Directions

Your journey to Croydon is all part of the adventure.

Whether you're heading across the Savannah Way or travelling inland via the Matilda Way, the journey is as rewarding as the destination — filled with unique outback towns, wide open landscapes, and a true sense of country hospitality.

Make Croydon more than just a stop. Explore our rich gold rush history, heritage-listed precincts, and welcoming community. Whether you’re here to stay, work or simply unwind, Croydon offers an authentic outback experience you won’t forget.

From Cairns

One of the best ways to come to Croydon is on the Savannah Way through Kuranda, Mareeba, Atherton, Mt Surprise, Georgetown then Croydon. Travelling out here it’s about the journey rather than a particular destination.

The Savannah Way: http://www.savannahway.com.au/

Kuranda is known as the “Village in the Rainforest” and has many great attractions including Kuranda Heritage Markets, Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Sky Rail.

Go to:

http://www.kuranda.org/

Mareeba if you love coffee, Mareeba can be a great place to go with a number of Coffee Plantations located in the area combine this with many other great food experiences, it will be different experience on your Savannah Way journey. The surrounding area has many great attractions to visit

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Next part of your journey is all about what nature wonders, this includes Innot Hot Springs, Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge all totally different experiences.

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Don’t have a car

Well that’s ok, a family bus company Trans North Bus and Coach runs a bus service to all of the towns on the Savannah Way from Cairns also with stops at Undara as well.

Go to:

https://www.transnorthbus.com.au/bus-services/cairns-karumba

From Cloncurry

Travelling along the Matilda Way (National Route 83), you'll come across the Burke and Wills Road — well worth a stop. The Burke Developmental Road is sealed and will take you towards Normanton, where you can visit "Krys the Croc", a life-size replica of the largest crocodile ever shot.

While you're in the area, it’s worth taking the time to visit Karumba — renowned for its spectacular sunsets and excellent fishing. A variety of tours are also available in Karumba.

The road from Normanton to Croydon is dual-lane and fully sealed. Please be mindful of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.

During the wet season, roads may be closed due to flooding, although closures typically last only a few days.

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From Hughenden

The journey from Hughenden to Croydon is approximately 500 kilometres and passes through Richmond, a key stop on the Australian Dinosaur Trail. Please note that sections of the Richmond–Croydon Road are unsealed. Road conditions should always be checked following heavy rain or during the Wet Season.

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From Charters Towers

If you're departing on Route 63, part of the Great Inland Way, it’s a fairly straightforward drive with sealed roads all the way. However, there are some single-lane bitumen sections, so please drive with care. Fuel is available at various roadhouses along the way.

After turning right onto the Kennedy Developmental Road, you’ll come across The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse. From here, you have two options:

Continue on the sealed Kennedy Developmental Road, then turn left onto the Gulf Developmental Road, joining the Savannah Way towards Croydon.
Take the unsealed road to Einasleigh, continue on to Forsayth, and—while in the area—consider visiting Cobbold Gorge, a unique outback attraction.

Important: Before taking the unsealed road to Einasleigh, check local road conditions at the Lynd Oasis Roadhouse or visit:

http://www.etheridge.qld.gov.au/road-conditions or https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

Travelling on the Gulf Development road which is sealed but with single lane section is generally and all weather road but closures do occur for short periods after heavy local falls. Fuel is available at Mount Surprise and Georgetown. Please refer to From Cairns link for information on other attractions.

Travelling on the Gulf Developmental Road

The Gulf Developmental Road is sealed but includes single-lane sections. It is generally an all-weather road, though closures can occur for short periods following heavy local rainfall. Fuel is available at Mount Surprise and Georgetown.

For information on additional attractions and travel routes, please refer to our "From Cairns" travel guide

Coming in the wet

Croydon and the Outback can be a totally different experience in the wet season, especially January and February when the most rainfall occurs. The pastures turn green, the water holes fill up and the creeks and rivers flow. These days with improved roads, Croydon is rarely cut-off for any period of time. Coming from Cairns and Georgetown, there can be occasional short road closures. From Normanton, it may be a day or two. Drivers should be aware that localised flooding may occur after heavy rain.

Temperatures in January and February can be slightly cooler than December or March and humidity in the region isn't too bad as it is a drier heat. When the storm fronts come through, you may experience some pretty amazing lightening shows.

Use local Council Road Conditions reports and use the Bureau of Meteorology River Conditions Reports

http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/

Access Local Council Road Conditions Reports

http://www.croydon.qld.gov.au/road-conditions

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