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25.01.2022 Traveling along The Savannah Way on the Atherton Tablelands just out of #ravenshoe in Explore Tropical North Queensland Visit Queensland, Australia you will discover relics of our recent past During World War 2 the #athertontablelands was a major training area for tens of thousands of young Australian troops being dispatched to the war in the Pacific and to defend #australia on the #kakodatrail in #papuanewguinea At various sites across the Atherton Tablelands including Rave...nshoe, Herberton, Wondecla and many others, you will be able to uncover the vital role that this area played in the conflict in the Pacific. Tourism Atherton Tablelands have developed themed itineraries for those who wish to link all the WWII sites in the region Here in the Millstream area near Ravenshoe, various sites have been identified when units were stationed during training and signs have been erected to show where the camps where. Each camp had a stone fireplace in the Mess area where soldiers came together to eat. These stone fireplaces are dotted throughout the area, in surprisingly large numbers right beside the highway and are clearly visible to travelers as they pass Young men and women, from all over Australia came to train on the Atherton Tablelands. After the war was over some of these young people returned home to their areas of origin and named farms and areas after places on the Atherton Tablelands. Do you have something in your area that shares a name with a place on the Atherton Tablelands? Bram Collins #savannahguides #savannahway #moretontelegraphstation #cobboldgorgetours #undaraexperience #bedrockvillagetours #capricorncaves #thegulflandertrain #outbackaussietours #reddirttours #ntimmersions #elquestrowildernesspark #ausnatureguides #australianageofdinosaurs #seeaustralia #visitqueensland #ecotourismaustralia #qldparks #outback #outbackaustralia #unearthetheridge

24.01.2022 With International Tourist Guide Day just around the corner, (the 21st February 2021) we here at Savannah Guides reckon it may be an appropriate time to pay tribute to the people out there who dedicate their lives to sharing the stories of the world with people who want to listen. What is a tour guide? Well in short, I guess we’re storytellers! I can safely say that the people who take on this crazy profession are also GREAT LOVERS!! They all have a great love for the area of... expertise in which they interpret be it in nature, history, culture (both modern & ancient), art, architecture... you get the picture right. Savannah Guides are the protectors and Interpreters of northern Australia with storytellers spread the across the length and breath of the tropical Savannah’s. We’re so committed to our craft that we hold compulsory training schools that all members have to attend to ensure we are continuing to deliver our stories at the highest possible standard. Here is an example of some guiding tips that Savannah Guide Lee from Sydney NSW has found are useful... See more

24.01.2022 One of the greatest things about the Savannah Guides training is the diversity of the subjects you delve into. The longer you’re involved in the organization, the broader the range of experiences you get to apply your mind to and rarely do you not come away with a completely different paradigm. Recently all the members of Savannah Guides were offered the opportunity to complete a cultural awareness course with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island...er Studies which opened the door to a whole new world of intriguing resources. One such book has had a very big impact on many of our members so if you’re interested in history, and in particular Australian history, #brucepascoedarkemu is essential reading! It’s guaranteed to challenge everything you thought you knew about the settlement of the lucky country! #brucepascoe #darkemu #savannahguides #savannahway #selfeducation #readersareleaders #savannahguidesfieldtrainingschool

24.01.2022 Member Profile SARAH MINEHAN Hi, I’m Sarah. ... I joined the team at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in early 2019. I’d started visiting in 2011, when my dad started managing a hotel in Winton, and quickly fell in love with the place. I went on the tours whenever I came out, in between birding and enjoying the outback atmosphere. Eventually, a guide suggested I apply for a job. And I laughed. I’d assumed you had to be a palaeontologist to work with dinosaurs. It turned out she wasn’t joking. The rest is history. My background is customer service and business management, plus four years as a volunteer organiser for an LGBT+ youth group, and, naturally, being a lifelong dinosaur kid. I love my job, and not just because I get to talk about dinosaurs all day in our beautiful natural environment. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years thanks to the fantastic people I’m privileged to work with. I’m surrounded by skilled, intelligent, enthusiastic people who speak highly of Savannah Guides, so I greatly appreciate the chance to be part of it.

23.01.2022 Happy International Tourist Guide Day! Who said learning can’t be fun. Experience shows that when people are having fun while learning, they don’t realise they’re learning. They’re just having fun!! So if you’re a storyteller and you’re reading this, think for a moment about a story you love to share regularly and ask yourself, are the people listening to this having fun? Are they connecting emotionally to this story. If they’re not (in both cases) what can I change to deep...en their connection? There are a thousand and one techniques you can apply like eye contact, voice projection, hand gestures, the use of props etc but is it more than that? Do you need to restructure your story, maybe tell it a little differently? Always think connection & fun when storytelling....what the hell it worked pretty well for JK Rawlings!! Most people would think there would be nothing more nerve racking or mind numbing than sharing a story on Geomorphology to a room full of storytellers (tour guides) but look at what master storyteller Russell did to get his message across! It is a great example to us all. This is our last post this week on story telling to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day and the wonderful work that tour guides do.

21.01.2022 Magical light as sunset creeps across the Three Outback Sisters on Carisbrooke Station. See them with Red Dirt Tours, Winton.

