Places in the Carpentaria Region
NORMANTON
AIRSTRIP
- Normanton has the largest airstrip in the Gulf Savannah.
LOCATION
- 72 km South of Karumba
- 151 km West of Croydon
- 356 km east of NT border
SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
Normanton sits on a high, sandy ridge between the edge of the Savannah grasslands, which extend to the West and the wetlands to the north. Established on the Norman River by William Landsborough, Normanton was the port for the Croydon gold rush and is a terminus of the historic Normanton to Croydon Railway with a classic example of Victorian architecture preserved in the Normanton Railway Station. Some 30kms to the southwest of Normanton is Camp 119, Burke and Wills' most northerly camp.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
The historic Normanton Railway Station, complete with original rolling stock, is the home of the "Gulflander", the most unusual railway line in Australia.
In the old Police compound now under Councils' control is a penitentiary dating from the late 1800s, which has seen some extraordinary characters as its guests. The historic Police compound was the main penal establishment for the Gulf Savannah during the heyday of the Croydon gold rush. It is said that here the last hanging in the Gulf took place. This is open to the public at no charge. Please enquire at the Council Office for access.
Camp 119, the last camp of the Burke and Wills, expedition is down the Savannah Way towards Burketown on the left hand side of the road on the eastern bank of the Little Bynoe River (a signpost marks the access track). From this camp the expedition made a dash for saltwater. As this is a site of national historic significance, please treat it with respect.
Normanton has several historic buildings including old pubs, the Westpac
Bank and the Burns Philp Building that has recently been refurbished
and now houses a Visitor Information Centre.
On the outskirts of Normanton, to the north, are lakes that are home to a variety of birdlife: jabirus, brolgas, herons and waterbirds of all description work these lakes for food, providing great photographic potential.
In the centre of Landsborough Street, opposite the old powerhouse site, is the original well, from which water was drawn by residents during the early settlement of Normanton. The light pole next to the well was forged at the foundry in Croydon.
Along the Flinders River, Archer's Creek (where Krys the Crocodile was shot) and the Norman River at Glenore are some good fishing spots.
KARUMBA & KARUMBA POINT
LOCATION
- 72 km North of Normanton
- 781 km West of Cairns
- 425 km East of NT border
AIRSTRIP
Airstrip located at Karumba Point
SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
Karumba is situated at the mouth of the Norman River and is the centre of the Gulf's prawning and barramundi industries. The wetlands which extend inland for approximately 30kms are a series of meandering saltwater tidal estuaries, habitat of saltwater crocodiles and a vast array of bird species, such as pelicans, brolgas and black swans.
Karumba is serviced by a bitumen road however before travelling in the wet season road condition information should be sought.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Prawn trawlers once docked in Karumba to unload their cargo of prawns, now however, most are transferred to east coast ports for processing.
A barramundi fishing industry operates out of the port of Karumba. The fishermen harvest this exquisite fish from the delta system, creeks and inlets that cut across the wetlands of the Gulf shore. They spend months living on their boats in the security of inlets which are inhabited by saltwater crocodiles as well as waterbirds that follow the barra boats for handouts.
The Flying Boat Base. The Port of Karumba was originally a refuelling
and repair stop for the Empire Flying Boats which connected Sydney to Great
Britain. These large airships landed on the stretch of the river in front
of the town. This route, during the war, was the only aerial connection
Australia had with the rest of the world. Karumba was also a Catalina Flying
Boat base for the Royal Australian Air Force and the ramp onto which these
amphibians taxied is now the street that runs beside Karumba Lodge, including
the boat ramp into the Norman River.
Fishing the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Species of fish are prevalent from queen fish to marlin and sailfish. Boat hire and cruises are available for those interested in fishing. See Transport/tours section for further information.
The Wetlands. Mutton Hole Wetland covers 9000 hectares in the Gulf Plains bioregion. This wetland contains Karumba plains wetland vegetation communities, all of which are unrepresented in the current reserve system. These wetlands are of state and territory, national and international significance for breeding, feeding, moulting and drought refuge for waterbirds that include Whistling Ducks, Sarus Cranes, Brolgas and waders. The wetland is listed under the National Estate, to be the leading light of how local communities and government can work together to protect important nature values, cultural values as well as maintain an income for local businesses.
Old cemetery. On the road to Karumba Point there is an old cemetery from the days when Karumba was known as "Norman Mouth" telegraph station. This dirt track turns off to the left halfway between the turn-off and the Point.
