THE OUTBACK - KARUMBA

'Welcome to Karumba - population small'. Such is the sign that welcomes visitors to this remote town, which has only recently been 'discovered' by outback travellers. Karumba is quite literally the end of the road; a small town of about 700 people, where the wide Normanton River meets the Gulf of Carpentaria. It's a friendly place, relaxed but still a little bit wild.

NOTE: THE MAIN ROADS THROUGH THE OUTBACK ARE SEALED. ONCE YOU LEAVE THIS MAIN ROAD, CONDITIONS DEPRECIATE QUICKLY, AND YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF ON A GRAVEL TRACK. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR SAFE DRIVING SECTION.

In the 1930's, Karumba served as a base for the so-called 'flying boats' of the Empire Mail Service on their journey from Sydney to London. During World War II the town was a RAAF base for Catalina flying boats. Today, Karumba consists of a port, a few shops, some marine services, budget accommodation for fishermen, and not much more; something of an inauspiscious fascade for its $130 million a year fishing and prawning industries. But this remote town has its own unique atmosphere, retaining a real pioneering feel and a great scope for adventure.

Because of the the Gulf's extensive tidal flats, Karumba is the only town along the southern Gulf of Carpentaria that is actually within sight of the open sea. Karumba is also renowned as the place to see the most spectacular sunsets in all of Australia. If you are visiting between September and November, keep an eye out for the unusual tubular cloud formations known as MORNING GLORIES which roll out from the Gulf in the early morning.

Then, of course, there's the fishing. During the winter months especially, the town's population swells with mad keen fishermen from all around Australia, here to enjoy their favourite passtime. And there is something for everyone in Karumba, no matter whether you are an experienced fisherman, a keen amateur or a first timer, you will surely enjoy the pristine conditions of the gulf waters. There are always boats available for hire or private charter. Most shops, cafes and caravan parks provide bait (prawns, mullet and garfish) and basic fishing gear including lures suitable for local conditions.

The 'run-off' (April - June) usually produces the best fishing and weather conditions in the Gulf. The 'build-up' (Sep - Nov) also fishes well for the angler who is prepared to brave the associated heat and humidity. The dry season (Jun - Sep) is the most comfortable time to travel the Gulf of Carpentaria and the fishing is usually pretty good.

Nearby Sweers Island, only seven kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, caters for the whole family, and it is one of the most remote - and romantic - islands in Australia. But it is to the fishermen that Sweers Island has the greatest attraction. Surrounded by thousands of acres of rocky reef, although some are coral, the most common catches are Sweetlip, Cod, Coral Trout, Parrotfish, Stripeys, Red Emperor, Sea Perch, Spanish Mackerel and Tuna. Barramundi are always a possibility off the beach, and sharks can be seen all year round. Sweers Island can be accessed by private or charter aircraft.

For more information about fishing in Far North Queensland, including species, seasons, suggested baits, boat ramp locations and even a marine map and tide times, please visit our FISHING page.

Sweers Island is also a birdwatcher's paradise, containing about 50 different bird species, including the Rose-crowned fruit dove, Bustards, Ducks and Curlews. Similarly, the Wetlands that lie between Normanton and Karumba are an excellent spot for birdwatching, including migratory birds that travel annually from Australia to Asia. But birdwatchers beware... they are also a habitat for saltwater crocodiles!

The area is also unique as there is only ONE HIGH AND LOW TIDE EACH DAY - compared with the rest of Northern Australia, which has the standard two each day - so this might have something to do with the fishing as well.

ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - KARUMBA

FERRYMAN RIVER CRUISES
Karumba (MAP)
Phone / Fax (07) 4745 9155

www.ferryman.net.au

The ultimate river cruise experience.

Explore the mangrove lined waterway of the Norman river with the Ferryman, informative and educational cruises. Ferryman River Cruises wildlife adventures include birdwatching, croc spotting and unforgettable sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Ferryman River Cruises have lots of room, flat bottom so it's stable and easy wheelchair accessible. While on the cruise, enjoy heaps of snacks (fruit platters, cakes, nibbles, etc), complimentary wine, tea coffee and a full galley and fridge full of COLD drinks. Have heaps of fun with theme nights and the best sunsets in the world.