21.01.2022 WORLD CROC DAY! Sound on! Today is the day for celebrating all things crocodilian! As protectors and interpreters of the outback, we are passionate about ensuring these living fossils continue to thrive for many years to come.... Check out this large male approaching a female. She displays back to him by lifting her head and growling! Big shout out to Savannah Guide Mark from Whitsunday Crocodile Safari for sharing this awesome croc video with us. #savannahguides #protectorsandinterpreters #crocodile #saltwatercrocodile #crocodilia #crocodilian #whitsundaycrocsafari #whitsundaycrocodilesafari #proserpineriver #thisisqueensland

21.01.2022 What do Savannah Guides know about love?? A big part of the Savannah Guide ethos is being eco-minded in what we do. Otherwise there's not much point in being the Protectors and Interpreters of the Outback! So here's a few tips for the romantics out there to make your Valentines Day (or Galentines Day) as green as possible. 1. Buy them an experience - something you can both enjoy without cluttering up the house... 2. Plants not flowers - give a gift that will last. (Even better make it a native plant) 3. Buy fair-trade chocolate and make a positive impact on a small community. 4. Source your presents locally and reduce your carbon footprint 5. Give up gifting entirely and just tell them you love them. See more

21.01.2022 June 22 is #worldrainforestday and we're feeling a long way from the Savannah! But that's OK, because Australia is home to some pretty amazing #rainforest, including the World Heritage Wet Tropics of Queensland. Rainforests are vital for the survival of life on Earth. They absorb our carbon dioxide, help stabilize climate patterns, and are home to half the world’s plant and animal species. ... The World Heritage Wet Tropics of Queensland are also home to the Wet Tropics Tour Guides, who specialise in all things rainforest. #wettropics #wettropicsguides #worldheritage #savannahguides #biodiversity #ForNature #WTMA

21.01.2022 Final Chance! Savannah Guides Field School Two Day Cairns Field School: 20-21 November 2020 Only 20 Places Remaining!... This COVID Safe event will be held using a combination of authorised indoor venues and outdoor sites, with social distancing and a range of procedures to keep our participants safe. Numbers will be limited, so please register now. In a Savannah Guides first, you can also join our Friday 20 November Morning Session via Zoom for some great presentations around guiding skills! Guides applying for Wet Tropics Tour Guide Certification can count participation in this Savannah Guides Field School as your required participation in a Wet Tropics Tour Guide Field School. This will be a highly informative program and we encourage you to join us. For Information and Registration Form please contact [email protected] or visit www.savannah-guides.com.au

20.01.2022 IS THIS FOR REAL?? IT CERTAINLY IS!! Enjoy the stars and test out your astrophotography skills at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs International Dark-Sky Sanctuary. Steven Lippis... Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton, Australia. See more

20.01.2022 Today marked the start of the November 2020 Savannah Guides Field School! In a first for an SG school, we streamed live across the world for the morning's activities. Talks included updates from industry professionals, guiding tools and fascinating insights into the Wet Topics World Heritage area. ... The afternoon was spent in the Cairns Botanic Gardens learning about the Gondwanan heritage of the area, and bush foods. Day two is looking to be just a exciting!! See you then!

19.01.2022 IT'S WARMING UP Temperatures are starting to soar across Northern Australia, so now, more than ever, it essential to rise with the sun and make the most of those cool mornings. And as much as it sucks to set that alarm, your body will thank you for avoiding the heat of the day.... So, whether you're planning a bushwalk, booking a tour, or exploring a new town be sure to: 1) Start at first light! 2) Carry a minimum of 2 litres of water per person.... 3) .... and DRINK IT! 4) Seek shade and rest during the heat of the day 5) Keep an eye on one another. 6) And regularly check local weather forecasts for up-to-date information @stevenlippis #SavannahGuides #staysafe #beprepared #savannahway #startearly #coolmornings #hotdays #summeriscoming #worksmarternotharder #outbackqueensland #hothothot #drinkwater #stayhydrated

19.01.2022 SAVANNAH GUIDE ALEX was working at Esk Caravan Park when he heard the noisy miners going off. When he went to investigate he noticed this juvenile Channel-billed Cuckoo desperately trying to escape their attack. Thankfully, the young cuckoo didn't object to Alex scooping it up, before carrying it up to reception where Savannah Guide Linda called the local wildlife rescue to come and collect it. ... Have you ever been involved in an animal rescue before? We'd love to hear your story! Tell us about it in the comments #SavannahGuides #protectorsandinterpreters #channelbilledcuckoo #animalrescue #wildliferescue #nativewildliferescue #thisisqueensland #tourguide #professionalguide #professionaltourguide #birder

18.01.2022 Thinking about "doing the Tip"? Why not? For many, reaching the northern-most point of mainland Australia is on their bucket list. Standing on the tip of Pajinka (Cape York) is a special experience for everyone, and you can get there with two Savannah Guides Operators. Both Outback Aussie Tours and Oz Tours Safaris run trips up The Cape. ... What an experience! Outback Aussie Tours Pajinka, Cape York, QLD

