The Gulf Savannah covers the area from the Great Dividing Range, west of Cairns to the Gulf of Carpentaria and the rugged land is a stark contrast to the lushness of the Tropical North Coast.

Known as the'Outback by the Sea', the Savannah contains diverse characteristics - kilometres of untouched bush, meandering rivers, gorges, hot springs, fossil fields and an abundance of birdlife and other animals.

One of the most significant attractions of the region are the Undara Lava Tubes, one of the rarest and most fascinating volcanic phenomenons on earth. The lava tubes, some of which extend 160kms, were created when a major crater in the McBride Volcanic Province erupted more than 190,000 years ago.

The tubes, which are the longest and largest in the world, support pockets of rainforest home to insects and animals unique to this environment. Undara is an Aboriginal word meaning 'a long way.'

Undara is accessible through the Savannah Guide system which allows visitors to discover the lava tubes escorted. The Savannah Guides are an independent system of professional interpretive guides who also act as custodians of areas of natural or historical importance.

There are Savannah Guides stationed at Adels Grove near Lawn Hill National Park, Kowanyama, Tallaroo Hot Springs and Croydon.

Accommodation at Undara is available at the Lava Lodge, a unique resort made up of converted Queensland rail carriages some with private facilities as well as a saloon and dining car. There is also a camping ground and a licensed bistro. Several companies run day trips and extended tours to Undara, from Cairns. Prices for a 2 day trip start at around $300 for an adult.

Other notable places in the Savannah are the therapeutic Tallaroo Hot Springs near Mt Surprise, the historic goldfields town of Croydon, the fishing and prawning town of Karumba and the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge, rich in wildlife and aboriginal culture.

Agate Creek is a real outback experience with gorges, historic bush tracks used by the cattlemen, and Afghan cameleers, a multitude of vivid butterflies and birds as well as stunningly beautiful agates.

Bus company, Coral Coaches, operates 4 and 5 day Gulflands Experience tours which include journeys on the famous outback trains, the 'Savannahlander' and the 'Gulflander.'

The tour takes in Almaden, Croydon, Normanton, the Tallaroo Hot Springs, Shady Lagoons cattle station, Forsayth, the Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge and the small outback settlement of Einasleigh. Prices start from $699 per person for a four day tour and pensioner discounts are available.