Three Legendary Railways. One Extraordinary Journey Across Queensland.

Discover the magic of Queensland on the Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027, an unforgettable 18-day small-group journey with Leylands Travel Australia.

Join Carmen Leyland as she personally guides you through the heart of Outback Queensland, travelling aboard three legendary railways and exploring ancient gorges, historic towns, spectacular landscapes and the remote Gulf of Carpentaria.

With just 10 guests, this is a truly personal adventure filled with fascinating stories, unforgettable experiences and the spirit of exploration that made the Leyland Brothers famous.

Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027 – Tour Highlights

Three Iconic Railways, One Incredible Adventure

One of the highlights of the Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027 is the opportunity to travel aboard the historic Gulflander, the legendary Savannahlander and the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class. Each railway offers a completely different perspective on Queensland’s remarkable landscapes.

The historic Gulflander, affectionately known as the Tin Hare, for a remarkable journey across the remote Gulf Savannah from Croydon to Normanton.

Experience the charm of the Savannahlander, travelling through rugged Far North Queensland landscapes from Almaden to Mount Surprise.

Then enjoy a spectacular finale aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class, winding through World Heritage-listed rainforest, past waterfalls and across the magnificent Barron Gorge into Cairns.

So Much More Than a Train Journey!

Discover the Wonders of Outback Queensland

From the ancient sandstone formations of Cobbold Gorge to the breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027 combines unforgettable natural attractions with authentic Outback experiences.

Explore the ancient sandstone formations of Cobbold Gorge, walk across its spectacular glass bridge and glide silently between towering gorge walls aboard an electric boat.

Watch the sun sink over the Gulf of Carpentaria during a memorable Karumba sunset cruise. Discover the fascinating Undara Lava Tubes, soak in the naturally heated waters of Innot Hot Springs and venture underground into the extraordinary Chillagoe Caves.

As we journey towards the tropical coast, discover the magnificent Atherton Tablelands, with its cascading waterfalls, crater lakes, coffee plantations and delicious local produce.

Our adventure concludes with a special after-hours experience at Cairns Aquarium and a two-course farewell dinner.

Small Groups. Big Adventures.

With a maximum of just 10 guests, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, personalised touring experience, travelling through remote Queensland with a dedicated driver and host.

No crowded coaches. No rushing from attraction to attraction. Just incredible destinations, wonderful experiences and the freedom to truly appreciate the journey.

Personally Hosted by Carmen Leyland

When you join the Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027, you’re not simply booking another coach holiday. You’ll be travelling with Carmen Leyland, continuing the spirit of Australian exploration and storytelling made famous by the Leyland Brothers.

Your 18-Day Adventure Includes:

• Return economy flights from Brisbane
• 17 nights’ accommodation
• Three iconic Queensland railway journeys
• Private small-group road touring
• Cobbold Gorge guided experience and glass bridge
• Karumba Gulf sunset cruise
• Undara Lava Tubes and Chillagoe Caves
• Atherton Tablelands sightseeing and experiences
• Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class
• Cairns Aquarium farewell experience and dinner
• Breakfasts and selected meals as detailed in the itinerary

Departure: 1 May 2027
Return: 18 May 2027
Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Twin Share: $10,995 per person
Single Traveller: $14,490 per person
Maximum Group Size: 10 guests

Discover More About the Gulf Savannah

Our Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027 takes you through some of Queensland’s most remarkable landscapes and historic destinations.

Before your journey, explore the official websites for some of the incredible experiences awaiting you:

• Cobbold Gorge – Discover the spectacular sandstone gorge, glass bridge and guided experiences.
• Savannahlander – Learn more about one of Far North Queensland’s most iconic railway journeys.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway – Explore the history of this spectacular rainforest railway.
• Tourism Queensland – Discover more about travelling through Outback and Tropical North Queensland.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday 1 May 2027

Brisbane to Longreach – Let the Adventure Begin!

Our Gulf Savannah adventure begins at Brisbane Airport, where we’ll board our included flight to Longreach, the heart of Outback Queensland.

On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to our accommodation, with the afternoon free to relax and settle in.

