Visiting Carpentaria Shire Karumba
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At the mouth of the Norman River, Karumba is the centre of the Gulf's prawning and barramundi industries. It is located on the edge of the wetlands that extend inland for approximately 30 kilometres. These meandering saltwater tidal estuaries are the habitat of saltwater crocodiles and a vast number of bird species, including pelicans, brolgas and black swans. Karumba is serviced by a bitumen road so access is available year round; however current road conditions information should always be sought, particularly during December, January and February. Karumba is the only stretch of beach in the Gulf Savannah that can be accessed by a sealed road. There are several charter vessels available to go fishing as well as good facilities in town for supplying your own boat. The port of Karumba was originally a refuelling and repair stop for the Empire Flying Boats and also supported a Catalina Flying Boat Base for the Royal Australian Air force. LOCATION
AIRSTRIP Many prawn trawlers dock in Karumba to unload their cargo of prawns and a barramundi fishing industry operates out of the port. 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. Important Notice for Anglers at Karumba The Wetlands: Mutton Hole Wetland covers 9000 hectares in the Gulf Plains bioregion. 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. Mutton Hole Wetlands are currently being developed for tourist access. FACILITIES Ambulance - 000 (Winter) April - September
ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES A Raptis & Sons Seafood Retail Shop Ash's Holiday Units & Café - Awesome Annies Supermarket Carpentaria Fuels Carpentaria Ghost Nets Carpentaria Quality Meats
End of the Road Motel Ferryman Cruises Fishbreath Cafe Gee Dee's Units Gone Fishin Units Gunn's Electrical Phone: (07) 4745 9359 Fax: (07) 4745 9359 Gulf Country Caravan Park Happy Days Seafood Jones Marine
Jay Seas Holiday Units K & I Cabins
Karumba Café Karumba Masseur Karumba Wren Fishing & Coldstore Karumba Hot Bread
Karumba Livestock Loading Karumba Lodge Hotel / Motel Karumba Marine Services Karumba Point Service Station Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park Karumba Point Tourist Park Karumba Progress Association Karumba Recreational Club Karumba Supermarket Karumba Taxis KB Automotive Kathryn "M" Charters Kerry D Fishing Charters Matilda's End Holiday Units & Car Hire Mrs Macs Pharmacy Nolan's Plumbing
Pilot's Rest Holiday House Point SeaBreeze Store
Seabreee Point Store Stormwick Holiday House
Wells Plant Hire Wilson's Engineering |
Fishing the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria: common species of fish are queen fish, grunter, salmon, mackerel as well as marlin and sailfish. Boat hire and cruises are available for those interested in fishing. See accommodation/services section for further information.
Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association - The Barra Farm