PRICE
$4900
Wild. Remote. Epic.
Set off on a 4WD adventure through the wild heart of Australia’s Gulf country. Traverse remote tracks, tackle river crossings and explore legendary locations including Lawn Hill, Lorella Springs, Kakadu and Katherine Gorge. With bush camps under starry skies and landscapes that take your breath away, this is an unforgettable outback escape.
Discover Australia’s remote Gulf country on a 14-day guided 4WD expedition from Cairns to Darwin. Traverse ancient volcanic landscapes at Undara, cruise through the narrow sandstone walls of Cobbold Gorge and swim in the emerald waters of Lawn Hill Gorge. Explore the vast wilderness of Lorella Springs, cross the Roper River and soak in Mataranka’s thermal pools. Journey through Kakadu’s rich cultural sites and finish in Darwin. This tour offers rugged terrain, river crossings and unforgettable outback scenery – perfect for adventurers seeking Australia’s wild and hidden heart.
DURATION
14 Days
DISTANCE
2570 km
START LOCATION
Cairns,QLD
PERCENTAGE OF BITUMEN / DIRT: 20/80
AVERAGE DISTANCE PER DAY: 240km
GROUP SIZE: 6-10 vehicles
GLAMPING OPTIONS: 11 out of 14 days
TOUR START LOCATION: Cairns, QLD
TOUR FINISH LOCATION: Darwin, NT
ACCOMMODATION: Bush camp & Campground
TOUR GRADE: Easy. Offroad caravan or camper OK.
HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Bush Camps
- Fishing
- Katherine Gorge
- Kakadu
- Lawn Hill
- Bark Hut
- Catch a Barra…
- Lorella Springs
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Cobbold Gorge
- Mataranka Hot Springs
- 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: Cairns to Undara Resort
297km (C D R)
We kick off in Cairns with a short briefing before heading through town and up the Kuranda Range to the tablelands. Travelling west through historic goldfields, we hit the dirt and descend into cattle country. After lunch, we settle in at Undara Resort and tour the lava tubes. The day wraps up with a welcome dinner at the restaurant.
Day 2: Undara Resort to Cobbold Gorge
241km (C M R)
After breakfast, we continue west along station tracks and through quiet outback towns. By afternoon we reach Cobbold Gorge for a guided tour of this striking natural formation.
Day 3: Cobbold Gorge to Normanton
362km (B M)
Today’s destination is a bush camp beside the Norman River, a peaceful spot to unwind after a long drive.
Day 4: Normanton to Lawn Hill
401km (C D R)
A big day ahead as road conditions worsen and minor river crossings begin. Heading southwest, we stop at Leichhardt Falls, refuel at Gregory Downs and push west into the afternoon sun. We arrive at Adels Grove near Lawn Hill National Park for a well-earned rest.
Day 5: Lawn Hill to Surprise Creek
473km (B)
We dive into proper river crossings and enter Savannah country, turning north once more. Today we tackle around a dozen water crossings as we travel through remote terrain and shifting landscapes. After refuelling at Hells Gate, we stop for lunch near the QLD/NT border. Crossing into the Territory, we follow the Savannah Highway to one of the best campsites on the tour—complete with its own waterfall. If it’s taken, the backup’s still a beauty.
Day 6: Surprise Creek to Lorella Springs
227km (C M R)
It’s tough leaving this camp, but we’re off early after breakfast. The route north includes several river crossings and a refuel at Borroloola. The road gets rougher as we climb the Tawallah Range, perfect for four-wheel driving. After lunch, we continue north and reach Lorella Springs by evening.
Day 7: Lorella Springs Free Day
0km (C M R)
A day to relax or explore. If you’re keen, throw in a line before sunset—there’s a good chance of landing a barra for dinner. Just watch for crocs.
Day 8: Lorella Springs to Towns River
152km (C M)
There’s another chance to catch a fish this afternoon as we camp beside the Towns River.
Day 9: Towns River to Mataranka
312km (C D R)
We travel west along the Roper River to the Roper Bar community for a refuel, then hit the bitumen. By afternoon we reach Mataranka Homestead Resort, an oasis with crystal-clear swimming holes. We regroup for dinner in the evening.
Day 10: Mataranka to Katherine Gorge
143km (C M R)
There’s time for a morning swim before we head north on the Stuart Highway to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). We roll in around midday, leaving ample time to join a tour or unwind by the pool.
Day 11: Katherine Gorge to Kakadu
283km (C M R)
After yesterday’s short leg, today’s drive is longer. We continue north, then turn onto the Kakadu Highway. Passing through old mining areas, we enter Kakadu National Park and settle in at Gagadju Lodge for a two-night stay.
Day 12: Kakadu Free Day
0km (C M R)
There’s lots to see and do in Kakadu, so plan ahead to make the most of your time. Tours, walks and cultural experiences are all on offer.
Day 13: Kakadu to Mary River
130km (C M R)
Our final off-road stretch takes us along Old Jim Jim Road. Expect a few water crossings and stunning scenery before arriving at Mary River Wilderness Retreat. A swim in the pool is the perfect way to end the day.
Day 14: Mary River to Darwin
113km (C D R)
We leave Mary River behind and cruise sealed roads to Darwin. We drop into the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel, then enjoy a relaxed lunch stop at Howard Springs. By afternoon we roll into Darwin, settle into our accommodation and gather later for a farewell dinner.
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 11 nights of this tour.
