Savannah Way
Australia
The Savannah Way links tropical northern Australia from Cairns to Broome through some of the country’s most remote country. Expect long sealed stretches mixed with isolated highways, red-dirt detours, stock country, gulf wetlands, gorge country, and classic outback towns along one of Australia’s great cross-continent drives.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Cairns
Start in tropical Cairns, where the coast is green, humid, and set up for the long haul north and west.
- Undara Volcanic National Park
Walk lava tubes and open savannah around ancient lava flows. It feels remote fast once you leave the coast.
- Karumba
Reach the Gulf at this laid-back fishing town with big skies and saltwater sunsets. It is a classic detour for prawn and barramundi country.
- Burketown
A tiny Gulf outpost with dust roads, river flats, and strong frontier character. It is a good pause before the long NT run.
- Katherine
Enter the Top End through a warm, practical highway town. It is the main base for gorges, hot springs, and fuel.
- Nitmiluk National Park
See towering sandstone gorge walls and the Katherine River winding through them. Boat cruises and walks make this one of the route's highlights.
- Tennant Creek
A tough, service-heavy outback town in the middle of long empty stretches. It is a key refuel stop between the north and the southern interior.
- Daly Waters
The old pub is a famous roadside stop with a true outback feel. It is a memorable break before the road pushes west.
- Kununurra
Cross into WA and swap red dirt for irrigated country and big water views. This is the gateway to the Kimberley leg.
- Broome
Finish on the Indian Ocean in Broome, where pearl-town history meets tropical beach sunsets. The long inland run ends with sea air and easy pace.
Where to Eat
- Rusty's Marketsmarket food
A lively Cairns market for fresh tropical fruit, coffee, and quick breakfast bites. Good for stocking up before heading inland.
- Nona's Seafood and Curry Houseseafood and curry
A popular Karumba stop for Gulf seafood and relaxed pub-style meals. It suits a sunset dinner after a dusty drive.
- The Top Pubpub meals
A well-known Barkly Region roadhouse pub stop for burgers, steaks, and cold drinks. It is handy for a long refuel break near the middle of the route.
- The Purple Pubpub meals
A classic Kimberley stop in Kununurra for hearty meals and road trip fuel. It is an easy place to unwind after a long day on the highway.
- Matso's Broome BreweryAustralian pub food
A Broome favorite for drinks and casual meals with a tropical feel. It is a good final celebratory stop on arrival.
Things to Do
- Barron Gorge National Parknature
See rainforest, waterfalls, and steep gorge scenery just inland from Cairns. It is an easy first taste of Far North Queensland.
- Undara Lava Tubesgeology
Explore huge lava tube caves created by an ancient eruption. The formations are one of the route's most unusual sights.
- Katherine Hot Springsswimming
Soak in warm clear pools close to town after the long drive. It is a simple but perfect Top End stop.
- Nitmiluk Gorge Cruiseboat tour
Cruise through the sandstone gorges and spot rock walls glowing in the late light. It is one of the signature experiences on the Savannah Way.
- Cable Beachbeach
Walk the wide sand at sunset and watch the sky turn gold over the Indian Ocean. It is a fitting end to the cross-country drive.
Travel advisory
This is a long outback route with very large fuel gaps in the Northern Territory and western Queensland. Carry extra water, check road conditions after rain, and avoid the wet season when flooding can close sections for days.