You can set up a tour before you arrive or just rent a Land Rover and take off on a self-made adventure. Make sure you bring plenty of food, water, crocodile repellant (is there such a thing?), and ensure you where the petrol and aid stations are. Kangaroos don’t take kindly to hitchhikers. Once you begin driving along the Gulf Developmental Road you’ll see that the Gulf Savannah region harbors some very interesting places within its expanse. Starting near the Undara Volcanic National Park, which is around 189,000 years old, you’ll see the largest lava tube system in existence. One could definitely get lost just touring the National park itself. If you have time, you won’t be disappointed. Geologists and amateur Rockhounds might find the 135 million year old sandstone deposits of Cobbold Gorge quite interesting.

Mt Surprise to the west has a museum and some places to stay. You can choose you to go northwest to the Elizabeth Creek Gem Field, or south to the old mining towns of Forsayth and Einasleigh. Further west is Croydon, a gold mining town, which is rumored to have had 4000 plus mines in operation. Along with some preserved buildings, there are visible ruins of some of the mines. You can choose a quaint place to stay over in Normanton, an old port city during Australia’s Gold Rush. Karumba, a fishing town to the north, is a great place to stay and sample fresh Prawns, Crabs, and even Barramundi which is a very delicious, virtually boneless, fish. This is also a popular destination for chartered fishing trips.

After delighting yourself with the Gulf Savannah’s most savory cuisine you can head north to the intriguing Leichhardt Falls near Burketown. Would you believe that these falls have seasons? During the wet times of the year, the water flows. The rest of the year you may find drying pools of water down below. Be very careful as the Saltwater Crocs that inhabit the area may not want you frolicking about in their watering holes.

As you come into Burketown, you might be able to see the Morning Glory clouds during the right time of the year. Mining is still operating here and by the looks of the multi-million dollar Century Zinc mine it will be around for years to come.

Another must see while in the Gulf Savannah is Lawn Hill NP. Everyone will enjoy Lawn Hill Gorge, located within the National Park. An oasis in a barren wasteland, Lawn Hill NP has tropical plants, Aboriginal rock art displays, camping areas and the Riversleigh Fossil Field. Most of the fossils found are within between 37,000 to 23 million years old. Lawn Hill NP is 2820km² and holds a variety of action for every level of thrill seeker. The landscape is here is a bit rough. 4x4s are recommended by the locals as the dirt (gravel if you’re lucky!) roads and terrain are unforgiving.

From the dusty, barren outback to the lush, green oases of the breathtaking Lawn Hill National Park the region has much to offer for even the least adventurous tourist. The Gulf Savannah is a must for anyone planning their trip to Australia.