{"id":609,"date":"2018-11-12T23:51:18","date_gmt":"2018-11-12T13:51:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/?post_type=destination&p=609"},"modified":"2022-12-16T13:41:01","modified_gmt":"2022-12-16T03:41:01","slug":"burketown","status":"publish","type":"destination","link":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/destination\/burketown\/","title":{"rendered":"Burketown"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

One of the best destinations in the Gulf Country.<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Perhaps it\u2019s the relative isolation of the area or the feeling you get while driving through the region that the bushland looks much the same as it must have done hundreds of years ago, but there\u2019s something about the Burke Shire that makes it easy to imagine this land when brave pioneers ventured far from home to settle here. The land seems imbued with the spirit of both the original inhabitants and those intrepid trailblazers and the early history of the area has an allure that can be missing in more populated areas.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Image\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Burketown is the administrative centre of the Burke Shire. A couple of years ago now, the\u00a0new town hall\u00a0opened its doors and holds musical, comedy and theatrical events periodically throughout the year, so make sure your keep an eye out for any adverts.<\/p>

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\u2019s favourite eating fish, the barramundi. Fauna of the savannah area includes birdlife, kangaroos and emus.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Morning Glory Cloud Formation<\/h3>

And you know that song that everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you? Well, up here on the doorstep of the Gulf of Carpentaria you could be lucky enough to be here at the right time to see a very rare weather phenomenon, known as the Morning Glory. And we can virtually guarantee that you won\u2019t have ever seen anything like it! This unique cloud formation rolls across the sky in a distinctive tubular shape in spring. The cloud phenomenon can reach up to 1000km in length and the Burke Shire is one of only two places in the world where it is known to occur on a frequent basis.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Painting\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

For years, gliders have surfed the Morning Glory at every opportunity. It even has its own documentary, Rob Thompson\u2019s Morning Glory, which follows the placing of meteorological instruments in remote Gulf areas and the exploits of hang-gliders as they take on the largest dynamic wave in the world.<\/p>

If stories of people surfing on clouds give you the notion that this is a land of adventure, you\u2019d be right! But it\u2019s also a place where you can relax thoroughly. Many visitors love the lifestyle on the southern shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria so much that they stay an extra day or two – after all, what you can\u2019t fit into today, you can always do tomorrow. Some people enjoy it so much that they stay for months! Maybe it\u2019s something to do with the great fishing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Fishing Tips and Tours<\/h3>

Do some fishing at the\u00a0Albert River<\/strong>. This region is a real barramundi headquarters when the weather is warm, but during the main visitor season you might catch salmon, jew, grunter, cod or queen fish. You might spot a crocodile too. Take care, as this region has two species of crocodiles – the relatively harmless freshwater crocodile and the dangerous saltwater croc.<\/p>

While you\u2019re in Burketown why not take a full-day or a half-half\u00a0fishing charter with Yagurli Tours<\/strong>?\u00a0 Or perhaps you just want to relax and unwind with a river sightseeing tour on Yagurli\u2019s new custom-built vessel.\u00a0 They also offer cultural and historical 4WD tag-along tours and for something really different a star-gazing tour with a cultural twist!<\/p>

The Nicholson River is a freshwater river. It merges with the Gregory River just north of the Tirrana Springs Roadhouse and meanders through mangrove-lined banks and miles of saltpans to the Gulf of Carpentaria as you follow it north. This region is known for its huge salt flats, some of which are 130 square kilometres in area. It is Australia\u2019s largest aggregate area of saltpan being in excess of 2,000,000ha in size.\u00a0 Every wet season this same area becomes Australia\u2019s largest wetland area and provides critical habitat for migratory and nomadic birds of all descriptions.<\/p>

Boating is an absolute pleasure with the new pontoon provided by the council at the wharf facility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Natural History and Heritage Places<\/h3>

Wander around to your heart\u2019s content. Learn some of the history of the area by visiting some of the older attractions.\u00a0Colonial Flat<\/strong>\u00a0is a significant site in the history of Australia. It is the site of the\u00a0Landsborough Tree<\/strong>\u00a0and 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,\u00a0Firefly<\/strong>, which was used in the search and was one of the first ships ever to have entered the Albert River.<\/p>

The\u00a0old town bore<\/strong>\u00a0is 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\u2019re likely to see a number of birds. If you\u2019re a birdwatcher, birds you might see while you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Flowing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The original\u00a0meatworks\u00a0can be seen just north of Burketown. Then 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.<\/p>

Visit the\u00a0Frederick Walker Monument<\/strong>\u00a0just up from the Leichhardt River crossing inside the gates of Floraville Station. Walker\u2019s 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.\u00a0
<\/b><\/p>

Aboriginal grinding slits<\/strong>\u00a0can be seen in the Leighhardt riverbed and nearby is the junction of the river with the Alexandra which also has seasonal waterfalls. This area is rich in fascinating stories of the past, so discover more of the land\u2019s Aboriginal heritage, the tales of explorers and the early days of primary industry while you\u2019re here.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodation and Facilities<\/h3>

Accommodation is easy to organise. At\u00a0Savannah Lodge<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>