18.01.2022 GUIDE TAKEOVER - Day 2 of 3 Good day, Peter here again! Welcome to day two of my Savannah Guides Takeover! To say I have fallen in love with the Top End and the Kimberley would be an understatement.... Recently, from 2016 to 2019 I have been undertaking tours in the Kimberley as host, and Adam as guide. I won’tbore you with our adventures, but instead with how I feel and what drives us to do these tours. I’m sure most of you feel this way when on tour. The best feeling in the world is when Adam and Ireach the outskirts of Broome or Darwin on day 1 of the 14 day camping safaris we were doing for Kimberley Wild Expeditions. You now have a 4x4 truck full of excited passengers eager to start their adventure. Confident that you have not overlooked anything in the packing, and confident that they, the passengers, are in safe hands and that you will do your best to give them the most memorable holiday ever. The hard work is behind you, well maybe! Looking back into the main cab you see a sea of new faces. Dare I say, some may be a little scared, but at the same time all looking forward to their adventure into what would be for many the unknown. With hidden smile you start to get goosebumps. Many have never been camping, put a tent up, or slept in a swag. Then there is rolling their swags and packing their tents in the morning. Food! Will we be fed? How could they possibly carry enough food for 20 people? No internet or mobile service for 8 days or so, no shops for 10 days. Exciting stuff! Just you, your guests, and an entire new world for them to explore, with you to guide them safely through it! 1 - Cockburn Ranges. Passengers' view. 2 - Campfire cooking. Custard & steamed pudding. 3 - Wild flowers on sand. 4 - Swags on canvas. . . . . . #SavannahGuides #savannahguidestakeover #guidetakeover #professionaltourguide #professionalguide #cockburnranges #kimberley @thekimberleyaustralia @australiasnorthwest @kimberleywildexpeditions #dontforgetyourtoothbrush #properplanningpreventspoorperformance #didweforgetanything #swag #swagcamping #campfirecooking

18.01.2022 What a view! And what an adventure! Especially with Savannah Guides Alex and Linda at the helm. They've been out leading the 14 day Corner Country Explorer for Outback Aussie Tours and look to be having a fabulous time.... Tibooburra, Innamincka and Birdsville are just a few of the stops along the way, and I reckon you'll agree they've covered some pretty spectacular country! Alex & Linda Mudryk #savannahguides #protectorsandinterpreters #outbackaussietours #cornercountry #birdsville #innamincka #tibooburra #outbackqueensland #thisisqueensland #roadtrip #multidaytour #bustour

17.01.2022 The United Nations has declared World Oceans Day to be on the 8th June 2021 and this years theme will be Life and Livelihoods focusing on the life and livelihoods the ocean sustains. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. The oceans are lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, the oceans are also a major source of food an...d medicines and a critical part of the biosphere. See what Red Cat Adventures, our newest Enterprise member of #savannahguides has been doing to preserve their amazing marine environment in the Whitsunday region of North Queensland Red Cat Adventures has been actively involved in local environmental projects and understands that education is the key to preservation. ‘Red Cat Reefsearch’ has been actively working on a number of projects within the local region including: Reef Health Impact (RHIS) surveys, COTs and drupella removal as part of the Tourism Industry Activation and Reef Protection Initiative Water quality monitoring with Reef Catchments Boats for Coral larval re-seeding project Coral planting projects with Reef Ecologic Eye on the Reef data collection Providing vessels through funding from the Reef Assist Program to facilitate On Country visits for the local Traditional Owners Reference Group and Ngaro Working Group Our future projects include Island Habitat monitoring, rubbish removal and weed eradication; implementation of curriculum based learning programs for schools and establishing a strong citizen science program. Currently Red Cat Reefsearch is made up of key Red Cat Adventures staff, but as the project expands all staff will be involved in different projects, including our Savannah Guides and current and future Master Reef Guides. Please follow what Red Cat Adventures is up to with Reefsearch here: https://www.reefsearch.com.au/

16.01.2022 SO PROUD! A huge number of our very own Savannah Guides Enterprises rate a special mention in the annual TRAVEL edition of RM Williams Outback Magazine Despite a challenging start to 2020, you have adapted, evolved and shown why you are so deserving of this recognition. ... Go team! We are incredibly proud of all of you! Red Dirt Tours Outback Aussie Tours Australian Nature Guides Australian Age of Dinosaurs The Savannahlander Cobbold Gorge Tours El Questro Undara Experience . . . . . #reddirttours #experiencewinton #outbackaussietours #longreach #ausnatureguides #carnarvongorge #australianageofdinosaurs #thesavannahlander #cobboldgorge #elquestro #undaraexperience #thesavannahway #thisisqueensland #rmwilliams #rmwilliamsoutbackmagazine

16.01.2022 Find your epic Insta-moment before the La Niña sets in Northern Australia. If you can’t make it this year, plan it for 2021 with #savannahguides The Protectors & Interpreters of the Outback #savannahway #tropicalnorthqueensland #visitqueensland #outbackqueensland #nttourism #tourismwa #thekimberleys

15.01.2022 It is with great sadness that we share this news with the wider Savannah Guides community. Rick will be sorely missed.

15.01.2022 With the tail of Cyclone Imogen dissipating over the southern part of #capeyorkpeninsula in Explore Tropical North Queensland Visit Queensland, Australia , the #athertontablelands is benefiting from some very good rain recently. #laketinaroo is slowly starting to refill from a low of 46.5% to 49% in the last 4 days. With more storms predicted right across the north in the next week, current flood levels are likely to remain with The Savannah Way cut at several rivers in the ...#gulfofcarpenteria . Remember if it’s flooded, forget it! Hudson Fox #savannahguides #savannahway #moretontelegraphstation #cobboldgorgetours #undaraexperience #bedrockvillagetours #capricorncaves #thegulflandertrain #outbackaussietours #reddirttours #ntimmersions #elquestrowildernesspark #ausnatureguides #australianageofdinosaurs #seeaustralia #visitqueensland #NTAustralia #westernaustralia #ecotourismaustralia #qldparks #tropicalsavannas #outback #outbackaustralia #unearthetheridge

