Voted the friendliest town in Queensland, Karumba is situated at the mouth of the Norman River, is the centre of the Gulf’s prawning and barramundi industries and is a major port for the export of live cattle and minerals. Karumba is serviced by a bitumen road and has become a popular tourist destination for the relaxed atmosphere and the fantastic fishing.

Like Normanton, Karumba is an historical port. While some prawn trawlers dock in Karumba to unload their cargo of prawns, others freeze their catches on board the vessels and then transfer them to east coast ports for processing.

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.

Fishing the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria is a major tourist attraction and a number of tour operators conduct half or full day fishing trips in the Gulf region. Many species of fish are prevalent from queen fish, grunter, king and blue salmon to barramundi, marlin and sailfish. For visitors with their own boats, ramps can be found both in Karumba town and at Karumba Point.

For those not so keen on the fishing but who do not wish to miss out on the water experience, morning or evening cruises take place. Some cruises specifically cater for the birdwatcher or croc spotter, while other tours offer spectacular views of the setting sun over the waters of the Gulf. While travelling up the river, you will also be able to view the wreck of the Katoora that was blown into the mangroves, her last resting place, during one of the many cyclones that frequent the region.

If you’d prefer to be safely on land, visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre, operated by the Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association. It is a non-profit organisation that relies heavily on volunteer workers, donations and membership contributions to help cover the cost of the release of thousands of baby barramundi into the Gulf waters. See, feed and touch barramundi broodfish, some weighing up to 25kg. Hear how the barramundi spawn in captivity and how their larvae are reared to fingerling size for release in the wild. The Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association is unique in that it is the only restocking group in Queensland created by the commercial fishing industry.

Tour times until the end of September are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting at 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm and 2.00pm. Purchase a unique souvenir after your tour.

During other months, please ring (07) 4745 9359 for an appointment.

Karumba draws a variety of people to its environs from Mount Isa residents, heading north for a weekend of fishing, to grey nomads from the south who stay for several months at a time to escape the cold, damp climates of their home towns. Karumba exudes an authentic, positive atmosphere; the locals take immense pride in their town, the regional visitors treat Karumba as their own piece of paradise and the southerners heading north to experience the beauty of this tropical paradise have only praise to give about this beautiful region.

The mix of people and their interests, and attitudes to life, creates a fantastic melting pot in the town which bubbles with enthusiasm, life and fun.

For more information, or to obtain your free information pack on Karumba and surrounds, please email tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au or ring (07) 4745 1065.

Karumba Visitor Information Centre and Library Walker Street, Karumba Queensland 4891 Phone (07) 4745 9582 Fax (07) 4745 9145 Email: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au Website: www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

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