Tonight, we’ll come together for our Welcome Dinner, meet our fellow travellers and look forward to the incredible journey ahead.

Overnight: Longreach
Included: Brisbane–Longreach economy flight, airport transfer and Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 – Sunday 2 May 2027

Longreach to Hughenden – Through the Heart of the Outback

After breakfast, we farewell Longreach and travel north through classic Outback Queensland landscapes.

Our journey takes us through Winton, where we’ll stop for morning tea or lunch and enjoy some time exploring this famous Outback town.

Continuing north, we’ll make our way to Hughenden, a welcoming town with a fascinating prehistoric past.

Today is about embracing the open road, the changing landscapes and the wonderful sense of freedom that comes with travelling through Outback Australia.

Overnight: Hughenden
Included: Breakfast and hosted touring.

Day 3 – Monday 3 May 2027

Hughenden to Cobbold Gorge – Into the Gulf Savannah

Today we venture deeper into Queensland’s remote Gulf Savannah country.

Travelling through vast landscapes and historic Outback communities, we’ll make our way via Georgetown towards the magnificent Cobbold Gorge.

Our destination is Cobbold Village, where we’ll spend the next two nights surrounded by the rugged beauty of this remarkable region.

After checking in, enjoy time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the Outback.

Overnight: Cobbold Gorge
Included: Breakfast and hosted touring.

Day 4 – Tuesday 4 May 2027

Cobbold Gorge – An Ancient Natural Wonder

Today promises to be one of the highlights of our entire adventure.

Hidden deep within the Gulf Savannah, Cobbold Gorge is a spectacular geological wonder, with towering sandstone cliffs and narrow waterways carved through the ancient landscape.

Our guided experience is planned to include the famous Cobbold Gorge Glass Bridge, an escarpment walk and a silent electric boat cruise through the gorge.

Gliding between the towering sandstone walls is an unforgettable experience, revealing the beauty and tranquillity of this extraordinary place.

The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy Cobbold Village.

Overnight: Cobbold Gorge
Included: Breakfast and guided Cobbold Gorge experience.

Day 5 – Wednesday 5 May 2027

Cobbold Gorge to Croydon – Gold Rush Country

We farewell Cobbold Gorge and continue through the Gulf Savannah towards the historic gold-mining town of Croydon.

Once a thriving gold rush settlement, Croydon retains a wonderful collection of historic buildings and fascinating stories from its pioneering past.

Our shorter travelling day gives us time to explore the town and discover some of its heritage.

Tonight we rest in Croydon, ready for tomorrow’s first legendary railway journey.

Overnight: Croydon
Included: Breakfast and hosted touring.

Day 6 – Thursday 6 May 2027

The Gulflander – Croydon to Normanton and Karumba

All aboard our first legendary Queensland railway!

This morning we board the historic Gulflander, affectionately known as the Tin Hare, for an approximately five-hour journey across the remote Gulf Savannah.

Travelling along one of Australia’s most unusual railway lines, we’ll experience vast open landscapes, isolated stations and the timeless charm of heritage rail travel.

Arriving in Normanton, we’ll reunite with our touring vehicle and continue north towards Karumba on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

We’ve reached the Gulf!

Overnight: Karumba
Included: Breakfast, Gulflander rail journey and hosted touring.

Day 7 – Friday 7 May 2027

Karumba – Sunset Over the Gulf of Carpentaria

Today we discover the unique character of Karumba, a remote coastal community where the Outback meets the sea.

We’ll visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre and learn about one of northern Australia’s most iconic fish and its importance to the region.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon before we head out onto the water for a spectacular Gulf sunset cruise.

As the afternoon light turns golden, watch the sun disappear over the Gulf of Carpentaria — a magical experience and one of the highlights of visiting Karumba.

Overnight: Karumba
Included: Breakfast, Barramundi Discovery Centre and Gulf sunset cruise.

Day 8 – Saturday 8 May 2027

Karumba to Georgetown – The Savannah Way

After breakfast, we farewell Karumba and begin our journey east along the famous Savannah Way.

Travelling through Normanton, we’ll stop to see the enormous replica of Krys the Crocodile and discover some of the town’s fascinating history.

