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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.
The Carpentaria Shire is operates a visitor information centre through the Karumba Library Phone: (07) 4745 9582.
LOCATION
- 72 km north of Normanton
- 781 km west of Cairns
- 425 km east of NT border
AIRSTRIP
Airstrip located at Karumba Point
ATTRACTIONS
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.
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: common species of fish are queen fish, grunter, salmon, mackerel, marlin and sailfish. Boat hire and cruises are available for those interested in fishing. See accommodation/services section for further information.
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.
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.
Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association/Barramundi Discovery Centre: 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: barrafarm@bigpond.com
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