Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge Voyage Tips and guide

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Forsayth is known for two things: one, it's the western terminus of the Savannahlander, a slow but scenic railway through Far North Queensland's Savannah region; two, for Cobbold Gorge, a very picturesque gorge about 45 km southwest of the town.

18°42′0″S 143°30′23″E

Map of Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge

Forsayth is a 40-km diversion of Gulf Developmental Road (Highway 1) from Georgetown, heading west from Cairns via sealed roads. Cobbold Gorge is another further 45 km southwest via unsealed roads from Forsayth – it is usually only doable during the dry season.

It is the terminus of the Savannahlander train from Cairns on a weekly basis.

• -18.8124143.40931 Cobbold Gorge, Cobb Road. Queensland's youngest gorge, with multiple tours and other activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, walks on the glass bridge or helicopter rides available. Day trips are available, but tours at the gorge are pricey. You cannot visit the gorge self-guided, however. (updated Mar 2025)

• -18.7958143.42291 Cobbold Gorge, Cobb Rd, ☏ +61 7 4062 5470, toll-free: 1800 669 922, [email protected]. Resort accommodation and the only place to stay next to Cobbold Gorge. (updated Mar 2025)
• -18.5877143.60342 Goldfield's Hotel & Finnigans Rest, cnr First and Fourth Sts, ☏ +61 7 4062 5374, [email protected]. The only accommodation in Forsayth and that does include a pub. Unfortunately, the nature of the town does mean they have a monopoly over food and accommodation, but the rooms are clean and the food is rather good. (updated Mar 2025)