Karumba

Karumba is the only place where there is sealed road access to the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is a prawning and fishing town, where you can watch the sun set over the gulf.

The settlement of Karumba was previously known as Norman Mouth and Kimberley.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year; however, during the monsoon season, transportation methods must be carefully considered, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure. Karumba is situated on the mouth of the Norman River and is the centre of the Gulf's prawning industry. Surrounding environ is flat wetlands which extend inland for approximately 30 kilometres. Wetlands are a series of meandering saltwater tidal estuaries, habitat for saltwater crocodiles and vast array of bird species, such as pelicans, cyrus cranes, brolgas and black swans.

Get in

Karumba is 79km from Normanton on a sealed road. The road can get flooded in wet season.

Karumba does not have a sealed airstrip. There are no commercial scheduled flights.

Get around

On entering the town, a right turn takes you to Karumba Point, which has the best accommodation, the beach and some restaurants. Going straight will take you to Karumba Town.

See

• 1 Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, 149 Yappar St, ☏ +61 7 4745 2211. 9AM-4PM Daily. (updated Jun 2021)

Do

A 3.8km walking/cycling path links Karumba to Karumba Point through wetlands filled with birds and 'roos. It is gravelled but can get muddy in wet season.

Fishing charters and river tours are available in dry season.

Eat

• Prawns. The technology of the prawning industry is such that many of the prawns are never taken to shore, and are processed on board ship. There is still some local catch available.
• 1 Seabreeze Point Store, 33 Palmer St. Best fish n' chips in town. Cheaper than the restaurants, so buy some and go down to eat on the beach. 
• 2 Ash's at the Point, 21 Palmer St. Fresh seafood. 
• 3 Karumba Cafe, Yappar St. Main café/bakery in the river part of town. (updated Jul 2015)

Drink

• 1 Sunset Tavern, Esplanade. An inconsistent seafood pub with fantastic sunset views (like everywhere else along the beach). 

Sleep

• 1 End of the Road Motel, 26 Palmer St (next to Sunset Tavern). Decent motel where several of the rooms have views over the ocean. $150. 
• 2 Karumba Lodge Hotel, Cnr Yappar and Gilbert Streets (Karumba town - go straight when entering town). Complex includes Karumba's main pub, with a restaurant. (updated Jul 2015)
• 3 Matilda's End Holiday Units, Yappar St. (updated Jul 2015)
• 4 Gulf Country Caravan Park, 69 Yappar St, ☏ +61 7 47 459 148, gulfcountrycp@outlook.com. (updated Jul 2015)
• 5 Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park, 53 Palmer St (Beach area - turn right approaching town). (updated Jul 2015)