Simon & Gaye Terry

Cobbold Gorge Tours

Feed the mind

Outback Queensland born and raised, Simon Terry, his wife Gaye and children own and operate Cobbold Gorge Tours on their cattle property deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of north Queensland. Cobbold Gorge Tours was born out of a chance discovery of the magnificent Cobbold Gorge by Simon nearly 30 years ago when paddling up the creek with friends. Amazed by what they found, Simon quickly recognised the potential to share such a unique natural wonder with visitors. The tourism venture bloomed rapidly from 200 visitors in the first year to now 10,000 annually coming to the Gorge and staying at Cobbold Village.

Cobbold Gorge is Queensland’s youngest gorge and has striking sheer walls, which narrow to a mere two metres wide in places. Access is by guided tour only to protect the unique environment for future generations. It also ensures those who visit are educated about the history and evolution of the Gorge and its surrounding landscape. Guests learn about the best of the Gorge’s stunning scenery, the geology of the rugged sandstone formations, the diverse flora and fauna, local bush tucker and the rich cultural history.

The tours are conducted by Savannah Guides, a network of professional tour guides with in-depth knowledge of the natural and cultural assets of the tropical savannahs of northern Australia, north Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Lift the heart

The award-winning Cobbold Gorge Tours and Village are an inclusive operation, a child and family-friendly destination, with tours, activities and amenities designed for guests of all ages to enjoy from infants to retirees.

“We pride ourselves on providing guests with the perfect place to connect with nature and each other.”

Care for the environment

From the start-up of the business, Simon and Gaye have maintained a steady commitment to operating Cobbold Gorge Tours with minimum impact on the environment. Visitors take guided tours through the Gorge on custom-made boats with virtually silent, electric motors.

“The engines are almost silent. But when they are shut off, the guests’ chatter evaporates and the still, trancelike magic of this hidden, wild place envelopes us all.”

In 2009, a nature refuge agreement was formalised with the then Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management. It established the 4,720-hectare Cobbold Gorge Nature Refuge, which protects a number of vulnerable and rare plant species including the rare Gilbert River ghost gum and forms important wildlife corridors and catchment linkages.

The use of Savannah Guides is also an important part of Simon and Gaye’s desire to care for the environment and encourage guests to feel the same way.

“Savannah Guides are kind of like the Night’s Watch of the Gulf Savannah –protecting the realm, assisting guests and ensuring the environment is not harmed in the taking of tours.”

Activate the body

With their guide, guests explore the gorge on an interpretive walk to the escarpment above and then a cruise through the gorge on an electric boat. The recent introduction of Australia’s first fully glass bridge allows guests to get a true sense of the majestic, sheer walls as they cross a 13 metre gap in the gorge.

To stretch the body further, Simon introduced a guided stand-up paddle boarding cruise for guests. While the scenic helicopter flight won’t work up a sweat, guests get a bird’s eye view of the beauty of the gorge and the surrounding landscape. If they take up a heli-fishing option, guests can hook themselves a tasty feed during their stay.