| Page Views: 1,561 Last Visit to State of Queensland: September, 2005 I Used To Live Here | State of Queensland, Gulf Savannah by pedroswift - last update: Oct 3, 2008 |
The Queensland Gulf Country | Expect a friendly Welcome & Goodbye |
The Queensland section of this Out Back Australian region stretches from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the Northern Territory border in the west & is mainly vast plain lands whose river systems flow into the Gulf of Carpentaria, that large indentation in the northern coastline west of Cape York. This is big sky country with cattle stations (ranches) bigger than some European countries. The cowboys don't ride horses: they round up cattle in helicopters.This is a region where townships are separated by distances of 100 kilometres plus. This unique region of Australia attracts the "more adventurous type traveler" looking for a very different Oz experience. "Self reliance" is big in this region where you may not meet another traveler on the road for hours. Read up on bush survival before venturing too far off the beaten track. Don't expect big cities, flash accommodation, night clubs and droves of tourists. Don't expect a gas pump on every corner. Do expect a friendly welcome from the locals, some interesting natural wonders, history, great fishing and hunting, mineral fossicking and if you are a train buff two train trips that attract visitors from around the world. Please avoid the area during the "wet season". Please read the Warnings in the tips below. |
|  | Cairns to Karumba The eastern Gulf Region is serviced by sealed roads from Cairns on the coast to Karumba on the Gulf, 790 kilometres away. The trip is not without its hazards so is not for the fainthearted. However, it does not require a four wheel drive vehicle as long as one uses the bitumen roads in dry weather. In fact, Karumba is the only coastal community on the southern Gulf accessible by normal vehicles. Any Aussie recreational fisherperson worth his/her salt yearns to catch a barramundi. This is the king of sportsfish in Australia. Also a very fine table fish, it is the focus of both recreational and commercial fishing in the Gulf. Much of the tourist infrastructure in Karumba caters for the visitor hoping to catch a barra. On this trip you'll pass through Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon and Normanton. There's a pub in each: several in Normanton. |
| Knowledgeable Savannah Guide -tube formation |
| | Undara Volcanic National Park If a long trip into the Gulf proper is not your bag, go see the world's best preserved Volcanic Lava Tubes. An absolute "must see" for anyone remotely interested in geology, wild life, botany. It's all here. Fascinating geological volcanic formations which provide an ecosystem for unusual tropical plant and animal life.
Situated on the eastern edge of the Gulf Savanna land 275 km south west of Cairns, the area is served by the Undara Lodge which provide guided tours of the features. Other commercial operators do tours but the Lodge is run by the original developers of the area. It is mandatory to have guides to see the tubes. Thanks to careful management the Lava Tubes are in pristine condition and have not been despoiled by tourists as has happened in Italy and Hawaii. |
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| Pros: | "Outback touring in 2 wheel drive car" | | Cons: | "Long distances require extra travel time" | | In A Nutshell: | "A taste of the true "outback" Oz" |
pedroswift's State of Queensland Travel Tips
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 Comments for pedroswift about State of Queensland | | | | |
wise23girl Sat Aug 22, 2009 12:26 UTC
Always very timely to warn tourists about these dangers for the poor animals as well. By the way Curdimurka Ball is no more...insurance problems I think. Marg | Stephanie Sat Aug 22, 2009 03:08 UTC
We have a member whose father was killed hitting a kangaroo - so sad. This is an important tip...large animals are extremely dangerous for all involved. Thanks for the tip. | lynnehamman Sun Dec 14, 2008 22:50 UTC
Very good tips on Queensland. Thanks. We are driving ther early next year- so they all come in handy.Espcially the tips re alleries- I am on beta-blocker AND allergic to bee venom! | DennyP Tue Oct 21, 2008 02:06 UTC
great pages and tips..This is a great part of the world to travel through with just so much to see..you need a lot of time...Denny... |
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