Burketown is the administrative centre of the Burke Shire which covers 40,000 square kilometres. The town is 25km from the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria and is situated on the Albert River. It forms the meeting place of wetlands and savannah grasslands. The wetlands to the north are the breeding grounds of crocodiles, prawns, birds and one of Australia’s favourite eating fish, the barramundi. Fauna of the savannah area include a myriad of birdlife, marsupials and reptiles. You might even get to see brolgas dancing on the plains as part of their courting rituals.
To add to the mystique of the area, Burketown is the home of a very rare weather phenomenon, known as the Morning Glory. Here, on the doorstep of the Gulf of Carpentaria, you could be lucky enough to see this spectacular cloud formation. And we can virtually guarantee that you won’t ever have seen anything like it! This unique cloud formation rolls across the sky in a distinctive tubular shape in spring, reaching up to 1000km in length – and the Burke Shire is one of only two places in the world where it is known to occur. For years, gliders have surfed the Morning Glory at every opportunity, taking on the largest dynamic wave in the world. No wonder it’s on many people’s bucket list and visitors come from all over the world just to witness this wonder of nature.
The Morning Glory clouds usually appear between September and November … and, of course, the weather conditions need to be just right. The cloud is usually visible from around 6.00am until about 8.30am. As with all weather phenomena, the Morning Glory cloud’s appearance is unpredictable – but it’s definitely worth staying longer in the area just to experience this unique event.
Opening hours for the Burketown Visitor Information Centre vary depending on the time of year. Check out signage on the building door for times. You’ll also find a contact number to speak to someone outside of those hours if need be.
Wander around to your heart’s content. Learn some of the history of the area by visiting some of the older attractions, as they are among some of the best destinations in the Gulf. Colonial Flat is a significant site in the history of Australia. It is the site of the Landsborough Tree and the depot camp which was set up during the search for missing explorers Burke and Wills. The nearby river is the final resting place of the brig, Firefly, which was used in the search and was one of the first ships ever to have entered the Albert River.
The old town bore is a sight to behold with a century-plus of mineral deposits built up around it from the flowing artesian water. Steaming hot water still comes from the bore and forms a billabong where you’re likely to see a number of birds. If you’re a birdwatcher, birds you might see while you’re in the Burketown region include jabiru, brolgas, stilts, finches, sea eagles and kites and a myriad of migratory shorebird invade annually in time for the wet.
Visit the cemetery and read the gravestone inscriptions, a stark reminder of the tumultuous early days of the town and the ravaging effect of the Gulf Fever – probably Malaria.
Visit the Frederick Walker Monument just up from the Leichhardt River crossing inside the gates of Floraville Station – his final resting place after succumbing to Gulf Fever. Walker’s story included the search for Burke and Wills, accurate mapping skills and surveying an electric telegraph line which was to have gone from Bowen to Burketown.
This area is rich in fascinating stories of the past, so discover more of the land’s Aboriginal heritage, the tales of explorers and the early days of primary industry while you’re here.
Accommodation is easy to organise. At Savannah Lodge, fully self-contained villas are available for your stay. You can also enquire through the Lodge about scenic flights that can be taken over Burketown or further away to Sweers Island, Boodjamulla National Park (formerly known as Lawn Hill) or even Boulia.
The Burketown Caravan Park offers air-conditioned cabins and spacious sites, along with a big camp kitchen and a kiosk.
The Burketown Pub is the town’s unofficial headquarters and the perfect place for some good pub grub and a drink. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the choice of tipples here, with a sophisticated wine cellar and 18 varieties of beer. The pub also has accommodation.
At the Tirranna Springs Roadhouse, 35km west of Burketown and 70km out of Doomadgee, you will find great food and friendly staff. With a range of menu options, including steak and chicken burgers and fish and chips, the roadhouse is a great spot to stop for a meal.
Heading west from Burketown to the Northern Territory, the Savannah Way passes through Doomadgee, with the Nicholson River providing some picturesque views right along the roadside. Fuel and accommodation are available at Doomadgee Roadhouse, open seven days a week. 100km west of Burketown, Doomadgee Roadhouse is a 100% Indigenous owned business, benefiting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It illustrates what can be achieved in an Indigenous community with the right partnerships, financial resourcing, good management and corporate governance.
50 kilometres from the Northern Territory/Queensland Border is Hell’s Gate Roadhouse. The Roadhouse is located on Cliffdale Station, a 171,000 hectare cattle property. The current owners, John and Jenny Hays and family, took over the ownership of the Hell’s Gate Roadhouse and Cliff dale Station in December 2015. The Roadhouse officially opened in April 1986, assisting travellers and settlers in this remote part of the country to safely reach their destinations.
Bush camping and superb fishing are now available through a permit system that gives visitors access to Gangalidda Garawa country around Burketown. This land is clearly sign-posted. Permits for day visits or camping can be purchased at the Burketown Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Burke and Musgrave Streets. If you’re planning to arrive later in the day, it’s advisable to obtain your permit prior to your arrival. With a day permit, you need to leave the area by 8.00pm. All funds raised through the permit system go toward employment opportunities and natural resource management projects for the Gangalidda people.
In a move that both protects the environment and shares the land with visitors, Gangalidda and Garawa services now offers access to four camping areas established across the region, as well as fishing areas under their control. They also share the Aboriginal culture of the area and cover the saltpans, bush tucker and some of the local sites with occasional tagalong tours, so enquire at the visitor centre if any are available during your visit.
Also part of Burke Shire is the little settlement of Gregory. Take the short drive (it’s bitumen all the way these days) and have a meal and a coldie at the historic Gregory Hotel. The river there is picturesque and perfect for a cooling dip. Council has provided a free low-impact camping area just across from the pub and Council amenities block.
Riversleigh Fossil Fields, Boodjamulla National Park (formerly known as Lawn Hill) and the nearby picturesque accommodation, Adels Grove, are also in the shire. Adels Grove is a Savannah Guide Station and offer a range of tours in the national park and fossil fields.
Traditionally, the Easter weekend sees the Burketown Barramundi Fishing Championships with lots of prizes and a fun time for all the family. May Day long weekend hosts the annual Saddles and Paddles horse racing at Gregory, followed by the Gregory Canoe Races on the Sunday. The Gregory Campdraft and Children’s Horse Sports have been held in mid June for over 40 years. In August there is the Burketown Rodeo as well as a campdraft. Campdrating is one of the biggest equestrian sports in Australia and showcases the skills of the Australian stockman. The Gregory Branch of the QCWA holds their annual Horse Sports and Family Fun Day each year in the September school holidays.
Keep an eye on Burke Shire Council’s Facebook page for an update on these events and also on the Council’s website for an updated calendar of events as these key events and others are rolled out throughout the year.
Burketown Visitor Information Centre
Phone (within Australia) 07 4745 5111
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We are passionate about promoting the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Outback Queensland. Our website is designed to provide you with all the essential information, insider tips, and exciting experiences to make your journey an unforgettable adventure.