Wrecks. Upriver from Karumba on the left hand side of the Norman River is the wreck of a large vessel blown into the mangroves by a cyclone where she remains, still high and dry.
Sweers Island, in the Wellesley Group, can be accessed from Karumba either by air or vessel. Explore the remains of Carnarvon, an early settlement established by William Landsborough. The island has golden beaches, a gravestone from the HMCS Victoria, caves, lime kiln and an excellent anchorage. Sweers Island would be one of the most romantic and remote islands in Australia.
Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association
The Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association is a non profit organisation which relies heavily on volunteer workers, donations and membership contributions to help cover the cost of thousands of baby barra being released into the wild.
The Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association is unique in that it is the only restocking group in Queensland that has been created by the commercial sector. Some years ago, a group of professional barra fishermen got together and decided that, in order to have a future sustainable fishery in Gulf waters, breeding barra to replace the ones being taken was the way to go.
The organisation has been issued permits by the QFMA to stock fish in the Norman River at Karumba and the Albert River at Burketown. 100,000 fingerlings are stocked annually into the nursery waters of these two rivers. Lake Moondarra and Lake Belmore are also being stocked with the Gulf strain of barra.
See, feed and touch barramundi broodfish, some weighing up to and over 25 kg. Hear how the barramundi spawn in captivity and how their larvae are reared to fingerling size for release in the wild.
The Barramundi Farm is open to the public daily. Coaches and Educational Groups are welcome. Drinks and a range of souvenirs including barramundi merchandise are available. All proceeds support the Barramundi Restocking Program. For further information contact the Barra Farm.
Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association - The Barra Farm
P.O. Box 3 KARUMBA Q 4890
Telephone 61 7 4745 9359
Email: gulfbarramundi@bigpond.com
KARUMBA POINT
LOCATION
- 69 km North of Normanton
- 781 km West of Cairns
- 425km east of NT border
SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
Karumba Point, is the only stretch of beach in the Gulf of Carpentaria that can be accessed by sealed road. At the Point there are government establishments, such as the Boating Patrol, as well as facilities for visitors - shops, motels, caravan parks, cabins, bait supplies, ice, etc. Karumba Point beach is well worth walking and the sunsets are spectacular.
KOWANYAMA
LOCATION
- 670 km North-West of Cairns
- 450 km North of Normanton
- 120km South of Pormpuraaw (Edward River)
SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
Kowanyama is an Aboriginal community located 25 kilometres from the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria on the Mitchell River delta area with a sealed airstrip. Within the Kowanyama Trust Area there is a variety of landscapes including extensive marine Savannah grassland plains, dense dune woodlands and vine thickets, open eucalypt country and freshwater wetlands.
The abundant wildlife of the Mitchell delta is valued as a subsistence hunting resource by the community. The Kowanyama Council has a Land and Resource Management Policy for Trust Lands, which will maintain wildlife populations and allow the traditional lifestyle of the Aboriginal community to be maintained.
The philosophy of the community's involvement in tourism is one of careful management to ensure that their Land and Resource Management Policy is abided by. The Aboriginal Ranger Service polices the Trust Area as an important part of the Kowanyama Natural Resources Management Office's activities in maintaining Council management policies.
Campsites - a limited number of unimproved bush locations on both fresh and saltwater sites within the Mitchell River delta area, including an estuary. A camping fee is charged and regulations apply.
The Trust Area is definitely a no hunting area.
The Queensland Government has passed a number of reforms to address the alcohol and violence issues afflicting Indigenous Communities across the State. These reforms include amendments to the Liquor Act 1992 which were approved by State Parliament in September 2002. The new laws enable a restricted area to be declared on Aboriginal land and a limit set for the amount of alcohol carried in a public place within that restricted area.
Possession of alcohol is strictly prohibited in this area.
Visitors to Kowanyama should get approval from the Traditional Owners. The Land Office can let you know who to consult for approval. It is also advisable to contact The Kowanyama Land and Natural Resource Management Office to determine what areas may be closed to access. All visitors must contact the office before going fishing or camping. Both these activities are seasonal.
Inquiries are welcome and should be directed to the Kowanyama Land and Natural Resource Management Office. Telephone 61 7 4060 5187 Fax 61 7 4060 5250 or email klco@bigpond.com. Bookings should be made prior to arrival.