14.01.2022 REPTILE SIGHTINGS are coming in thick and fast! As our daytime temps continue to rise, plenty of snakes, skinks, dragons and monitors have been making an appearance. Tell us about your most recent sighting! We'd love to know what's active in your neck of the woods!... . . . . . #SavannahGuides #protectorsandinterpreters #monitorlizard #varanus #reptiles #australianreptiles #herpetology #springhassprung #springhassprung2020 #australianlizards #australiansnakes #goanna See more

14.01.2022 Where in the world??? Cobbold Gorge Tours of course! Stand up paddle board your way through this magical Gorge in beautiful North Queensland Cobbold Gorge Tours... Cobbold Gorge, Queensland See more

14.01.2022 Now that the post Savannah Guides Field School euphoria is beginning to subside, we can reflect on what we’ve learnt, the new friends we made and the new experiences we all enjoyed. These get togethers also give us the opportunity to assess how our organization is tracking and as important as it is to accredit new guides and build memberships, it’s equally as important to ensure we’re all nurturing and contributing to the organization as a whole. It is with confidence that y...ou can expect to receive back from Savannah Guides in direct proportion to the contribution you make. If you can, write an article for the next Message Stick newsletter, put your hand up to run a session at a future Savannah Guides Field School, maybe nominate yourself as a mentor for a new guide. There are many ways that you can add value to the network and all you have to do is contact the managers Russ & Sam Boswell and let them know you wish to help. With your assistance we will continue to deliver the great training experiences like we just enjoyed in Cairns #exploretnq #savannahguides #savannahway #savannahguidesfieldtrainingschool

14.01.2022 Happy New Year from the Savannah Guides family. We hope 2021 is amazing for you.

14.01.2022 Get out and explore new worlds these school holidays with Capricorn Caves and Savannah Guides Limited. (But make sure you book ahead!) Capricorn Caves ... Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton. See more

14.01.2022 GUIDE TAKEOVER - Day 1 of 3 Warami, (welcome) from present day Parramatta, once occupied by the Burramattagal people, a clan of the Darug protectors here for thousands of years. Today, there are many ATSI people who work and live in Parramatta. I’m Lee Hayter and will be taking over the Savannah Guide’s socials for this weekend.... My journey over the next three days is based on movie titles. Today’s title Toy Tour Story! You can catch my back story in the December 2017 edition of Savannah Guides Newsletter https://savannah-guides.com.au//Savannah-Guides-Communicat, but briefly, born and bred in Sydney, descendant of First Fleet thieves on my mum’s side and free settling cedar-getters and farmers on my dad’s side. This particular adventure started in 2004 when I took my first ‘formal’ tour at Taronga Zoo. My guest Mark Burnett, an entrepreneur that brought reality TV to our loungerooms, well known for Survivor I was a huge fan and it was easy to connect. Mark had previously filmed Survivor Outback Australia and was visiting again scouting for potential new set locations. The tour was a success and I was hooked on guiding. I went on to take hundreds of animal related tours, but it would be another 15 years before I would pop outside my bubble and discover the amazing work of Savannah Guides. Savannah Guides was the force that inspired me to take the plunge and go solo with She’ll Be Right Tours! It all happened by chance one night in a little place called Ulovane in South Africa. If you haven’t tried that experience yet, then do only if possible, of course! I was sharing my four-week African experience with fellow Savannah Guide champions, Ange, Mick and Di when, halfway through, I received a text message from an agent from the USA asking if I was available to take some walking tours of The Rocks the following month. I had no idea how the agent found me as I had no website or social media at that time. I realised though, if I took this opportunity and committed, I would only have about four weekends left in the year to prepare. So, after quick consideration, I replied to the text with a sheepish ‘yes’, then jumped on the next flight home to Australia. Back in Sydney, I was frantically researching, writing tour outlines and commentary. I even quit my full-time job, so I could completely commit to this new venture and started to familiarise myself with The Rocks (and the boutique beer). It was handy to be able to draw on my convict heritage and weave a few stories together to pull off the heist of the century! I guess you can say, I have the DNA in my blood!

14.01.2022 There be dragons! Australia's arid north might often look empty, but it's full of life, and it's not hard to spot a dragon sunning itself on a rock in the outback. This dragon (Ctenophorus sp.) captured in Bladensburg National Park looks like he enjoys posing for a photo! ... What do you think? Does it look like he's sporting a hairy chest straight out of the 70s? Steven Lippis

12.01.2022 It wouldn't be a Savannah Guides Field School without a group shot! We welcome anyone to our schools, from actively working Guides, to nature enthusiasts, to industry stakeholders. Look at all those happy faces ready to learn and share. ... It was a pleasure being able to connect with such a diverse group.

