Major city · Australia
Forsayth and Cobbold GorgeForsayth
Go only in the dry season (May–Sep) and only with a booked gorge tour: 2 nights, 4WD or the weekly train, no fuel at the gorge.
Forsayth is a one-street outback town of about 130 people and the western terminus of the Savannahlander train from Cairns. Almost everyone comes for Cobbold Gorge, 45 km southwest on unsealed road, where a guided boat tour runs through a narrow sandstone gorge. This is a 2-night stop, not a day trip: the roads, the heat and the tour times all push against a same-day return.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season)
- avoid Nov–Apr (wet season: unsealed roads and the gorge can close)
- Airports
- CNS · ISA
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyRemote and low-risk for crime, high-risk for distance: heat, unsealed roads, no fuel and patchy phone signal are the real hazards.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles · 13 19 40 Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCNS Cairns Airport (Nearest large airport; about 5–6 h drive to Forsayth via the sealed Gulf Developmental Road.).
- Getting aroundYou need your own vehicle: there is no public transport between Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Beerschooner at the pubA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Budget bedCaravan park or campground site, a night, per personA$25 (≈ US$17)
- Mid-range bedPub or motel room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedPub or motel room, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$220 (≈ US$150) · High A$420 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CNS Cairns Airport (Nearest large airport; about 5–6 h drive to Forsayth via the sealed Gulf Developmental Road.) · ISA Mount Isa Airport (Long western approach on Highway 1; only useful if you are already driving the gulf.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Nov
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Dec
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Nov (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jul (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Oct
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Nov
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Dec
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need your own vehicle: there is no public transport between Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge. The last 45 km is unsealed and can be rough; a 4WD is the safe choice in the dry season and the only choice after rain. The Savannahlander train reaches Forsayth weekly from Cairns, but it does not continue to the gorge, so train passengers still need a tour transfer or a hire car.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cobbold Gorge
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way plus 2–3 h at the gorge
Drive 45 km (28 mi) southwest from Forsayth on unsealed road, then join a guided tourDrive 28 mi (45 km) southwest from Forsayth on unsealed road, then join a guided tour
Tours are guided and timed; book ahead in the dry season. Check whether the road is open before you leave.
Georgetown
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Sealed Gulf Developmental Road, about 40 km (25 mi) eastSealed Gulf Developmental Road, about 25 mi (40 km) east
Fuel, a shop and a pub; the practical resupply stop.
Charters Towers
overnightDoor to door: About 5 h
Sealed roads east via Georgetown and the Gregory Developmental Road
Too far for a return day; sleep there on the way in or out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Forsayth town
Pub rooms and a caravan park; the only beds in town, so book ahead in the dry season.
Cobbold Gorge village
On-site cabins and camping beside the gorge, about 45 km (28 mi) from Forsayth on unsealed road; book with the tour.On-site cabins and camping beside the gorge, about 28 mi (45 km) from Forsayth on unsealed road; book with the tour.
Georgetown
About 40 km (25 mi) east on the sealed highway; a fallback bed if Forsayth is full.About 25 mi (40 km) east on the sealed highway; a fallback bed if Forsayth is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$200–320 (≈ US$140–250) excl. bed
- High
- A$400 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pub or motel room1 × 2 nights × A$180 | A$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$220 | A$880 |
| Cobbold Gorge guided tour2 × A$130 · check | A$260 |
| Savannahlander fare, Cairns to Forsayth2 × A$500 · check; multi-day trip with overnight stops | A$1,000 |
| Fuel, Cairns return (about 1,000 km)1 × A$180 | A$180 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$402 |
| Trip total≈ A$771 per person per day, bed included | A$3,082≈ US$2,500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; getting here (flights, car hire, train fare) excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pub counter meal | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Beer, schooner at the pub | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Diesel, per litre (regional) | A$2.00–2.30 (≈ US$2) |
| Cobbold Gorge guided tourcheck | A$100–160 (≈ US$70–110) |
| Campground site, per night | A$25–60 (≈ US$17–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not drive the unsealed road to Cobbold Gorge after heavy rain: it can be closed or impassable.
- Fuel and supplies are limited at Forsayth and there is no fuel at the gorge: fill up at Georgetown or Cairns.
- Mobile coverage is patchy outside town; download maps and tell someone your plan.
- Summer heat is severe and the gorge tour runs in the open: carry more water than you think you need.
- Crocodiles live in the region's rivers and waterholes: do not swim outside signed areas.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)
- 13 19 40
Pocket card
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Forsayth and Cobbold GorgeForsayth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)13 19 40
Embassy
No consulates in the region: the nearest are in Cairns (check), otherwise embassies and consulates-general in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Forsayth → Cobbold Gorge: 45 km (28 mi) unsealed, about 1 h by 4WD (check road status)28 mi (45 km) unsealed, about 1 h by 4WD (check road status)
- Georgetown → Forsayth: about 40 km (25 mi) sealed, 40 minabout 25 mi (40 km) sealed, 40 min
- Cairns → Forsayth: about 5–6 h by sealed road
Say or show
- How far is it? — How far is it?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Where is the nearest fuel? — Where is the nearest fuel?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Remote outback stop: fuel, water and phone signal are the things to plan around.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Forsayth and Cobbold Gorge. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season) · avoid Nov–Apr (wet season: unsealed roads and the gorge can close) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CNS: drive times, last fuel at Georgetown, and the wet-season closure rung.
- Two sleep clusters with rescue anchors: Forsayth town and the Cobbold Gorge village.
- Place pages with verified tour times and road-status cutoffs (gorge tour, Savannahlander, Georgetown fuel).
- Wet-season and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.