Burketown
Town
Population 176
Burketown is on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria, on the dividing line between the wetlands to the north and the Gulf Savannah plains to the south. It was named after the ill-fated explorer Robert Burke, who was the first European (with partner William John Wills) to arrive in the area. Regularly in spring, the natural phenomenon known as Morning Glory takes over the horizon at dawn between Burketown and Sweers Island, offshore. The clouds appear as rolling tube-like formations and can extend for more than 1000 kilometres.
Visitor Information
Old Post Office (Apr–Sept); or council offices (Oct–Mar), Musgrave St, (07) 4745 5100
Nearby national parks
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Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
In Queensland’s arid far north-west lies a place of such unexpected and arresting beauty that its remoteness appears to be no...more
Nearby towns
In Town
Museum and Information Centre: in the original post office, with displays on the history of the area plus local arts and crafts. Open Apr–Oct; Musgrave St. Artesian bore: operating for over 100 years and quite a sight to see due to the build up of minerals; The Great Top Rd.
Nearby
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Approximately 90 km W of the town of Gregory, this park is steeped in Aboriginal, pastoral and evolutionary history. Highlights include canoeing, swimming and walking in lush Lawn Hill Gorge, home to the Waanyi rock-art sites of Wild Dog Dreaming and Rainbow Dreaming, and the early-morning climb to Island Stack. The park's Riversleigh section contains some of the world's most significant mammalian fossils, which record the evolution of mammals over 20 million years, as the vegetation changed from rainforest to semi-arid grassland. Guided tours provide an insight into the ancient world, and there is a self-guide interpretive trail.; public access is restricted to D site. Access to the park by conventional vehicle is best from Cloncurry; 4WD access from Burketown, Mount Isa and Camooweal; 200 km sw.Original Gulf Meatworks: machinery relics of this once-thriving industry; just north of town. Colonial Flat: site of the Landsborough Tree. Blazed by the explorer in 1862 on his search for Burke and Wills, it became the depot camp for search parties and the resting place of Landsborough's ship Firefly – the first ship to enter the Albert River; 5 km E. Nicholson River wetlands: breeding ground for crocodiles, fish and birds; 17 km W. Bluebush Swamp: large wetland area ideal for birdwatchers; 30 km SW. Sweers Island: excellent spot for lure and fly fishing, plus golden beaches and over 100 species of birds; access by aircraft or boat, details from visitor centre; 30 km N. Leichhardt Falls: picturesque flowing falls in rainy months; 71 km SE. Gregory: small outback town that holds the Gregory River Canoe Marathon in May; 113 km S. Fishing and boat tours: to nearby estuaries and Wellesley Islands; details from visitor centre.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Birdwatching in Mutton Hole Wetlands 140 km
Take your binoculars to the 9000-hectare Mutton Hole Wetlands, between Karumba and Normanton, which are of international significance as a breeding, feeding, moulting and drought refuge for birds. You will find a variety... Find out moreGulflander 162 km
Jokingly referred to as the train from nowhere to nowhere, the Gulflander runs 150 kilometres between Normanton and Croydon, along a track that has never been linked to the main Queensland rail system. It is a great way... Find out moreCampsites around town
Albert River camping area (bush camping) 3 km
Bush camping for self-sufficient campers is permitted on the banks of the Albert River north-east of Burketown; there are no designated sites and no facilities. The Western Gulf Region of Queensland has a mixture of... Find out moreHells Gate Roadhouse 130 km
Open only Apr–Sept/Oct, this roadhouse is on the Savannah Way, 180 km west of Burketown and 48 km east of the NT border. The Western Gulf region has a mixture of sealed and maintained unsealed roads; check with... Find out moreKingfisher Camp 133 km
Kingfisher Camp is 42 km west of the Savannah Way, and a further 126 km from Burketown. The campground has 30 grassed, shaded sites at one end of a 5 km waterhole. Each campsite has its own fireplace and water tap.... Find out moreKarumba Point Tourist Park 140 km
This caravan park has an excellent range of facilities including a swimming pool, craft shop, 2 amenities blocks, fish-cleaning areas and laundry facilities. Air-conditioned on-site caravans are available. You’ll... Find out moreAdels Grove Camping Area 150 km
