Burketown

Known as the Barramundi Capital of Australia, Burketown is a town of some 200 people. It is found in the northwestern region of Queensland about 25 kilometers from the seaside of the great Carpentaria Gulf. Burketown lies on the beautiful Albert River and divides the wetlands of North Queensland. This village has an interesting Australian history of heroism, disappointment and optimism and it has experienced countless floods, tidal waves and cyclones. But, despite the tragedies that have occurred in this area more than a century ago, Burketown still flourishes with beauty to make locals and overseas tourists admire the place.

Attractions

Most of the must-see destinations in Burketown are related to its colorful past. Among these places is the Frederick Walker's Grave, which is 71 kilometers south of the village in Floraville Station. You can get there by passing through the Burketown-Normanton Road. When you reach the dry creek bed, you can locate the tomb of Frederick Walker, an early frequent explorer of Burketown, on the far side.

On the other hand, if you decide to head north, you can drop by at the Old Boiling Down Works, which is considered among the metro's historic sites. Burketown also has an old post office that is a very interesting spot. The post office, which was built in 1887, is among the fist buildings of the village. It served as a typical telegraph and post office for the early populace of the town. Furthermore, the little community of Burketown boasts of its Artesian Bore that is already 100 years old. You might be interested to see this Artesian Bore for it has been functioning for more than a century now, and its water is rich in minerals. Many believe that the Artesian Bore now looks more like a sculpture than an underground water supply tap because it has an artistic form.

Another must-visit destination in the humble village of Burketown is the Lawn Hill National Park, which can be found on the southern part of the community. The astounding form of this tourist spot was caused by erosion. Due to the strong water movement of a subterranean creek, the astonishing oasis that is composed of red rocks, verdant vegetation and limpid water was created. Once you get to this Park, you will be tempted to rent a canoe to see the rich fauna of the location, which includes freshwater crocodiles. There is also a new craze in the Lawn Hill National Park that tourists are raving about, the snapping turtles.

After traveling the Frederick Walker's Grave, the Old Boiling Down Works, Burketown's old post office, the Artesian Bore and the Lawn Hill National Park, you may wonder what more could you do in the Barramundi Capital of Australia. But the truth is Burketown offers more. There is the Adels Grove, an area where you can find various growing tropical trees and fruits. It was founded in early 1900's by Albert de Lestang, a French botanist. In addition to this, you can also visit the Riversleigh Fossil Fields where you can find some fossils of big flightless birds that existed 20 million years ago. Although most of the fossils that were discovered in Riversleigh are already kept in Mount Isa Riversleigh Fossils Display, you can still find some interesting sights in this place.

To complete your tour in Burketown, why not drop by at the Escott Lodge. This cottage, which is a portion of the Escott cattle station, was built in 1864. It has a caravan plus a camping accommodation perfect for those who want to rest and relax under the rich mango tress and coconut palms.

Queensland is indeed a refuge of people who want to have a peaceful and an amusing vacation. No wonder why people, both Aussies and tourists, fly to this Australian state because it has numerous worthwhile locations like Burketown where they can unwind.