12.01.2022 GUIDE TAKEOVER - Day 3 of 3 Hi, welcome back to day three of my Savannah Guide Takeover. My name is Peter. Guiding aside. Next is a little insight into what we are doing here in the Gulf Savannah and on Flat Creek Station.... Our passion here at Flat Creek Station varies from sustainable cattle management, to preserving our local flora and fauna. On the tourism side of things we operate a camp ground for gold fossickers, birdwatchers and the general public. Along with Station Tours and guided hikes. Forever mindful of what damage the lack of fire, frequent fires and over grazing has with resulting woody thickening and loss of our Savannah woodland-grassland here on our property! A fine line between supporting and destroying ones ecosystem. If it's not native to the area it’s not native! And should not be substituted. oh that includes our dingos. We are working hard to sustain our native grasses, and resulting seed beds, for our local finches, including the Gouldian finch. It is important to have that seed bed left after a wet season and critical that the first seeds appear as a result of the build-up rains. Golden beard grass and our local spinifex grasses are the first to seed after receiving as little as 50mls of rain. Vital for the Gouldian finches just coming out of a moult. Sadly though, these are the first grasses targeted by livestock. In a few weeks we will be holding our 7th annual finch count. This covers two consecutive mornings where we are up at daylight to count and observe the finches as they come in to drink. This is but a small snippet of my story. The new faces are now old friends. I am certain that the untapped treasure of the Savannah Way will be discovered. More than ever, it’s time to visit and explore northern Australia’s Savannah country. Stay safe and thank you for reading/sharing. Peter. 1/ Video of weaners and emus 2/ Video of dingo and cows Check out the comments for images of our wild sorghum and a female Gouldian finch.

12.01.2022 COUPLE TAKEOVER - Day 1 of 3 We are excited to introduce ourselves! Our names are Alex and Linda, the Savannah Guides Takeover Couple this Weekend. We are excited to share our story of becoming Savannah Guides, joining a fantastic support network of like-minded people. A few years back in 2017, we were in for a significant change in our lives. Alex was made redundant in his Management Career, so we decided to have some time out and go on a bucket list holiday to the Tip of Ca...pe York, before having to return to look for a new role. I quit my job in Children’s Services, we packed up our motorcycles in our trailer, tent on board, along with camping gear and headed first to Cairns. After riding the mountains in the beautiful Cairns region for a few weeks, we secured our bikes and trailer at a friend’s house in Cairns, then the adventure really began.. little, did we know this adventure turned out to be the most fantastic time of our lives living the dream on the road. Alex, always a documentary, bush, and beach addict. Me, I loved nature, growing up in Noosa, beach life, camping etc. On our adventure to Cape York, we met an abundance of travellers from all walks of life, holidaying, but some also began working in the places we visited. We began to realise that we could probably live this lifestyle. Alex with Trade and Engineering background, me with Sales, Admin and Promotional background. We quickly realised work in the Outback was available. We were in Weipa, when we met a lovely couple that had recently holidayed, visiting their son and daughter-in-law working at Adels Grove, close to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park north, west Queensland. Still friends to this day, Tony and Denise showed us photos of the beautiful Lawn Hill Gorge that ‘Wowed’ us and Alex and I decided that was the next place to visit on our bucket list. We continued our journey, with our new friends, travelling to the Tip of Cape York, sharing stories of our lives, getting to know each other. Bucket List achieved, we parted ways saying goodbye to each other. As we continued our holiday, we were in Cooktown when we received a phone call from them, asking if we were still interested in working outback? There was a job opportunity at Adels Grove, we looked at one another, thinking, holy moly, this is becoming real. We will continue the next part of our adventure tomorrow on Day 2, so stay tuned. 1. Us at the Tip of Cape York 2. Our bikes packed up ready to go 3. Crossing the Jardine River 4. Our set-up at Loyalty Beach #SavannahGuides #protectorsandinterpreters #savannahguidestakeover #professionaltourguides #coupletakeover #capeyorkpeninsula #thisisqueensland #ttnq

12.01.2022 Much rain in your patch? We sure hope you're having a win! There's certainly been some intense falls across northern Australia this week, which no doubt brings great relief for a number of drought affected communities. However, it has led to a number of famous National Park closures, such as Carnarvon National Park and Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. ... Surely, the last thing you want is to spend all day travelling, only to arrive at your destination to find it closed. So, be sure to regularly check your state's official National Park website for up-to-date information regarding access. And remember, if it's flooded, forget it! ... which goes for walking trails as well as our roads. Stay safe everyone! Australian Nature Guides #SavannahGuides #ifitsfloodedforgetit #protectorsandinterpreters #heymargetherainsarehere #wetseason #greenseason #lanina #northernaustralia #carnarvongorge #thisisqueensland #qldparks Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Explore Parks WA Queensland National Parks

11.01.2022 COUPLE TAKEOVER - Day 3 of 3 with Alex and Linda Mudryk. Hi, we are back to give you an update of where our Guiding has now taken us. During our time at Adels Grove we got to meet many Tour Operators, bringing their Guests in to experience the beautiful Lawn Hill Gorge. Having many discussions with different roving Tour Guides over the time, we decided this would be a new Guiding experience we would like to pursue....Continue reading

11.01.2022 Great News Everyone!! The Cairns Savannah Guides Field School on November 20 and 21 is open for registration! Spaces are limited, and will be first in first served, so don't delay! ... This School is open to EVERYONE, and even counts as a field component for Wet Tropics Tour Guides. So what are you waiting for?? Hopefully you received a detailed email, but if you missed the email and are interested you can contact [email protected] We hope to see you there!

11.01.2022 EMU-WRENS! What a find! Savannah Guide Karen from Australian Age of Dinosaurs has kindly shared these spectacular images with us! Over to you, Kaz! ... "Emu-wrens!!! Finally... it's been a while since I've seen some activity. I hear them all the time but they have been difficult to see. This morning was a beautiful still morning....first one for a long time....and the emu-wrens were out and about... 3 males were scrambling around the spinifex with others nearby" @kazcorkill Instagram account. #emuwren #birdwatching #birdlifeaustralia #birdlifeoz #savannahguides #protectorsandinterpreters #australianageofdinosaurs #aaod #larkquarry #dinosaurstampede #experiencewinton #outbackqldmagicmoments #outbackqueensland

11.01.2022 Winter is coming! Wait, no it's already here... The mercuryis dropping a bit lower at night, but the days are still glorious, which means it's the perfect time to explore the Savannah's of Northern Australia. It's also the best time of year to snuggle up next to a camp fire somewhere too. ... O'Brien's Creek Campground, QLD. By H Kydd.