Most sites at this campground, 10 km north of the national park, have water, a fireplace and barbecue plate, but no power is available. There is a modern amenities block and a laundry with 2 machines. Other... Find out moreLawn Hill Gorge camping area 154 km
This campground for self-sufficient campers has 20 campsites adjacent to Lawn Hill Creek, about 4 km from the park entrance. Conventional vehicles can access the park May–Sept, but 4WD is preferred. One vehicle per... Find out moreNormanton Tourist Park 163 km
This tourist park has 55 powered sites, 25 unpowered sites and the option of 12 self-contained ensuite cabins or 5 budget rooms. Facilities include a 25 m lap pool, artesian spa bath, 3 amenities blocks, and most sites... Find out moreMiymba camping area (bush camping) 165 km
On the banks of the Gregory River, Miymba is 3.5 km south from Riversleigh D Site. Conventional vehicles can access the park May–Sept, but 4WD is preferred. Open fires and generators are prohibited; bring all... Find out moreLeichhardt Camping Park 167 km
About 800 m from the Norman River on the Normanton–Croydon Rd (Savannah Way), 26 km east of Normanton, there are no powered sites here, but campers are encouraged to bring their own generators. Normanton, the major... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park 139 km
This is a good quality park close to the boat ramp and very popular with those tourists who flock to the area in the cooler winter months. Some stay for a whole winter. The park has a roast dinner each Friday night.... Find out moreGulf Country Caravan Park 140 km
Karumba is an extremely popular winter destination, when southern tourists flock north during the cooler winter season. A reservation is necessary during this extremely busy period. This park is just 50 metres from the... Find out moreKarumba Point Tourist Park 140 km
This is a popular tourist spot located 7.5 km from Karumba. A feature of the park is the fish barbecue on Saturday nights. The park has a craft shop with a range of stock. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreKingfisher Camp 142 km
This is a great place to spend a few quiet days under shady trees on lush lawns beside a large waterhole on the Nicholson River. The camp is open between April and October and is reached along unsealed roads from... Find out moreNormanton Tourist Park 162 km
Located in the centre of town, the park has good amenities, some large shady trees, and the town’s swimming pool within its bounds. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
The hotel has eight air-conditioned motel units with refrigerators and ensuites, plus eight hotel rooms with shared facilities. Four of the hotel rooms are air-conditioned. There’s a licensed dining area and you... Find out more
Adjacent to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and 50 kilometres from the World Heritage–listed Riversleigh Fossil deposits, the accommodation here is beside spring-fed Lawn Hill Creek, downstream from Lawn Hill... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Gregory Downs Camp Area 105 km
West side of bridge Large area just off the road at the bridge over Gregory River. Good shade. GPS: S18 38.739 E139 15.015... Find out moreBang Bang Rest Area 146 km
84 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 110 km S of Normanton (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S18 31.577 E140 39.199 ... Find out moreQT125 Rest Area 146 km
156 km N of Burke and Wills (L) or 38 km S of Normanton (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S17 57.700 E140 54.232... Find out moreQT124 Rest Area 147 km
116 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 78 km S of Normanton (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S18 17.285 E140 48.571... Find out moreDonors Hill Rest Area 147 km
57 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 137 km S of Normanton (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S18 41.886 E140 30.715... Find out moreLawn Hill Camp Area 154 km
98 km W of Gregory Downs Small campground in a natural bush setting. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. Bookings essential. GPS: S18 42.05 E138 29.18... Find out moreCowan Downs Rest Area 167 km
23 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 171 km S of Normanton (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S18 59.199 E140 26.073 ... Find out moreLeichhardt Lagoon Camp Area 168 km
24 km SE of Normanton (R) or 131 km W of Croydon (L) Large camp area located 800 metres off the highway in a natural bush setting near the Norman River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S17 51.063 E141 07.719... Find out moreWhat's on around town
World Barramundi Championships: Easter.
May Day Weekend (Gregory): May.
Arts and Crafts Festival: Aug.
Campdraft: Sept.
