The Gulf Savannah Region extends from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the Northern Territory border in the west. A vast safari country of golden savannah grasslands abounding with wildlife. Encompassing an area of some 186,000 sq. Km's, the Gulf Savannah is Australia as it once was. The "Outback By The Sea" as the area is known, is a high road to adventure, a passport to history and an eye opening experience in one unique package. The attractions of the region contrast starkly with the coral reefs, bright lights and lushness of the east coast. The Gulf Savannah offers the serenity of mile upon mile of untouched bush land, historic mining towns, the unusual "Gulflander" railmotor, remote cattle stations, wetlands teeming with wildlife, Aboriginal settlements and the pristine beauty of the great Australian outback.

December to March is the monsoon season, "the wet", the countryside is extremely green and alive with bird life. There is frequent rainfall and high temperatures with high humidity. Conditions of unsealed roads can change rapidly depending on the rainfall. Sealed roads can also become closed due to flooding of low level steam crossings. It is recommended that road conditions be checked during periods of storm activity. Major improvements to roads have opened the region, with the Savannah Way being sealed between Cairns and Karumba and connections to the Matilda Highway. Most of the roads are narrow and care must be taken to avoid stone damage and accidents when passing or overtaking other vehicles. Roadtrains are frequently encountered and should be given right of way at all times. It is a country courtesy to slow down and move over to the left with two wheels only on the bitumen when passing oncoming traffic on the narrow sealed sections of road. There is a regular weekly sea freight service between Karumba, Gove and Weipa with limited cabin accommodation, caravans, trailers and vehicles can also be transported. All the major towns throughout the Gulf have regular air services from Cairns, with many charter services also available.

The Gulf Savannah is like nowhere else on earth. It's natural wonders are internationally acclaimed and include important archaeological sites, exciting wetlands and wilderness areas, Aboriginal art sites and amazing geological phenomena. Many of these sites are sensitive, fragile environments so to protect them and share them with you a unique guiding service has been implemented. The "Savannah Guides" is an award winning network of professional guides with an intimate knowledge of the region. Savannah Guide Stations have been established throughout the Gulf and offer tours of interest to some of the most amazing places that you could imagine

www.savannah-guides.com.au Gem fossicking is a favourite pastime for many people and the Gulf Savannah has some of the best gem sites in the country. Most towns have private and public gem displays of some kind together with museums full of treasures from the past. These are well worth visiting to gain an overall feel for the rich history of the region. You must obtain a "Fossickers License" if you wish to fossick for gem stones, these can be obtained from the Dept. of Mines and Energy (Queensland)www.dme.qld.gov.au