10.01.2022 GUIDE TAKEOVER - Day 2 of 3 G’day. Today’s title is Rebel Without A Cause Tour!... It’s been seven months since I led my last tour, mostly living in lockdown. The desire to bust out grew, so I decided to explore the lower Grose Valley of the Blue Mountains with some friends. The Blue Gum Swamp is a protected nature reserve in the suburb of Winmalee. We set out early in the morning, so it was full of bird song, although I heard a lot more than I saw - Cockatoos, Galahs, LBJ’s and evidence of a Satin Bowerbird! At the start of the walk we were surrounded by Snottygobbles aka Geebungs. We found four different Persoonia sp along the trail. In between were lots of Acacia sp just starting to blossom as well as Red and Yellow Bloodwoods (Corymbia gummifera/Corymbia eximia). The trail gradually climbed for about 4km to the top of Shaws Ridge before a steep descent into Blue Gum Swamp via a Xanthorrhoea sp forest. The experience was like stepping back to the Jurassic, with the enormous Eucalyptus deanei, the round-leaved gum or mountain blue gum as opposed to the Sydney Blue Gum E. Saligna, and of course the spectacular Angophora sp. Dare I say, there was some serious tree-hugging going on! For the invertebrate lovers, the Red Triangle Slug Triboniophorus graeffei just as the name suggests, leaving a zigzag mark, graffiti-like, on the outside layer of bark. At first you might mistake it for the Scribbly Gum moth larva which burrow under the bark, but the markings are quite different when you get up close and inspect. To finish off, we spied three juvenile Waratahs, Telopea speciosissima, the NSW state flower emblem. My much-needed plant repertoire is slowly increasing. So, 17.7km, 23 floors and 26,523 steps later, we made it out. I appreciate now, all the early attempts to cross Blue Mountains. For those that know me well, the trek wasn’t completed in silence! A quote from my guiding friend, Ching. She wrote to me the following morning Good morning, Good news, I lost 0.6kg. But I can’t leave bed today. My legs do not listen to me. That about sums it up. As restrictions start to lift, I look forward to my first shift back at Council next weekend, leading a Night Nature Tour at Galiringi Reserve.

09.01.2022 COUPLE TAKEOVER - Day 2 of 3 Hi again, to explain our Adventure, short of the actual experience, Alex and I were offered a new opportunity as Tour Guides at Adels Grove, a Savannah Guide Enterprise. Giving visitors to the area, Tours of the Lawn Hill Gorge on a solar powered boat, we were in heaven, working in a beautiful place in the middle of the outback. We commenced with open eyes, lots of learning, reading and studying about our surrounds. Our first experience with Sava...nnah Guides, whilst working at Adels Grove, was with an amazing couple of Savannah Guides, Ange and Phil Clucas. They became our mentors, to help us continue to expand our toolbox of knowledge. We became absorbed in nature, learning birds, flora, fauna, all in an area of Queensland that is so remote, we realised, we were very privileged to experience this lifestyle. Ange who is a Senior Savannah Guide, introduced us to our first Savannah Guide School at Burketown in October, 2017. This is where we became ‘hooked’, and now we have attended Savannah Guide Schools at Carnarvon Gorge, Kakadu, Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton and Atherton Tablelands thus far. Adels Grove was our place to continue our journey in 2018. We established, this was the area we wanted to continue learning more about this amazing Outback Country. Our passions grew, Alex with fossils, especially, Riversleigh World Heritage Listed, approximately 80km from Lawn Hill. Alex was able to experience a unique dig with Palaeontologist, Michael Archer and found a jaw fossil. We are still waiting to hear if he can name the jaw. We were both becoming very interested in birds. Near our campsite, Ange and Alex made a make shift bird bath, out of a recycled old tub, with a few dead tree limbs across. This became a fabulous haven for an afternoon catch up, as many birds came in to have a drink. The great bowerbird, crimson finches, long tailed finches, double barred finches, yellow tinted honey eaters, just to name a few. Little did we realise, we would be looking for the Jizz of the bird, thanks to Ivor, from our first Savannah Guides School at Burketown. On our days off, we often went on walks at Boodjamulla National Park in search of the ‘Purple Crowned Fairy Wren’. This beautiful little bird is very quick and flies around the pandanus and paperbark thickets at the edge of the waterways. Found only in the Kimberley’s, east and west of upper Northern Territory and upper north, west Queensland, Twitchers come from all over the world to try and capture a photo of this rarely seen purple crown. The purple crown appears on the male, only in the months of breeding from August-January, April-May. We captured some wonderful photos of this stunning Wren. Coming to the end of our Season at Adels Grove, we had a feeling our next adventure was about to begin.

