Borroloola and the Gulf Region

Borroloola, a remote community on the McArthur River in the Gulf of Carpentaria and once a frontier town, is now the capital of the Gulf region. Home to four main indigenous language groups, the area includes many large cattle stations. Fishing and camping remain a way of life for locals and travellers chasing barramundi. Fifty kilometres from Borroloola, King Ash Bay, a popular fishing spot, attracts thousands of visitors each year and a fishing competition is usually held over the Easter long weekend.

Barranyi (North Island) National Park, located in the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands is a wildlife haven, providing a home to nesting turtles and migratory birds and offers excellent reef fishing opportunities. Access to the islands is limited, and visitors must contact Parks and Wildlife NT before making the journey.

Cape Crawford, at the junction of the Carpentaria and Tablelands Highways, is home to the famous Heartbreak Hotel. Cape Crawford is situated approximately 120 kilometres from the ocean and is so named because it is situated at the northern extremity or ‘cape’ of the Abner Ranges, first ‘discovered’ in 1880 by drover Lindsay Crawford. The Abner Ranges are home to an impressive site known as the Lost City covering an area of some 8 square kilometres and dotted with towering sandstone formations. These natural pillars conjure up images of skyscrapers, and are well worth a visit.

Helicopter flights which touch down in the Lost City give access to the site. Surrounded by grasslands, escarpments, waterfalls and waterholes, Cape Crawford is within easy reach of Limmen National Park (Proposed). The area is home to a stunning array of native wildlife. Another must-see destination is Poppy’s Pools located on the Savannah Way near Cape Crawford.

Must do:

  • Spend an afternoon swimming in the picturesque hot springs of Poppy’s Pools.
  • Visit the towering sandstone pillars of the Lost City.
  • Take part in the Easter Fishing Classic and catch a prize barramundi in King Ash Bay.

Barranyi National Park

The park, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is one of the Territory's most remote visitor destinations. This peaceful wilderness haven is owned by Aboriginal people. Special features of the island park include long sandy beaches like Paradise Bay, a glorious stretch of white beach ideal for walking, beachcombing and birdwatching.

Caranbirini Conservation Reserve

Open daily. Free entry. Just 46km south of Borroloola and easily accessed off the Carpentaria Highway, the reserve protects a diversity of habitats for such a small area, including sandstone hills and ridges, semi-permanent waterhole flanked by riverine vegetation, woodland and intriguing sandstone spires.

King Ash Bay

King Ash Bay is the location of the Borroloola Boat and Fishing Club. The general store has fuel, ice and supplies. Campground, budget accommodation, houseboats and a boat ramp are available for visitors.

The Lost City Formation

Located in the Abner Ranges the site is isolated and access is by helicopter only from Cape Crawford. This is an breathtaking flight and well worth considering. For further information contact Tel: (08) 8975 9611. Entry fee applies.

Limmen National Park (Proposed)

Located 182km north-west of Borroloola, this park is accessed from the Roper River Road or by travelling north from Cape Crawford. It features several large sandstone spires and rounded dome formations resulting from erosion of the sandstone escarpment. The main recreational activity is fishing on the Towns and Limmen Rivers.

Poppy’s Pool

This beautiful secluded thermal pool, located north of Cape Crawford, maintains a temperature of 27°C and is owned by the Mara people. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a beautiful sandstone gorge as a backdrop. For further information contact Tel: (08) 8975 9611. An entry fee applies.