Borroloola
Town
Population 775
Located beside the McArthur River, Borroloola is a small settlement with a chequered past. As a frontier town and port in the 19th century it was a base for rum smuggling from Thursday Island. It became known as the home of criminals, murderers and alcoholics, a reputation it lost only when it was virtually deserted in the 1930s. Today Borroloola's fortunes have vastly improved and it is popular with barramundi anglers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. Although it lies on Aboriginal land, no permit is required to enter. It also offers access to the waters around Barranyi (North Island) National Park.
Visitor Information
Lot 384, Robinson Rd; (08) 8975 8799
In Town
Police Station Museum: built in 1886, the museum is the oldest surviving outpost in the NT and displays memorabilia and photographs that illustrate the town's history; Robinson Rd. Cemetery: pioneer graves; Searcy St and other scattered sites; map from visitor centre.
Nearby
Cape Crawford This charming town is an excellent base for exploring Bukalara rocks (60 km E) and the Lost City (20 km SE). Bukalara rocks are a mass of chasms winding through ancient sandstone structures (the area is very remote and a guide is recommended). The Lost City is a collection of sandstone turrets, domes and arches formed by water seeping through cracks and eroding the sandstone. It is an important Aboriginal ceremonial site and accessible only by air or 4WD. Flights can be arranged from Cape Crawford. 110 km SW.King Ash Bay: popular fishing spot year-round; 40 km NE. Caranbirini Conservation Reserve: protects weathered rock escarpments and semi-permanent waterhole rimmed by riverine vegetation and open woodland, along with many native birds. Surrounding the waterhole are 25 m sandstone spires providing a vivid contrast in colour and shape to the surrounding countryside; 46 km SW. Barranyi (North Island) National Park: sun-drenched wilderness with long sandy beaches and excellent angling. No permit is required, but visitors are requested to register with the Borroloola Ranger Station. Offshore; (08) 8975 8792; 70 km NE. Lorella Springs: campground and caravan park at thermal springs. The road is unsealed and accessible only during the dry season; 170 km NW. Limmen Bight River Fishing Camp: ideal conditions for barramundi and mud crabs. Accommodation is available but check road access in wet season; 250 km NW. Fishing charters: river and offshore fishing trips; bookings at visitor centre. Scenic flights: over town and the islands of the Sir Edward Pellew Group; brochure at visitor centre.
Campsites around town
King Ash Bay Fishing Club camping area 23 km
The King Ash Bay Fishing Club runs a caravan park and camping area open to members and non-members. It’s beside the McArthur River and has powered and unpowered sites. From Borroloola, head north on the sealed... Find out moreParadise Bay camping area 84 km
In the north of the island, this camping area has toilets and bore water on tap, but not drinking water. A couple of bushwalks lead from here. Campers are encouraged to use gas barbecues rather than fires.... Find out moreHeartbreak Hotel camping area 94 km
A beer garden with its own pool awaits you at this Aussie institution at the junction of the Carpentaria and Tablelands highways, 117 km south of Borroloola. There are 44 powered campsites, with unpowered campsites... Find out moreSouthern Lost City camping area 96 km
On the Savannah Way some 30 km south of Butterfly Springs you’ll see the turn-off to this campsite, which is near the walking track to the lost city formation.... Find out moreButterfly Springs camping area 103 km
Just a couple of kilometres off the Savannah Way, this is the most popular campsite in the park, as it is the only safe spot for swimming. Towards the end of the dry season the water can become stagnant though. Look for... Find out moreLimmen Bight River Crossing camping area 124 km
Just off the Savannah Way, 20 km north of Butterfly Springs, this spot has reasonable facilities but you will need to bring your own drinking water.... Find out moreTowns River Crossing camping area 164 km
Come equipped with firewood and water to this simple campsite on the Towns River, 38 km north of the Limmen Bight River Crossing.... Find out moreLeichhardts Caravan Park 244 km
Anglers flock to Leichhardts Caravan Park at Roper Bar, and its well-used boat ramp has seen many a good catch come in. You are advised to bring your own drinking water, or at least boil the water here, as even the... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Heartbreak Hotel Caravan Park 92 km
The park forms part of the Heartbreak Hotel complex. It has a large grassy camping area with shady trees but the showers, toilets and laundry all require attention. The hotel serves counter meals to be enjoyed on the... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Heartbreak Hotel Cape Crawford
At the junction of the Carpentaria and Tablelands highways, in the Gulf of Carpentaria region, you’ll find a welcoming pool, good pub food and basic rooms at the Heartbreak Hotel. The bar is worth a visit alone as... Find out moreA stopover for travellers during the dry season and a magnet for anglers later in the year, King Ash Bay is 40 kilometres south of Borroloola. It’s a great place to relax for a couple of days when making the long... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Little River Rest Area 100 km
10 km W of Cape Crawford (L) or 260 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Small clearing just off the highway on the banks of the river. Good shade. NOTE: No sign. GPS: S16 41.998 E135 38.312... Find out moreGoanna Creek Area 122 km
40 km W of Cape Crawford (R) or 230 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Small but secluded area well off the highway. Good views over the surrounding countryside. GPS: S16 42.201 E135 22.022 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Barra Classic: Easter.
Rodeo: Aug.
