There’s something magical about travelling through the Australian outback by train. The gentle rhythm of the railway, the changing landscapes, the stories of the people who call these remote places home, and the feeling of discovering a part of Australia that so many travellers never get to experience.
Our Savannahlander Train Tour is a four-day journey through Queensland’s remarkable Gulf Savannah, combining historic rail travel with spectacular natural attractions, fascinating pioneering history and the welcoming hospitality of country communities.
The Savannahlander Train Tour – A Railway Journey Like No Other
Affectionately known as the Silver Bullet, the Savannahlander Train Touris one of Australia’s most distinctive railway experiences.
Travelling along sections of the historic railway west of Cairns, this remarkable railmotor takes passengers into a landscape where the pace of life slows and the stories of Australia’s pioneering past are never far away.
The railway itself has a fascinating history. Construction began in the late 19th century, initially to serve the mining communities of the Atherton Tablelands and beyond. As the railway pushed westward, it became a vital connection for isolated settlements, carrying passengers, supplies and the promise of new opportunities.
Today, the Savannahlander preserves an important part of that railway heritage.
There’s no rushing through the countryside. Instead, there’s time to appreciate the scenery, hear the stories and enjoy the wonderful character of this historic train.
Chillagoe – Where Ancient Caves Meet Mining History on the Savannahlander Train Tour
One of the remarkable destinations associated with our Gulf Savannah adventure is Chillagoe.
Once a bustling mining centre, Chillagoe is now a small outback community surrounded by extraordinary limestone formations.
Beneath the rugged landscape lies a fascinating network of caves, shaped by water over immense periods of geological time.
The Chillagoe–Mungana Caves offer a glimpse into an ancient underground world of limestone chambers, stalactites, stalagmites and remarkable rock formations.
Above ground, Chillagoe’s mining heritage tells another story.
The remains of the historic smelters stand as reminders of the thousands of people who once came here seeking work and opportunity.
It’s the kind of place I love exploring, because behind every old building, abandoned structure and dusty street is a story waiting to be discovered.
Cobbold Gorge – A Hidden Treasure of the Gulf Savannah
Few places capture the beauty of North Queensland’s outback quite like Cobbold Gorge.
Hidden among ancient sandstone formations, this spectacular gorge is renowned for its narrow waterways, towering cliffs and striking reflections.
The sandstone landscape has been shaped by natural processes over millions of years, creating a remarkable environment unlike anywhere else.
One of the most memorable experiences is travelling through the gorge by boat, surrounded by sheer rock walls that seem to rise directly from the water.
For photographers, nature lovers and anyone who appreciates Australia’s extraordinary landscapes, Cobbold Gorge is unforgettable.
It’s a wonderful reminder that some of Australia’s most spectacular places are found well away from the major tourist routes.
Mount Surprise – A Little Town with a Big Story
There’s something special about Australia’s small railway towns, and Mount Surprise is no exception.
Located in the heart of the Gulf Savannah, this little community has long been associated with railway travel, grazing, mining and the development of Far North Queensland.
Mount Surprise is closely connected with the Savannahlander and provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the character of outback life.
It’s a place where railway history, country hospitality and the surrounding landscape come together.
And sometimes, it’s these smaller stops that become the most memorable parts of a journey.
Undara – A Landscape Shaped by Fire
The Undara region is home to one of Australia’s most extraordinary volcanic landscapes.
Around 190,000 years ago, volcanic activity sent enormous flows of lava across the countryside.
As the outer surface cooled and hardened, molten lava continued flowing beneath it, leaving behind the remarkable underground tunnels known today as the Undara Lava Tubes.
These formations provide an extraordinary insight into Queensland’s volcanic past.
The surrounding savannah landscape is equally fascinating, with open woodland, ancient geological features and abundant wildlife.
It’s another example of the incredible diversity of landscapes found across this part of Australia.
Almaden – Stories from the Railway
The small settlement of Almaden is another reminder of the railway’s importance to the development of the Gulf Savannah.
Its historic railway station reflects an era when rail transport connected remote communities to the wider world.
For generations, the railway carried people, goods and supplies through a region where roads were often difficult or unreliable.
Today, places such as Almaden help preserve the stories of the railway workers, pioneering families and communities who helped shape this remarkable part of Queensland.
More Than Just a Train Journey the Savannahlander Train Tour is something special
What makes this adventure special isn’t simply the places we’ll visit.
It’s the experiences along the way.
It’s watching the countryside change outside the train window, discovering the history behind an old railway station, sharing a laugh with fellow travellers, and hearing the stories that make these remote communities so interesting.
I’ve always believed that travelling is about much more than reaching a destination.
It’s about the people you meet, the places you discover and the memories you bring home.
That philosophy has been part of my family for generations, and it’s something I’m proud to continue through Leyland’s Travel Australia.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of travelling aboard the Savannahlander – joing this Savannahlander Train Tour, love discovering Australia’s history, or simply want to experience something different, this four-day Gulf Savannah adventure offers a wonderful opportunity.
Bookings are now open!
I’d love you to join me as we discover the beauty, history and character of Queensland’s Gulf Savannah.
Come travel with me!
Carmen Leyland
Leyland’s Travel Australia
Explore the Savannahlander Train Tour and book your adventure