KATHRYN M FISHING TOURS
Karumba (MAP)
Phone (07) 4745 9449 / Mobile 0429 437 580

www.kathrynm.com.au

Fish the Gulf of Carpentaria.

"Kathryn M" Charters operate out of Karumba from mid April to mid October. Karumba Sunset Cruises are available and include a short cruise up the Norman River to view shore facilities and the Karumba township then out into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Enjoy sunset with wine, beer and nibbles while dangling a line to maybe catch a fish for supper or release.

Some of the most popular species that you can catch are Threadfin Salmon, Javelin (Grunter), Barramundi, Fingermark, Bream, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel and Black Jew.

All you need to bring is a hat and a camera, and suitable clothing and footwear.

KERRY D FISHING CHARTERS
Karumba (MAP)
Phone (07) 4745 9275

www.kerrydfishing.com.au

For a great day out!

Kerry D Fishing Charters operates half and full day fishing charters in Karumba, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Also sightseeing and sunset cruises by arrangement.

Join Kerry D Fishing Charters for any of their fishing trips and get hooked on one of these: barramundi – grunter – salmon – jew – shark – bream – mackerel – queenies - fingermark.

CROC AND CRAB TOURS
Karumba
Phone (07) 4745 9009 / Fax (07) 4745 9001
Mobile 0428 496 026

www.crocandcrab.com.au

Experience an exciting adventure!

If you'd like to experience an exciting adventure, or just kick back and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful tour on board our spacious luxury vessel, then Croc and Crab Tours have something for you.

Croc and Crab Tours operate both half day tours as sunset tours. Take a Croc and Crab Day Tour on the luxury 10 metre vessel, and experience the excitement of an outback-by-the-sea adventure. Half day tours include live crab pot lifting, live crab handling and crab tying and both croc and bird spotting. Or take a peaceful and relaxing Croc and Crab Sunset Tour, and watch the sky and sea turn into fire while you kick back on board this luxury vessel. Enjoy a free wine glass, fresh cooked Gulf prawns, a tropical fruit platter and refreshments on both tours.

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

BARRAMUNDI DISCOVERY CENTRE
148 Yappar Street, Phone (07) 4745 9359.
The Barramundi Discovery Centre is located in what's believed to be one of the first of its type in Queensland, a barramundi farm in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Barramundi Discovery Centre in Karumba includes interactive displays, videos and guided tours around the hatchery.

NATURAL SITES

KARUMBA POINT
Near the entrance of the town, Karumba Point offers fantastic views over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Both photographers, taken aback by the scenery with mangroves in the foreground and the waters of the Gulf disappearing to the horizon, and fishermen, able to catch Barramundi, will be delighted.

EVENTS

KARUMBA FISHING COMPETITION
Visitors to the area will surely enjoy these two days of fishing competitions. Competitions will be held at different levels, so if you enjoy this sport, don't miss the opportunity of catching a barramundi, a king salmon or a grunter.

See our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR for details of this and other regular events in the region.

ACCOMMODATION - KARUMBA

Karumba holiday accommodation ranges from spacious, family friendly holiday homes to comfortable self contained beachfront holiday units. There is an award winning motel, a number of caravan parks and campgrounds, some with cabins and villas, and there is also a resort on nearby Sweers Island. Scroll down or use the buttons in the right hand column to choose your style of Karumba accommodation.

HOTELS AND RESORTS

PELICAN INN KARUMBA 2 Gilbert Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9555 / Fax (07) 4745-9211 Pelicans Inn provides accommodation in a communal style, utilising shared amenities and a number of common rooms. There are 6 classes of accommodation providing options suitable to most visitors to Karumba.

