of time to wander and soak up the scenery.
Day 9: Porcupine Gorge to Undara
317km (C M R)
We cruise west to Undara Resort. After lunch, we join a guided walk through the ancient lava tubes.
Day 10: Undara to Cairns
240km (C D R)
The final leg takes us through old goldfields, where relics of the past dot the landscape. Most of the drive’s sealed as we head for the coast. We swing by the Kuranda Markets before descending into Cairns. Once settled in, we gather for a farewell dinner to toast the end of an unforgettable trip.
Legend
B – Bush Camp
C – Campground
D – Dinner Provided
M – Meals Available (own expense)
R – Rooms Available (own expense)
Glamping Options
Rooms and meals are available on 3 nights of this tour.