09.01.2022 6 WEEKS OF BIRDING - Recently, Steve Grainger (Senior Savannah Guide) and Ken Cross, from @Australian Birding Safaris, took part in a six week birding reconnoitre of Western Queensland and the Northern Territory. They certainly had an incredible road-trip, with some very special bird (and Savannah Guide) encounters along the way. And how about that bird list! Very impressive....and enviable.... Read all about Steve and Ken's adventure in the latest edition of the Message Stick, the official Savannah Guides newsletter: https://savannah-guides.com.au/about/newsletter/ . . . . . #savannahguides #protectorsandinterpreters #australianbirdingsafaris #thisisqueensland #ntaustralia #buffsidedrobin #kalkadoongrasswren #spinifexbird #messagestick #newsletter #birdlifeoz #birding #birdwatching #australianbirds #ornithology

09.01.2022 Ready for an overseas holiday? (A virtual one?) Savannah Guides, together with Aarunya Vacations Sri Lanka, would like to invite you to: "Breathtaking Birds of the Sri Lankan Rainforest" ... On November 12, Savannah Guide Rahula Perera will be showcasing the bird diversity within the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sinharaja rainforest with interesting insights into the practices, songs, dances and colours they add to the surroundings. Tickets are $25 for this special event. If you are interested, please click the link below to sign up. https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_6pwNdnazQCiCDH1nG2tYXA Aarunya - Australia

09.01.2022 We've been feeling the love so much this week at Savannah Guides that we put the call out in our Members Forum for everyone's favourite loved up animals. Here's what our Savannah Guides think love is...

08.01.2022 Looking for something to read during that period between Christmas and New Years where you've lost track of time and no longer even know what day of the week it is?? In case you missed it, the most recent Savannah Guides Message Stick was sent out last week. With plenty of articles and SG updates, and even a few puzzles, this will help pass the time. We can't guarantee you'll know what day it is, but at least you'll be having fun. https://savannah-guides.com.au//Savannah-Guides-Message-St

08.01.2022 I recently got asked the question Why can you smell the rain? This immediately triggered childhood memories that came flooding back of how excited we were when the first rains of the year came. As a child born and raised on a cattle station in Northern Australia, you waited in anticipation for the annual monsoons that were life changing when they came and heartbreaking for all when they didn’t. So that smell for me is anchored to a range of emotions including excitement, ...Continue reading

07.01.2022 Why not plan a road trip in 2021 on a northern adventure drive? You'll find plenty of our #savannahguideenterprises spread throughout Explore Tropical North Queensland No matter where you want to explore in #capeyorkpeninsula or the #gulfsavannah on the The Savannah Way, discover it with a #savannahguide as they are the best people to show you around. #drivenorthqueensland presents a range of fantastic drive itiniaries that link together with ample time for you to really im...merse yourself in this beautiful region. In your planning, be sure to leave enough time to fully experience the lifestyle of TNQ or you'll leave wishing you had planned to stay a little longer, which by the way, is the number 1 complaint! #bedrockvillagecaravanpark Cobbold Gorge #gulflander Moreton Telegraph Station #oztours Undara Experience #cairnsandthegreatbarrierreef #thegreatbarrierreefdrive #thegreattropicaldrive #epiccapeyorkdrive #savannahway

07.01.2022 Fantastic article ...

06.01.2022 What a day! Day Two of the Savannah Guides Field School in Cairns started off at Cattana Wetlands for some serious birding (aka twitching). After that it was off to the Cairns Museum and the Cairns Art Gallery for some guided tours and a bit of work on our guiding techniques. ... Thanks to Hilton Cairns for a great lunch. We finished off the day at Edge Hill Bowls for dinner and some barefoot bowls. What a day indeed!!

05.01.2022 2020 and COVID-19 has been a challenging time for many, including Savannah Guides Members and our organisation. Our plans for an April Field School in Longreach were scuttled by the outbreak, along with a Paluma Wet Tropics Field School and a major Year of Indigenous Tourism November Field School in Cairns. The good news is we are running a two day Field School in Cairns on November 20 and 21!!! This event will be held using a combination of authorised indoor venues and outd...oor sites, with social distancing and a range of procedures to keep our Members and Friends safe. Attendance will be limited. Members and Friends can also join our Friday 20 November Morning Session via Zoom for a minimal fee. This will be a highly informative program and we encourage everyone to join us. More details will be released soon by email and on our website - please hold the date!

05.01.2022 So everyone knows what a Cycad is right? Of course you do. But... do you know what a Mount Surprise Blue Cycad is and if so, have you seen one? Check out the 4 of these little beauties Whilst they were all taken around the same time of year (Summer), the major difference between them all is the age of each plant. ... Sooo how about some facts on these very special Cycads. The botanical name is Cycas Cairnsiana, named after William Cairns, governor of Queensland from 18751877. They are more commonly known as Mt Surprise Blues because of their blue foliage and they are only found in a very limited area around Mt. Surprise in the Unearth Etheridge region of Explore Tropical North Queensland. They also are referred to as the Mount Surprise Sago. It grows in dry, rocky, and open woodland terrain on soils derived from granite. Its range is limited to the Newcastle Range of northeast Queensland. The plants are remarkable for their intense blue colour, and their resilience to the seasonal extremes of their native range. The stems grow to 25 m tall and 1216 cm diameter, with swollen base. Its conservation status is near-threatened. So if you’re planning to #holidayherenextyear and your journey on The Savannah Way takes you through the great little town of #mountsurprise be sure to keep an eye open for these beautiful Cycads #savannahguides #savannahway #cycads #mountsurprisesago #mountsurpriseblue #takeonlyphotographsleaveonlyfootprints