The\u00a0Burketown Caravan Park<\/strong>\u00a0offers air-conditioned cabins and spacious sites, along with a big camp kitchen and a kiosk.<\/p>

The\u00a0Burketown Convenience Store and Post Office<\/strong>\u00a0is the hub of Burketown.\u00a0 The convenience store part of the business has built up over the past decade or so and has meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen goods, bread, grocery lines as well as fuel cans, souvenirs, a bit of electrical gear, clothes, DVDs, mobile phones, extra cables, hard drives and USB sticks! You have to expect the unexpected when it\u2019s the town\u2019s only grocery store.<\/p>

The\u00a0Burketown Pub<\/strong>\u00a0is the town\u2019s unofficial headquarters and the perfect place for some good pub grub and a drink. You\u2019ll be pleasantly surprised at the choice of tipples here, with a sophisticated wine cellar and 18 varieties of beer. The pub also has accommodation.<\/p>

At the Tirranna Springs Roadhouse<\/strong>, 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. You can even cook up your own barbie in the BBQ area provided. There are a number of animals for the kids to see, they\u2019ll love the chooks and pigs, these guys are full of personality!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Heading west from Burketown\u00a0to the Northern Territory, the Savannah Way passes through\u00a0Doomadgee, with the Nicholson River providing some picturesque\u00a0views right along the roadside. There are plenty of photo opportunities\u00a0to be had along the drive, so be sure to stop and stretch your legs\u00a0and soak in the wonder that is the Savannah country.<\/p>

50 kilometres from the Northern Territory\/Queensland Border is\u00a0Hell\u2019s Gate Roadhouse<\/strong>. The Roadhouse is located on Cliff dale Station,\u00a0a 171,000 hectare cattle property. The current owners, John and\u00a0Jenny Hays and family, took over the ownership of the Hell\u2019s Gate\u00a0Roadhouse and Cliff dale Station in December 2015. The Roadhouse\u00a0officially opened in April 1986, assisting travellers and settlers in this\u00a0remote part of the country to safely reach their destinations. For those\u00a0curious about the name Hell\u2019s Gate, the name comes from the small\u00a0gap in the escarpment that the road passes through, one kilometre\u00a0south of the Roadhouse. Back in the early days when the Gulf was\u00a0being settled, a police contingent would escort travellers and settlers\u00a0to the \u2018portals of Hell\u2019s Gate\u2019. After this point, they were on their own\u00a0until they reached police protection at Katherine in the Northern Territory.<\/p>

The roadhouse, open seven days a week from 7.00am to 8.30pm, also\u00a0has a range of accommodation, from en suite cabins with air conditioning,\u00a0refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities to unpowered\u00a0camping. Meals are available all day, and there is also a restaurant\u00a0and fully licensed bar. Doubling as a mini-store, you can purchase\u00a0basic groceries and supplies for your trip.<\/p>

Not only is the roadhouse a stopping point for fuel and food, but it is\u00a0also the central hub for locals and outlaying stations, and is the place\u00a0to be on Melbourne Cup Day. Also Ladies day is a great event to be\u00a0involved in, with guest speakers and lunch. These are accompanied\u00a0with other events held throughout the year.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Permit Camping at Gangalidda Garawa Country<\/h3>

Bush camping and superb fishing are now available through a permit system that gives visitors access to Gangalidda Garawa country around Burketown. In a move that simultaneously protects the environment and shares the land with visitors, Gangalidda and Garawa Services now offers access to four camping areas established in the vicinity of Burketownr as well as fishing areas under their control.<\/p>

Permits for day visits or camping can be purchased online or at the Burketown Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Burke and Musgrave Streets. With a day permit, you need to leave by 8.00pm. All funds raised through the permit system go toward employment opportunities and natural resource management projects for the Gangalidda Garawa.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Further Afield in Burke Shire<\/h3>

Also part of Burke Shire is the little settlement of\u00a0Gregory<\/strong>. Take the short drive (it\u2019s 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.<\/p>

Riversleigh Fossil Fields,\u00a0Boodjamulla National Park<\/strong>\u00a0(formerly known as Lawn Hill) and the nearby picturesque accommodation,\u00a0Adels Grove<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Annual Events<\/h3>

Every Easter the famed\u00a0World Barramundi Fishing Championships<\/strong>\u00a0is held in Burketown. Make plans early so you\u2019re here for the event next year!<\/p>

Gregory hosts a great race day over the Labour Day long weekend each year, which includes the\u00a0Gregory Canoe Marathon<\/strong>, the\u00a0Gregory Campdraft and Horse Sports<\/strong>\u00a0is held in June and, the\u00a0Gregory CWA Horse Sports<\/strong>\u00a0in September.<\/p>

Back in Burketown, the\u00a0Morning Glory Festival<\/strong>\u00a0is on again this year and will coincide with the\u00a0Burketown Rodeo and Campdraft and Races<\/strong>. Activities galore are planned this year over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend at the end of September.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\"Tourist<\/figure>

Visitor Information<\/h3>

Burketown Visitor Information Centre<\/b>
\nPhone (within Australia) 07 4745 5111<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"featured_media":730,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destination\/609"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destination"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/destination"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destination\/609\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelactionmatildacountry.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}