KARUMBA LODGE Yappar Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9121 or (07) 4745 9143

MOTELS

END OF THE ROAD MOTEL 26 Palmer Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9599 Spacious self contained apartments feature separate ensuites, resort style timber furniture and air- conditioning. Winner of Hotel Motel and Accommodation Association's 2007 Queensland Awards for Excellence - 4 star Outback motel

SWEERS ISLAND RESORT Sweers Island Phone (07) 4748 5544 / Fax (07) 4748 5644 There are three cabins with three single beds, one four-bed cabin, one two-bed cabin and two cabins each with six single beds. There is a separate toilet and shower block.

HOLIDAY HOMES

PILOTS REST HOLIDAY HOUSE
48-50 Col Kitching Drive, Karumba Point
Phone (07) 4745 9024
Mobile 0427 459 024

www.pilotsrest.com.au

Private accommodation for up to ten people!

Pilots Rest Holiday House offers completely private stand alone Karumba Point Accommodation. Pilots Rest is a traditional Queenslander, nestled in lush vibrant tropical gardens, with great views. The accommodation is suitable for families, groups and fisher person, with space for up to 10 people.

Close to Beach, Boat ramp, Tavern and Shops. Fully Self contained and Spacious. Air Con & Fans. TV, Video, Dvd, Swimming Pool, Full Kitchen and Laundry, BBQ, Fish cleaning Facilities & Freezer, for your catch. FOR BOOKINGS, Contact ALAN or KERRY BRENNAN.

HOLIDAY APARTMENTS

JAY SEAS HOLIDAY UNITS
Palmer Street, Karumba (MAP)
Phone (07) 4745 9414

www.jayseas.com

The only holiday units with absolute beachfront!

Jay Seas Holiday Units offers absolute beachfront self contained accommodation, close to all the amenities and facilities Karumba offers. The accommodation consists of three fully self-contained units, each one of them with a queen bed and two single beds, a four burner stove and all the necessary utensils. All linen is supplied. All units are air conditioned.

Jay Seas Holiday Units features a salt water pool, barbecue area as well as fish cleaning and freezing facilities. After a hard days fishing or enjoyin the area, you can relax watching sensational sunsets from your balcony.

GEE-DEE'S FAMILY CABINS
27 Palmer Street, Karumba (MAP)
Phone (07) 4745 9433
www.karumbaaccommodation.com

Affordable accommodation by the Norman River.

Your stay will be in a family owned and operated, motel like, cabins that offer you the latest in modern, clean, air conditioned rooms. The property features seven fully self-contained cabins with ensuite and two fully self-contained units with ensuite. There's a large spa and a barbecue area

The cabins are popular with both the business and leisure travellers. This accommodation is located at Karumba Point the entrance of the Norman River into the Gulf of Carpentaria, famous for its sunsets.

ASH'S HOLIDAY UNITS
Palmer Street, Karumba (MAP)
Phone (07) 4745 9132 / Fax (07) 4745 9678

www.ashsholidayunits.com.au

Accommodation for everyone!

Ash's is just across the road from the Gulf of Carpentaria coastline and the Sunset Tavern — simply the best place to be to watch the spectacular Gulf sunsets.

At Ash's you have a choice of spacious open plan, fully self contained units or apartments as well as attractive self contained cabins. These accommodation options are popular with large and small fishing groups, national and international around Australia travelers, business visitors, families and singles — something for everyone. The guest facilities include a sparkling saltwater swimming pool, full laundry facilities, guests' freezer, bbq and lawn area with seating. There is a fish cleaning area and Ash's also has boat hire for those with current boat licences. Fresh linen is available on request. The friendly staff at Ash's Holiday Units will endeavour to assist with your specific accommodation requirements when you next stay in Karumba.

GONE FISHIN' HOLIDAY UNITS 2 The Esplanade, Kurumba Point Phone (07) 4745 9502 Gone Fishin Holiday Units offer two styles of accommodation: two smaller units which would suit a couple, a couple with one child, or two singles, and five larger units are more suitable for a group.

MATILDA'S END HOLIDAY UNITS 62 Yappar Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4747 6500 / Fax (07) 4745 9319 Are you looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely few days or a week where you can go fishing or just relax around the pool, we have the ideal spot for you. Matilda's End has 10 units to choose from, ranging from one bedroom to two and three bedroom family units.

CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

GULF COUNTRY CARAVAN PARK Yappar Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9148 KARUMBA POINT TOURIST PARK Karumba Point Road, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9306 / Fax (07) 4745 9238

SUNSET CARAVAN PARK Palmer Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9277 / Fax (07) 4745 9480 Cabins, Villas, Campsites (Powered/unpowered sites).

DINING - KARUMBA

KARUMBA LODGE BISTRO Yappar Street, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9121 or (07) 4745 9143

KARUMBA RECREATION AND GOLF CLUB Karumba Road, Karumba Phone (07) 4745 9100

GETTING TO KARUMBA

Karumba is nine or ten hours driving time along Highway 1 from Cairns. Of course, it would be a shame to do this drive without exploring a little along the way. We especially recommend a stop at the unique UNDARA LAVA TUBES and of course take your time and enjoy the diverse nature and typical North Queensland atmosphere of the ATHERTON TABLELANDS. Not everybody will be up for the challenge - and this part of the country does provide its share of challenges - but we believe that the grandeur and vastness of the Northern Outback can be best experienced form behind the wheel of your own vehicle. For the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, please visit our CAR HIRE page. Simply fill out our obligation free enquiry form, and we will get back to you - usually the next working day - with the best deal on a a rental car, four wheel drive or campervan to suit your needs.

Major roads in the region are sealed, but there are a number of unsealed roads. Before travelling, be sure to check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS. Care should be taken when travelling on roads within this remote region of the Northern Outback, as numerous ROAD TRAINS ply the highways.

Karumba is also serviced by local tour operators, as part of a longer outback experience. To view the range of tours available, please visit our OUTBACK TOURS page.

SAVANNAH AVIATION
Phone (07) 4745 5177 / Fax (07) 4745 5211
Freecall 1800 455 445

www.savannah-aviation.com

Servicing North QLD and the Northern Territory!

Savannah Aviation offers charter flights to many destinations in the Outback and around North Queensland.

* Alice Springs * Tenant Creek * Burketown * Mornington Island * Doomadgee * Lawn Hill * Century Zinc Mine * Mt Isa * Camooweal * Normanton * Karumba * Katherine * Townsville * Cairns * Borroloola * Robinson River * Merlin Mine * Argyle Mine * Katherine * Darwin *

Savannah Aviation are also available for scenic flights over many of the magnificent sights of our Northern Outback and Gulf region.

SKYTRANS
Tollfree 1300 759 872
www.skytrans.com.au

Connecting Queensland!

Skytrans operates scheduled routes which service regional North Queensland extensively. In fact, Skytrans pride themselves on providing professional aviation services to some of the most remote parts of Australia. Skytrans are constantly expanding the routes offered with the company's primary vision being to connect Queensland, specifically regional Queensland. Their fleet connects Cairns and Townsville with Karumba, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and also Cooktown and destinations around Cape York Peninsula.

Skytrans is also one of the most experienced charter airlines in Australia. Planes can be chartered for a range of uses from commercial to recreational, including fishing adventures, film crews, passenger transport for group bookings and birdwatching.

Savannah Aviation offers charter flight to many destinations in the Outback and in North Queensland, including Mount Isa, Normanton, Karumba, Townsville and Cairns.
.

Trans North Bus and Coach offers a route from Cairns to Karumba, stopping in many of the outback towns along the way. These towns include Undara, Mount Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon and Normanton. The route leaves Cairns every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.30am and gets to Karumba at 6.00pm. The eastbound route then leaves Karumba on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6.30am and arrives in Cairns at 6.15pm.

Karumba is not linked by rail, except to nearby Normanton, on the historic 'Gulflander'. The Gulflander, or 'tin hare' as it is known, only connects Normanton and Croydon, rattling its way between the two towns once a week, leaving Normanton on Wednesdays at 8:30am and departing Croydon at 8:30 Thursday morning. The ride takes four and a half hours

• OUTBACK MAP