From Normanton, we continue through Croydon and across the wide-open landscapes of the Gulf Savannah towards Georgetown.

It’s another wonderful day of Outback touring, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the remote beauty of northern Queensland.

Overnight: Georgetown
Included: Breakfast and hosted Savannah Way touring.

Day 9 – Sunday 9 May 2027

Georgetown to Undara – Innot Hot Springs

Today we travel east through Mount Surprise towards the naturally heated waters of Innot Hot Springs.

Here, mineral-rich thermal waters rise from beneath the earth, creating a fascinating natural attraction beside Nettle Creek.

We’ll have time to enjoy the warm waters before continuing to the Undara region, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Surrounded by the Australian bush, it’s the perfect setting for our next extraordinary geological adventure.

Overnight: Undara
Included: Breakfast, Innot Hot Springs experience and hosted touring.

Day 10 – Monday 10 May 2027

Undara Lava Tubes – A Journey Beneath the Earth

Our day begins with a traditional Undara Bush Breakfast, a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere of the Outback.

Then we’ll discover one of Australia’s most remarkable natural wonders — the Undara Lava Tubes.

Formed approximately 190,000 years ago by enormous volcanic eruptions, these extraordinary underground tunnels reveal the powerful geological forces that once shaped this landscape.

Accompanied by a specialist guide, we’ll explore the fascinating lava tube formations and learn about their history, geology and wildlife.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by the tranquillity of the bush.

Overnight: Undara
Included: Undara Bush Breakfast and guided Lava Tubes experience.

Day 11 – Tuesday 11 May 2027

Undara to Chillagoe – Outback History and Stargazing

Leaving Undara, we travel towards the fascinating limestone landscapes of Chillagoe.

Once an important mining centre, Chillagoe is now known for its remarkable cave systems, historic smelters and unusual rock formations.

During the afternoon we’ll explore some of the area’s interesting sights, including its historic mining landscape.

Tonight, weather permitting, we’ll experience the magic of the Outback night sky during our planned Chillagoe stargazing experience.

Far from the bright lights of the city, the stars can be truly spectacular.

Overnight: Chillagoe
Included: Breakfast, hosted touring and planned stargazing experience.

Day 12 – Wednesday 12 May 2027

Chillagoe Caves – Discover a Hidden Underground World

Today we venture beneath the surface to explore the remarkable Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park.

Accompanied by an experienced ranger, we’ll discover fascinating limestone formations, underground chambers and the geological history of this extraordinary landscape.

The caves reveal an entirely different side of Outback Queensland, shaped by millions of years of natural processes.

We’ll also have time to explore more of Chillagoe and its surrounds before settling in for another night.

Tomorrow brings our second great railway adventure!

Overnight: Chillagoe
Included: Breakfast, ranger-guided cave experience and hosted touring.

Day 13 – Thursday 13 May 2027

The Savannahlander – Almaden to Mount Surprise

All aboard the legendary Savannahlander!

After breakfast, we’ll travel from Chillagoe to Almaden, where we’ll join one of Far North Queensland’s most characterful heritage trains.

Our specially arranged one-way railway journey takes us through the remote landscapes between Almaden and Mount Surprise.

This is classic Outback rail travel, offering a wonderful perspective on a part of Queensland that few visitors experience from the railway.

At Mount Surprise, we’ll reunite with our touring vehicle and continue towards the southern Atherton Tablelands.

The landscape begins to change as we leave the dry Savannah behind and approach the tropical highlands.

Overnight: Ravenshoe / Southern Atherton Tablelands
Included: Breakfast, Savannahlander rail journey and hosted touring.

Day 14 – Friday 14 May 2027

Atherton Tablelands – The Magnificent Waterfall Circuit

Today we discover a completely different side of Queensland.

Leaving the dry Outback behind, we enter the lush green landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands, famous for their rolling hills, fertile farmland and beautiful waterfalls.

Our journey takes us along the scenic Waterfall Circuit, with planned visits to three spectacular cascades:

• Millaa Millaa Falls
• Zillie Falls
• Ellinjaa Falls

We’ll take our time exploring these beautiful locations, with opportunities for photographs and a relaxed lunch along the way.

