The Savannah Way connects two of Australia’s most popular tropical getaway destinations: Cairns – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in FNQ on the east coast – and the pearling hub of Broome in northern Western Australia on the west coast. With just under 4000km through some incredibly remote locations, it can be a very challenging journey. Compass Expeditions’ Jerry Cook covers some highlights.
It takes time to fully appreciate these spectacular regions.
Dakar legend Simon Pavey, along with UK Off Road Skills instructor Neil Hawker, were in Cairns to lead a 21-day motorcycle tour to Broome with riders from New Zealand, the UK, South Africa and different parts of Australia. Bikes were from the BMW GS range – and a lone Suzuki DR650 – and support staff from Compass Expeditions included Victorian paramedic Sarah Taylor and me as support driver. Sarah and I travelled with the group in a customised Toyota LandCruiser, suitably named ‘Truckasaurus’, and pulled a trailer that carried the necessary supplies for the trip. This included the riders’ luggage, camping equipment, spare parts, tyres, first-aid equipment, food and water.