The Savannah SkyWay

Your epic Savannah SkyWay journey begins at 7.00am from Gold Coast airport. Fly north-west to Charters Towers. Head out of town to meet a magnificent herd of Texas Longhorns, direct descendants of cattle that walked in the great trail herd from Texas in the late 1800s.

Back into town, a short tour with a local guide will give insight into the area’s military and mining history.

Overnight: Kernow Charters Towers

Further north-west today, the next stop is Undara, home to the oldest lava tubes on earth, plus unique accommodation in beautifully restored railway carriages in the bush. After lunch, take a guided tour along the boardwalks through the hollow lava tubes that formed this remarkable archway structure about 190,000 years ago.

Later, a guide will take you for a stroll through the Savannah bushland, spotting vibrant wildlife. Sip sparkling wine as the sun sets over the volcanic plains below and watch as the microbats leave their cave for their nightly feed.

Overnight: Undara Lodge, railway carriage

Start the day with a bush breakfast around the campfire, under the watchful eye of kookaburras, magpies and currawongs.

After a short flight to Forsayth, drive out to the stunning Cobbold Gorge and wake yourself up with a cold swim in the gorge before lunch.

A tour of Cobbold Gorge will allow you to grasp the uniqueness of this narrow gorge with its majestic 30-metre sheer walls from the bottom of the water to the top of the escarpment. A guided walk to the escarpment provides an informative insight to the geology of the rugged sandstone formations. Look down into the gorge structure while crossing the glass bridge and glide on custom-made, electric-powered boats in almost eerie silence, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife. You might even spot one of the large population of resident freshwater crocodiles.

Back into Forsyath, overnight at the comfortable Finnigan’s Rest, with dinner in the historic Goldfields Hotel.

Overnight: Finnigan’s Rest

See Cobbold Gorge from the air on the way west to Borroloola in The Territory. Stop for lunch then fly over the bizarre rock pillars of the Lost City on your way into outback Daly Waters.

Refresh with a cleansing ale in the iconic Daly Waters Hotel. Check out the quirky Tim’s Junk Yard, enjoy some pub grub for dinner, and stay in a comfortable cabin for the night.

Overnight: Daly Waters Pub

Back into the aircraft, continue northwest to Katherine. Pop into Top Didj to view some of their authentic Aboriginal art. Lunch in a local café before hopping into the Hot Springs for a dip, then on to Cicada Lodge in the Nitmiluk National Park.

Nestled in the native bushland, the sanctuaries feature local indigenous art with modern design. Relax for a few hours before sunset drinks and canapes and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

2 nights: Cicada Lodge

Drive out to Cutta Cutta Caves for a tour of the limestone caves, formed millions of years ago. Home to rare bats and a multitude of bird species including the endangered Gouldian Finch, it’s a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Back to the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, where indigenous guides will introduce you to the Jawoyn culture.

The day is rounded out with a sunset cruise and dinner in the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorges. There’s a 400m walk between the two gorges, over uneven ground.

Fly west this morning into WA and the Bungle Bungle, landing at Bellburn airstrip on the southwest corner of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park in East Kimberley.

A local guide will lead you on an easy-to-moderate walk through the famous eroded towers and black and orange-banded beehive structures of the Domes Walk, the awe-inspiring natural acoustics of Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek, which only flows during the monsoon. Learn about the Kimberley climate, the six seasons, and the unique flora and fauna that are so crucial to the land's traditional custodians.

Back in the air, your pilot will provide a fantastic view of the domes from above before continuing west to El Questro.

Situated in the massive El Questro Wilderness Park, Emma Gorge offers the picturesque landscape of the rocky, red Cockburn Ranges. Sleep under canvas in tented cabins with ensuite, ceiling fans and a verandah, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the local wildlife.

2 nights: Emma Gorge, tented cabin

Today’s tour will introduce you the best of El Questro. Transfer to Zebedee Springs, a tranquil oasis nestled amongst towering palm trees. Don’t forget your swimmers! After a delicious Beef or Barra lunch, cruise along the Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer cliffs and lush greenery create a stunning backdrop.

Fly further west to Cygnet Bay at the tip of the beautiful Dampier Peninsula.

Enter into the epic story of the Australian pearl from its indigenous beginnings through to the four generations of the Brown family who have been pearling and living here since 1946.

After a tour of the pearl farm, take in the Kimberley Coast sunset with drinks and a treat of pearl meat. The Pearler’s Village safari tents offer luxury in the gardens, with ensuite, air-conditioning and a private verandah.

Overnight: Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Pearler’s Village safari tent

After breakfast, take in the beautiful views of Cygnet Bay and learn about the entwined indigenous and pearling history of the area on a Borrgoron Culture & History tour. A relaxed morning allows you to have a wander before lunch in this gorgeous part of the world.

Take off east over the incomparable Kimberley Coast for a very special experience. Sir David Attenborough called the Horizontal Falls one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Formed by some of the largest tidal movements in the world, the swirling waters of the Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon. Massive volumes of water squeeze through narrow cliff passages, with the rapidlike formations creating the unique sideways waterfall effect. Fly low over the falls for an unforgettable view, before tracking back southwest into Broome.

Check in, then head down to the Cable Beach House for what is most likely an amazing sunset over the ocean, with sundowners and dinner to finish off a spectacular day.

2 nights: The Pearle of Cable Beach

This morning is at leisure, to sleep in and relax.

In the afternoon, lunch first at Matso’s Brewery, a Broome institution, then learn about Broome’s history with a tour of Chinatown, Town Beach & WWII history, Gantheaume Point and the Japanese Cemetery.

End the day with cocktails at sunset overlooking Roebuck Bay, before dinner.

Start flying back east today, with a few refuelling and leg-stretching stops, to Kings Canyon in the Red Centre.

Drive to your accommodation – luxurious tents with lounge, outdoor deck, air-conditioning, and views out into nature; or more traditional rooms, albeit with a bath on the balcony overlooking the escarpment.

Light-Towers is an immersive sound and light installation by Bruce Munro. A local guide to will introduce you to the Light-Towers story, while you enjoy drinks and canapes as the sun sets.

Overnight: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, glamping tent or deluxe room

At sunrise enjoy the easy one-hour leisurely Kings Creek Walk (suitable for most fitness levels). Meander alongside Kings Creek to the floor of Kings Canyon. Along the way see birdlife and lush flora, reach the track end, and look up to the stunning sheer Canyon walls! As the sun rises, the sandstone becomes a magnificent array of oranges and reds.

Drive back to the aircraft, and continue east. Stop in at Birdsville for a quick refreshment in the iconic Birdsville Hotel, then on to Toogunna Plains Station in Channel Country. A 5th generation, 130,000 acre, family-owned sheep and cattle property, this new farm stay offers beautiful accommodation with an outback plains view. After dinner, gather around the communal firepit under a blanket of twinkling stars.

Overnight: Toogunna Plains Station, studio room

Tour the station’s old homesteads, oil fields, shearing sheds and geological formations. Learn about the pastoral history and day-to-day running of the station. Lunch in the shearing shed then back to the aircraft.

It’s just a short hop to Eromanga. The Eromanga Natural History Museum is committed to discovering, conserving and showcasing the fossil, natural and cultural heritage of the upper Murray/ Darling and Lake Eyre/Cooper basins. Meet Cooper, the largest dinosaur found in Australia, about 95 million years old. Have a look around the museum, and then it’s time to fly back to the Gold Coast, having experienced the full Savannah Way in style!