04.01.2022 GUIDE TAKEOVER | Day 3 of 3 Welcome to Jurassic Park Tour! For three months of my guiding career, I was seconded as a Dinosaur Keeper. I got to play with 21 animatronic Dinosaurs, including Muttaburrasaurus langdoni. ... It was one of the highlights of my career. At the time, I had only dreamed of visiting the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton. The closest I got was via a media stint with Qantas producing a documentary for their inflight entertainment. It would take a Savannah Guide Field School, a couple of years later, to bring it to fruition! As a Keeper, the number one question from adults was Are they real? I spent a lot of time convincing parents that their children would be perfectly safe. Hard to believe but true. I think the T rex was the most popular because, apart from its size, it’s easily recognisable and associated with pop culture. We gave the T rex family, names. Tyrone adult, Trevor juvenile and Tina puppet. It was such a fun time working with kids who often seemed to know a lot more about the Dinosaurs than we did and were also eager to point out the anatomical flaws in the robots. #SavannahGuides #protectorsandinterpreters #savannahguidestakeover #guidetakeover #professionaltourguide #takeover #tarongazoo #jurassic #jurassicpark#dinosaurs

04.01.2022 If you think about it, storytellers have been around as long as....well as long as there were great stories to tell. They are essential to the fabric of all cultures no matter where you go on Earth. Take the oldest living culture on our planet, the First Nations people of Australia, their Dreamtime stories are the essence of who they are culturally and it shaped the way in which they live their daily lives. I think it’s fair to say that the hard lessons of yesterday become th...e foundation of the training for tomorrow! This life giving & life taking hardship is relayed by storytelling! Modern day storytelling is a multi-million dollar industry. It’s called the movie business and it generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year in the US alone! We wouldn’t have Social Media if people weren’t interested in other peoples stories. Aren’t novels an authors way of sharing a collection of thoughts in a way people respond to? How many times has a song transported you back to a specific moment in time and is linked to emotions? The big difference between a story and something that makes a life changing connection with you is just that...emotive connection! Here are some of the tools that Savannah Guide, Mark from Proserpine in Qld, uses to make that special connection for his guests... See more

04.01.2022 This week is National Reconciliation Week, a chance for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to express how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme, set by Reconciliation Australia, is: "More than a word. Reconciliation takes action" ... Savannah Guides has a long history of indigenous membership, partnerships and knowledge sharing. With 2021 also being the Year of Idigenous Tourism, we aim to continue to support and work with First Nations' people, both within and alongside our organisation. Photo taken on the traditional lands of the Ewamian, at Undara Volcanic National Park. #savannahguides #ewamian #seeaustralia #visitqueensland #thisisqueensland #outbackqueensland #goodtogo #nationalreconciliationweek #reconciliationweek

03.01.2022 Don't forget to sign up for the Virtual Tour this Thursday, hosted by Savannah Guide Rahula Perera, as he takes you on a journey to see the Breathtaking Birds of the Sri Lankan Rainforest. https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_6pwNdnazQCiCDH1nG2tYXA

02.01.2022 | CHEERS TO THIS LEGEND!! | You may or may not know it, but the social media for Savannah Guides is run by volunteers, and for the past year and a half Bram Collins from Undara Experience has given up a few hours a week to help out. Unfortunately though, Bram is stepping back for now, while life gets busy with Undara and a few other projects, but we wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the time, effort and constant positivity he has given us. ... You really are a legend Bram!! Thanks again, The Social Media Team PS. We have a new social media superstar on board. We'll have to introduce him sometime soon!! Undara Experience

02.01.2022 GUIDE TAKEOVER - Day 1 of 3 Hi, my name is Peter and I’m your Savannah Guide Takeover on this first day of three. I was nominated by my partner in crime....the one and only Adam Utschink. Thanks Adam!... I was born,schooled and worked most of my life in the great Savannah land of northern Australia. Started my schooling in Normanton and finished my high school years in Charters Towers. I currently live on a cattle property with my partner Adam (the above mentioned rascal) in Queensland’s gulf country on the #savannahway I have been a supporter and believer in outback tourism since leaving boarding school. In many ways I see The @savannah_way_australia as an untapped treasure. 1/ Mitchell Falls. 2/ Purnululu NP at Piccaninny lookout. 3/ Car park at Nitmiluk - Grass on gum. . . . . . #SavannahGuides #savannahguidestakeover #guidetakeover #tourguides #professionaltourguide #protectorsandinterpreters #gulfcountry #northernaustralia #mitchellfalls #purnululu #purnululunationalpark #nitmiluknationalpark

01.01.2022 Find your hidden paradise at Boodjamulla National Park Stay and play with Adels Grove who provide both accommodation in the area and canoe hire. by Visit Queensland ... Boodjamulla NP, Queensland, Australia See more

01.01.2022 to our two newest Savannah Guides, Abby Moore and Bill Holmes. Both underwent their formal accreditation and "Hot Seat" on Saturday night. You don't just get to be a Savannah Guide because you want to be one, you have to work for it. It's starts off by attending a school, then there's work books to complete, and then there's the most daunting part... the Peer Assessment () where two Senior Savannah Guides are taken on a tour by the applicant and the Senio...rs provide feedback on whether or not they are suitable, areas that could be improved, and areas they are good at. Not everyone passes. Bill and Abby did. The final hurdle is the "Hot Seat" where everyone is given the opportunity to say something (usually nice ) about the prospective Savannah Guides before they are presented with their badge and certificate. We are proud here at SG to now include both Abby and Bill in our ever growing network.