Tour Highlights
- Explore Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge on a four wheel drive tour of outback Queensland with departures from Cairns.
- This is an all inclusive four wheel drive tour with accommodation, meals and sightseeing in modern 4WD vehicles.
- Travel in small groups of no more than 12 like-minded guests and see the iconic Undara Lava tubes and Cobbold Gorge.
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- ***This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate or loading surcharge applies***
- Small group- offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service - No more than 12 guests
- Transfers – from and to your accommodation.
- Interpretation – friendly, knowledgeable guides explain our unique flora and fauna.
- Modern 4WD vehicle.
- All meals as stated in the itinerary.
- Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
- National Park and Site Fees.
- Attractions as stated in the itinerary.
Our Cairns outback explorer 4 day tour is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey through the "Savannah” west of Cairns out to Cobbold Gorge and Undara Lava Tubes. This personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than twelve.
Outback Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey through the "Savannah” west of Cairns out to Cobbold Gorge.
This personalised tour is fully accommodated, and you will travel in a group of no more than twelve passengers.
Our Outback Explorer offers an insight into the days when dinosaurs were roaming the landscape of outback Queensland.
At that time, it was an ocean full of coral, just like the Great Barrier Reef, until an explosion of catastrophic proportion totally changed the landscape forever.
Whilst exploring the Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge, you will experience natural geological wonders, interact with the native Australian flora and fauna and marvel at the incredible vibrant colours and scenery of the "Savannah Plains” of Outback Queensland.
Why not grab some friends, leave the driving to us and enjoy this wonderful outback expedition together?
2025 Departure Date
Confirmed Departure - 27th July 2025 - Return 30th July 2025
Itinerary
Undara Lava Tubes & Cobbold Gorge Itinerary
Day 1.
Inclusions: Lunch & Dinner, Bedrock Village, Ensuite
After collection from your Cairns Hotel at approximately 7:30am we head for the Outback Savannah country west of Cairns. We make our way up the Gilles Highway and on to the Volcanic Crater, Lake Barrine, for the Tea House’s famous scones with spectacular views over the lake and its’ rim covered by Rainforest. We then make our way through the fertile Atherton Tablelands and its agricultural diversity to Ravenshoe, “Queensland’s Highest town”. After time to explore the Town, we head to nearby Millstream Falls before travelling through the Forty Mile Scrub National Park and on to our destination for the first night, Bedrock Village.
Day 2.
Inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner, Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite
Enjoy an early breakfast in the before we depart on our way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. Today is full of excitement as your experienced Guide takes you on an informative tour of the fascinating lava tubes. The outer surface of molten lava solidified leaving these unusual tunnel-like formations, set high in the savannah country around the vast cattle properties. These volcanic lava tubes are said to have been formed around 190,000+ years ago when a staggering 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed into a riverbed and kept flowing for 160km, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano in the whole world. The flow left behind huge caves or tubes with some over 21m wide and up to 10m high. This is genuinely an unforgettable geological tour with diverse and unique flora and fauna.
Leaving Undara Lava Tubes National Park for Cobbold Gorge we travel on along the Gulf Development Road to Mount Surprise and on to Einasleigh. We call in at this old outback pub for a basic lunch at the Einasleigh Hotel, with some spare time to view the Copperfield Gorge just across the road. Then we continue to Forsayth, the end of the line for the Savannahlander train. Enjoy a drink (own cost) by the bar at this newly refurbished outback Aussie pub before travelling on thru the outback to Cobbold Gorge. Staying at Cobbold Gorge Village for two nights, we can star gaze as we sit around the nightly prepared campfire and have a yarn with other travelers. Enjoy meals at MacDonald’s licensed bar and bistro which provide good quality home-style meals accompanied by a good beverage offering.
Day 3.
Inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner, Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite
After enjoying a big breakfast, we then head out on our exploration of the geological wonder we have all travelled to see, the Cobbold Gorge. Enjoy all of the activities on offer in this wild unadulterated countryside. Discover the uniqueness of this amazing gorge with its majestic, polished shear walls on our awe-inspiring boat cruise as we punt quietly along the gorge on our silent boat tour in search of fresh water crocodiles and other native Australian wildlife. Your guide will enlighten you with their local knowledge of the local indigenous tribes, past pioneers and the current stories of the families that call Robinhood Cattle Station home. Add on options available include helicopter scenic flights over Robinhood Cattle Station, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking on the lake time permitting and at added cost if required to yourself. There is a lovely swimming pool, hiking trails and other recreational activities for guests to enjoy at Cobbold Gorge as well as laundry facilities for you to freshen up your clothes.
Day 4.
Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch
After leaving Cobbold Gorge we re-join the Golf Development Road at Georgetown where we visit the Information Centre for an opportunity to take in the districts Gem and Gold Mining, and local history. Gold fossicking is still popular with the major find being the 858g Providence Nugget on display. Then on our way back through the Atherton Tablelands, we have time to take in points of interest before heading down the Kuranda Range and back to Cairns. Add on attractions as time permits: Innot Hot Springs, The Crater, Herberton’s Historic Village or Gallos chocolate and cheese. Return to your Cairns City Hotel before 6pm.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
7:30am
Pickup Locations
Cairns
Destinations
- Atherton Tablelands
- Mount Garnet
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Mount Surprise
- Copperfield Gorge
- Forsyth
- Cobbold Gorge
- Georgetown
Months of Operation
May - September
2025 Departure - Departs 27th July 2025 & Returns 30th July 2025
If you are interested in another departure date please call our team to discuss.
