The Open Road Atlas

The Savannah Way Itinerary

It gives a concentrated, high-impact view of Australia by road, with Boodjamulla adding a strong side-trip option.

Coastal highway
Country
Australia
Region
Oceania
Distance
3,700 km
Suggested duration
14-28 days
Best season
May to September
Difficulty
Remote, 4x4 sections

Why drive the The Savannah Way

The Savannah Way is a practical 14-28 days road trip through Australia, linking Cairns, Undara, Normanton, Katherine with wide-open landscapes. The route is built for real-world planning: clear stop spacing, useful detours, and enough variety to work as more than a simple point-to-point drive.

Suggested itinerary

  1. Start with Cairns and Undara for orientation, supplies, and the first signature viewpoints.
  2. Build the middle of the trip around Normanton, Katherine, Kununurra, leaving time for side roads, local food, and short walks.
  3. Finish through Kununurra and Broome and add Boodjamulla if weather and timing allow.

Main stops along the The Savannah Way

Detours worth adding

Coastal highway
Coastal highway
Rainforest bend
Rainforest bend
Southern light
Southern light

Book this road trip

Flights Search flights into the closest useful airport for this route. Car Rentals Compare vehicle hire and transfer options for this route. Campervans Find bookable road-trip transport and useful extras. Stays Book hotels, route stops, and destination essentials. Experiences Tours, passes, ferries, museums, and guided days. Insurance Travel essentials and destination services for the trip. Saily eSIMs, navigation apps, and connectivity essentials.

The Savannah Way road trip FAQ

How long do you need for the The Savannah Way?

Plan on 14-28 days for the core 3,700 km drive. Add extra time if you want slower overnight stops, side roads, or longer detours.

When is the best time to drive the The Savannah Way?

The usual best window is May to September. Check local road closures and weather before committing to fixed dates.

What are the main stops on the The Savannah Way?

Core stops include Cairns, Undara, Normanton, Katherine, Kununurra.

Is the The Savannah Way difficult to drive?

The route is best described as: Remote, 4x4 sections. Build in time for fuel, rest stops, and changing conditions.

What detours are worth adding?

Popular detours include Boodjamulla, Mataranka, Purnululu.

See the full route, mini map, closest airports, and booking modules on the interactive atlas.

Open The Savannah Way on the map →

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