Gulf Region
Travelling east from Katherine takes you to the Gulf of Carpentaria - the shallow sea between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The area is home to four main indigenous language groups- Yanuwa, Mara, Kurdanj and Karawa. Its early pastoral areas were opened up by the ill-fated German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845, and today the Gulf region encompasses some of Australia’s largest cattle stations – several the size of small European countries.
The Gulf’s remote, unspoilt waterways are some of Australia's most unique and exciting fishing destinations. On the Northern Territory side of the Gulf, Roper Bar is the natural rock crossing separating the saltwater from the freshwater sections of the mighty Roper River.
The area is home to four main indigenous language groups- Yanuwa, Mara, Kurdanj and Karawa. Its early pastoral areas were opened up by the ill-fated German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845, and today the Gulf region encompasses some of Australia’s largest cattle stations – several the size of small European countries.
The Gulf’s remote, unspoilt waterways are some of Australia's most unique and exciting fishing destinations. On the Northern Territory side of the Gulf, Roper Bar is the natural rock crossing separating the saltwater from the freshwater sections of the mighty Roper River.
Further south, the small township of Borroloola is set on the McArthur River and is the Gulf's service centre for pastoral, fishing and mining industries.
It is home to about 300 people. Fishing enthusiasts can head to King Ash Bay about 40 kilometres past Borroloola, it is a popular fishing spot because of its huge tidal range. Located on the McArthur River, King Ash Bay focuses on the boat ramp. The King Ash Bay Fishing Club allows non-members to camp on the banks of the river.
It is home to about 300 people. Fishing enthusiasts can head to King Ash Bay about 40 kilometres past Borroloola, it is a popular fishing spot because of its huge tidal range. Located on the McArthur River, King Ash Bay focuses on the boat ramp. The King Ash Bay Fishing Club allows non-members to camp on the banks of the river.
Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres south-west of Borroloola, is surrounded by savannah woodland, rock escarpments, waterfalls and waterholes. From here it is possible to organise a helicopter ride over the ‘lost city’ (large sandstone outcrops and formations formed 1.4 billion years ago) of the Limmen National Park.
The beaches on Barranyi (North Island) National Park, located in the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands, are nesting sites for turtles and many birds use the islands to rest when migrating.
Access to the islands is by private boat or charter only and you must contact the Parks and Wildlife department before making the journey.
The beaches on Barranyi (North Island) National Park, located in the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands, are nesting sites for turtles and many birds use the islands to rest when migrating.
Access to the islands is by private boat or charter only and you must contact the Parks and Wildlife department before making the journey.
Images with thanks to Google Images
