What the drive involves

The Savannah Way links Cairns, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Katherine, Kununurra and Broome. Much of it is sealed highway, but the Gulf Track between Normanton and Borroloola is unsealed, with river crossings, corrugations and long gaps between fuel stops at places such as Burketown, Hells Gate and Borroloola. It is a dry-season drive: the Gulf country floods in the wet.

What written approval means for your hire

Written approval means the trip is approved before you collect the camper and noted on your rental agreement. Ask for it when you book: approval can be refused, or come with conditions such as the season, a satellite phone or travel with a second vehicle. Driving there without it breaches the hire terms, and damage on the way is usually not covered.

Where a camper's approval names only the Normanton to Borroloola section, it covers that part; the sealed highways either side need none.

Questions about the Savannah Way

When is the best time to drive the Savannah Way?

In the dry season, roughly May to October. In the wet the Gulf section floods and roads close, sometimes for weeks.

How long does the Savannah Way take?

Allow at least three weeks from Cairns to Broome, longer if you take side trips to places such as Lawn Hill or the Gibb River Road.

Is fuel easy to find on the Savannah Way?

On the sealed sections, yes. Across the Gulf the stops are far apart, so fill up at every roadhouse and carry spare fuel where your camper allows it.