It's never too soon to start planning an adventure - and here is one sure to bring out the wanderlust.
Heritage 4WD Safaris is taking bookings now for its exciting nine-day Gulf Savannah Tours, running in Western Queensland from May 22 through to October 2 next year.
That is in the dry season and the best time of year to explore the huge region's landscape of natural treasures.
A former frontier occupied by Indigenous Australians and tackled by gold prospectors and cattle farmers, it is a place pocketed with wonders, including the world's longest lava tubes and Australia's youngest gorge.
And a tour with Heritage 4WD Safaris is a great way to see it.
Starting and finishing in Cairns, the tour includes journeys aboard the classic Savannahlander and Gulflander railmotors, a visit to Herberton Historic Village and a stop at Normanton, where travellers can see the "Purple Pub", the historic Burns Philp general store and a replica of Krys, the 8.6-metre crocodile.
There is also a Gulf of Carpentaria sunset cruise and an exploration of Burke and Wills' fateful Camp 119.
Other memorable experiences include a cruise along Cobbold Gorge, which features a diverse range of vegetation and abundant wildlife such as black bream, archerfish, long tom, perch and freshwater crocodiles.
A visit to Undara Lava Tubes is another highlight.
This geological formation extends 160 kilometres, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano on Earth.
The tour is fully accommodated and costs $4249 per person; $5198 single.
- Phone 1800-775-533 or visit heritagetours.com.au for more information.
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