Later, we’ll continue towards the charming villages of Yungaburra and Atherton.

Overnight: Yungaburra / Atherton
Included: Breakfast and hosted Waterfall Circuit touring.

Day 15 – Saturday 15 May 2027

Coffee, Local Produce and Beautiful Lake Barrine

Today is all about the flavours and natural beauty of the Atherton Tablelands.

We’ll visit Skybury near Mareeba, where we’ll discover the region’s fascinating coffee-growing industry.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy opportunities to sample local produce, including delicious Tablelands ice cream.

Later, we’ll visit beautiful Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush World Heritage rainforest.

We’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise across the lake, learning about the unique environment, wildlife and history of this special place.

There’ll also be time to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic lakeside teahouse.

Overnight: Yungaburra / Atherton
Included: Breakfast, Skybury experience, selected local produce experiences and Lake Barrine cruise.

Day 16 – Sunday 16 May 2027

Discover More of the Atherton Tablelands

Today we slow the pace and enjoy another wonderful day exploring the beautiful Atherton Tablelands.

Our touring may include the tranquil waters of Lake Eacham, the magnificent Curtain Fig Tree, the historic village of Yungaburra and other interesting local attractions.

With its stunning natural scenery, fascinating history and welcoming communities, the Tablelands offers plenty to discover.

It’s a relaxing day to appreciate the region before our final great railway journey tomorrow.

Overnight: Yungaburra / Atherton
Included: Breakfast and hosted Tablelands touring.

Day 17 – Monday 17 May 2027

Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and a Spectacular Cairns Farewell

Today we complete our journey from the Queensland Outback to the tropical coast.

We’ll travel to Kuranda, the famous rainforest village high above Cairns, with time for lunch and a wander before boarding our third legendary railway.

Kuranda Scenic Railway – Gold Class

Sit back and enjoy a spectacular railway journey through World Heritage-listed rainforest, across historic bridges and past cascading waterfalls as we descend through the magnificent Barron Gorge towards Cairns.

Travelling Gold Class adds an extra touch of comfort to this unforgettable finale.

But our adventure isn’t over yet!

Tonight – Night at Cairns Aquarium and Farewell Dinner

This evening we’ll enjoy a special after-hours experience at Cairns Aquarium, discovering the remarkable tropical ecosystems of Far North Queensland.

After our guided experience, we’ll gather for a delicious two-course Farewell Dinner, sharing memories of our incredible journey across Queensland.

Overnight: Cairns
Included: Breakfast, Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class, Cairns Aquarium evening experience and two-course Farewell Dinner.

Day 18 – Tuesday 18 May 2027

Cairns to Brisbane – Until Our Next Adventure!

After breakfast, it’s time to farewell Cairns and reflect on the extraordinary experiences we’ve shared.

We’ll transfer to Cairns Airport for our included economy flight to Brisbane, completing our remarkable journey across Queensland.

From the red earth of the Outback to the remote Gulf Savannah, three legendary railway journeys, ancient gorges, underground caves and tropical rainforests — what an adventure it’s been!

For guests who aren’t ready for the holiday to finish, optional Cairns post-tour experiences are available.

Included: Breakfast, airport transfer and economy flight from Cairns to Brisbane.

Thank you for travelling with Leylands Travel Australia. We look forward to sharing another great Australian adventure with you!

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Important: This itinerary is subject to final 2027 operator schedules, availability, weather, road and rail conditions. The advertised rail sectors and selected experiences are subject to final confirmation. Where necessary, suitable alternatives or adjustments may be made in accordance with the booking terms.

Book Your Gulf Savannah Rail Adventure 2027

With a maximum of just 10 guests, places are strictly limited. Secure your place on this extraordinary 18-day journey departing Brisbane on 1 May 2027 and discover Queensland with Leylands Travel Australia.

Tour experiences and schedules are subject to final operator confirmation, availability and touring conditions.

18 Days / 17 Nights | 1–18 May 2027 | Maximum 10 Guests

Join us for an unforgettable journey across Queensland, where every day brings a new landscape, a new story and another extraordinary Australian experience.