"State of Queensland, Gulf Savannah" State of Queensland by pedroswift

State of Queensland Travel Guide: 8,124 reviews and 20,165 photos

Expect a friendly Welcome & Goodbye - State of Queensland

The Queensland Gulf Country

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. Check road conditions before you leave. link to Australian Road Conditions site

Cairns to Karumba

Barramundi - the best

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.

Undara Volcanic National Park

Knowledgeable Savannah Guide -tube formation

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.

Pros and Cons

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

Last visit to State of Queensland: Sep 2005
Intro Updated Jan 23, 2010
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Reviews (21)

Observe the red flashing lights - State of Queensland

Railway Crossings Claim Lives Warnings and Dangers (12)

Be aware that two thirds of Australia's Railway road level crossings have no warning lights or boom gates. A spate of... more travel advice

Making a U TURN at the traffic lights Local Customs (4)

A driving tip which may keep you from closeup contact with the Police - a much ignored traffic rule. It is against the... more travel advice

Weeds are a big problem - be aware - State of Queensland

Don't Spread Noxious Weeds Warnings and Dangers (12)

A little mentioned danger (not to you) but to Native Savannah Lands is the spread of Noxious Weeds by vehicles... more travel advice

Popular eating-out item - insulated byo wine bag - State of Queensland

Restaurants - Bring Yer Own (Wine) Local Customs (4)

Unheard of in lots of countries around the world, BYO is an Australian custom cherished by budget conscious diners... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (9)

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BruceDunning Oct 16, 2010 at 3:09 PM

Quite a lot of warranted warnings for this outback region. YOu have aptly warned to be careful, and be smart. Nice work.
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wise23girl Aug 22, 2009 at 4:26 AM

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
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lynnehamman Dec 14, 2008 at 2:50 PM

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!
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DennyP Oct 20, 2008 at 6:06 PM

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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Nemorino Mar 28, 2007 at 5:29 PM

I was about to say I've met a tenor who has sung at Opera In The Outback. But actually the place he sang was Opera Under The Stars in Broome, which turns out to be a lo-o-o-o-ng way from Queensland.
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adelaidean Nov 4, 2006 at 11:51 PM

hey what interesting tips. The kangaroo through the bonnet really brings the danger home...I will be back to visit!
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Travmad Oct 23, 2006 at 5:11 AM

Great Tips!
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aussiejen Mar 28, 2006 at 2:37 PM

Great tips. Good start to your pages : )
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kris-t Mar 17, 2006 at 7:40 PM

enjoyed your tips! K&T