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
54 Yappar Street, Karumba
Phone 0425 868 708
website link coming soon
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.
Phone 0425 868 708
website link coming soon
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.
CROC AND CRAB TOURS
Karumba
Phone (07) 4745 9009 / Fax (07) 4745 9001
Mobile 0428 496 026
website link coming soon
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.
Phone (07) 4745 9009 / Fax (07) 4745 9001
Mobile 0428 496 026
website link coming soon
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 COMPETITIONVisitors 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.
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
KARUMBA LODGE
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MOTELS
HOLIDAY HOMES
HOLIDAY APARTMENTS
JAY SEAS HOLIDAY UNITS
30 Palmer Street, Karumba
Phone (07) 4745 9414
jayseaskarumba@bigpond.com
The only holiday units with absolute beachfront!
Jay Seas Holiday Units are owner-operated, offering absolute beachfront self contained accommodation, close to all the amenities and facilities Karumba offers.
The accommodation consists of three fully self-contained ground level units set among tropical landscaped gardens. Each unit a large open living area, a queen bed and two single beds, a four burner stove and all the necessary utensils. All linen is supplied. All units feature ensuite bathrooms, are air conditioned, and have fans.
Jay Seas Holiday Units features a salt water pool, beachside communal barbecue area as well as fish cleaning and freezing facilities. After a hard days fishing or enjoying the area, you can relax watching sensational sunsets from The Balcony or from the pool overlooking the Gulf Of Carpentaria.
Phone (07) 4745 9414
jayseaskarumba@bigpond.com
The only holiday units with absolute beachfront!
Jay Seas Holiday Units are owner-operated, offering absolute beachfront self contained accommodation, close to all the amenities and facilities Karumba offers.
The accommodation consists of three fully self-contained ground level units set among tropical landscaped gardens. Each unit a large open living area, a queen bed and two single beds, a four burner stove and all the necessary utensils. All linen is supplied. All units feature ensuite bathrooms, are air conditioned, and have fans.
Jay Seas Holiday Units features a salt water pool, beachside communal barbecue area as well as fish cleaning and freezing facilities. After a hard days fishing or enjoying the area, you can relax watching sensational sunsets from The Balcony or from the pool overlooking the Gulf Of Carpentaria.
GEE-DEE'S FAMILY CABINS... AND HOLIDAY HOUSE
27 Palmer Street, Karumba
Phone (07) 4745 9433
www.karumbaaccommodation.com.au
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.
Sharon and Jeff welcome you to Gee-Dee's Family Cabins at Karumba Point, affordable family-style, couples or fisherperson accommodation on the Gulf of Carpentaria at the mouth of the Norman River. The whole mood is relaxed as travellers, fishermen, birdwatchers and locals gather in the late afternoon to enjoy the 'million dollar sunset' across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Phone (07) 4745 9433
www.karumbaaccommodation.com.au
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.
Sharon and Jeff welcome you to Gee-Dee's Family Cabins at Karumba Point, affordable family-style, couples or fisherperson accommodation on the Gulf of Carpentaria at the mouth of the Norman River. The whole mood is relaxed as travellers, fishermen, birdwatchers and locals gather in the late afternoon to enjoy the 'million dollar sunset' across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
OTHER HOLIDAY APARTMENTS
CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS
GULF COUNTRY CARAVAN PARK
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SUNSET CARAVAN PARK
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