Duration
4 Day 3 Night
Fitness Level Required
Medium, Active
Additional Information
- Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary. The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required. Departure and Return times are approximate.
- We endeavor to room guests with ensuite facilities where available.
- Please note this tour is not suitable for infants.
- Please note that Single Travelers must purchase the optional extra "single supplement" as we don't offer shared rooms with other single travelers.
- Please read our terms and conditions carefully.
What to Bring
- Camera
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Wallet
- Hat
- Water & Water Bottle
- Insect Repellent & Sunscreen 30+
- Luggage is restricted to ONE Soft Bag (no suitcases) weighing no more than 10kgs + ONE Small Backpack/Day Pack:
- PHOTO ID
- CLOTHING 3 to 4 changes (t-shirts and shorts)
- LIGHT JACKET & LONG PANTS
- 1 X PAIR OF SANDALS, 1 PAIR OF LIGHT WALKING SHOES
- 1 X PAIR OF BATHERS
- 1 X BEACH TOWEL
- TOILETRIES
- HAT, SUNGLASSES
- TORCH
- SMALL PERSONAL WATER BOTTLE
- SMALL DAYPACK
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
SMOKING: As per Government Regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for "smoking breaks" en route.
UNUSED TOUR SECTORS: if a passenger fails to join a tour as booked or joins in after the tour has departed, or departs prior to the completion of the tour, no refund will be made for any portion of the tour including food, excursions, accommodation, etc., that are not used or undertaken.
INSURANCE: Discovery Tours Australia and/or its agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever, nor for personal injury, accidents, hospitalization, illness or medical expenses. In our experience, most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges.
We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance agent and take out adequate travel insurance to cover events that may affect your ability to travel (including, but not limited to, health, baggage, loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness or personal liability prior to travel and early return, for example, following the death of a relative).
CLIMATE: Winter in the tropical north is the dry season and temperatures will be mild with low humidity. Through the months of September and October, the temperatures become increasingly warmer.
FITNESS: Our tours have been designed to suit a reasonable level of fitness; the ability to be able to do some walking along nature trails and cope with remoteness is essential. People suffering from lack of tolerance or not of general good health should consult their GP before taking part on these tours.
Please Note: Passengers accept that it is their responsibility to ensure that their health is in a state which will allow them to enjoy the tour and successfully complete the activities that the tour offers.
If you are unsure, we highly recommend seeking advice from your GP.
LUGGAGE: each passenger is entitled to take one bag (soft sided), 80cm x 30cm x 30cm. (no more than 10kgs as space is very limited) and no suitcases You may also have a small day bag or pack weighing no more than 4kg, however most guests tend to carry a bottle of water and their cameras only. Baggage over the prescribed limit cannot be carried without prior arrangement.
LIABILITY: The operator and its employees accept no responsibility for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or group tours which result in any loss, damage, accident, diversion, or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from all liability in respect of direct or indirect consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability, and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident, failure of machinery or equipment, accommodation, transport, or other services.
CANCELLATION FEES:
Deposit Required: To secure your seats we require a 30% Deposit at time of booking, please note $600 pp is non-refundable. Completed passenger booking forms will be sent after booking and must be returned within 3 days.
Balance Due: 60 Days prior to day of departure.
Bookings cancelled more than 61 days prior to departure will incur a fee of $600 per person.
Bookings cancelled between 60 and 46 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 25% of the tour total.
Bookings cancelled between 45 and 31 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 50% of the tour total.
Bookings cancelled Less than 30 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 100% of the tour total.
In the unlikely event we are not able to operate a tour, due to weather conditions or unplanned operational events an alternate travel date will be offered, or a full refund processed.
ON ARRIVAL IN CAIRNS
On arrival in Cairns prior to your tour departure, please reconfirm your bookings and accommodation with the tour operator as per your voucher. Please note that pick-up times are to be confirmed ONE day prior to the tour departure.
Passengers are picked up and dropped back at accommodation in the Cairns area or en route. The operator, reserves the right to alter the itinerary and location of passenger accommodation, if necessitated by weather conditions or by any other unforeseen circumstances prevailing at the time of tour. The operator also has the right to substitute vehicles or an alternative operator, transport, and carrier. The tour operator can also charge at any a “fuel levy” if it there is a dramatic increase in the price of fuel - we would be very reluctant to impose such a charge and would only do so under extreme circumstances.
The operator is unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times and cannot be held liable for failure to make connections with other services or for any expenses incurred by the client as a result of weather conditions, mechanical defects, or any other unforeseen cause. If for any reason, the itinerary is altered, no refund is payable by the operator. The operator reserves the right (without payment or compensation and whether before or after commencement of travel) to exclude any passenger if that passenger appears likely to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others or impair the comfort of other passengers; this includes any passenger who commits any illegal act.
The operator reserves the right to change or alter your tour itinerary and carriers to those advertised without prior notice due to weather, road or operational requirements and would do so with full consideration of your safety and comfort. No refunds are given in these circumstances.
The operator takes all care but holds no responsibility for loss, damage, injury or death incurred at any of its utilized accommodation providers and may change these providers without notice, making every effort to supply equal quality where possible.
The operator is not responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death caused to a passenger by another passenger.
Itineraries are correct at time of publication; however slight differences may occur as we endeavour to improve our tour throughout the year. No refund is given for altered Itineraries however, we do so with your tour satisfaction as our number one goal.
From
au$2,730.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 1051
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