Karumba
Gulf Savannah, a North Queensland spot, is the home of untouched bushland, World Heritage fossil fields, historic towns, gold and precious gemstones. It also boasts of its golden grasslands inhabited by wildlife, which makes Australia a blessed country of wild animals and exquisite trees and plants. The Gulf is situated near Ravenshoe and the Northern Territory along the impressive Gulf of Carpentaria. The luxurious natural resource of the Gulf is used by the region's people to make a living and a common means of income in the region is prawning. If you are interested in going to Gulf Savannah, then you may as well visit the town of Karumba, the center of prawn industry in the area.
Karumba, a village that is located at the gate of the Norman River, is the sanctuary of more than 500 people. Karumba is very popular for Aussies and frequent Australia travelers because of its growing barramundi and prawn industry. Aside from this, Karumba serves as the refuge of saltwater crocodiles and saltwater tidal estuaries, a playground for various bird species like black swans, pelicans and brolgas.
Attractions
If you want to take a break from the exhausting water sports offered at the beaches of Queensland, then you must go to the green meadows and silent waters of Karumba. There are different activities that you can do in this village to enjoy your stay, and among the things that you can put on your to-do list is a visit to the Flying Boat Base.
The Karumba Port was once the refueling and repair shop of the Empire Flying Boats, hence, the Flying Boat Base is a good location to familiarize oneself with the area's history. Large airships reached the river stretch, which back then, was the only aerial network of Australia to other parts the world. In addition to this, Karumba also served as the base for a Catalina Flying Boat of the Royal Australian Air Force. These interesting sights show that Australia has a very colorful military history.
After touring the historical base, you can relax and go fishing on the Gulf of Carpentaria and Arafura Sea where different kinds of fish like marlin, sailfish and queen fish thrive. There are cruises and boats for hire in the area for you to explore the water and reach the spot where you can catch some fish. After fishing, you can also take some time to roam around the Mutton Hole Wetland that contains Karumba's vegetation communities. These wetlands play a very significant role in feeding, breeding and moulting of Australia's waterbirds such as the Sarus Cranes and Whistling Ducks.
Apart from the Flying Boat Base, the Gulf of Carpentaria and Arafura Sea the site is visited by thousands of tourists every year to see the region's old cemetery. This cemetery reminds the Karumba people when the town was still called Norman Mouth, a telegraph station. In addition to this, you can also join other travelers to view the debris of a huge vessel in the river of Karumba. This ship was blown into the mangroves of the river when a strong cyclone occurred in the area.
If you still have the time after visiting the aforementioned places, then drop by at the Sweers Island and see the relics of the great Carnarvon, an old community that William Landsborough established. This island has amazing beaches, huge caves, an excellent anchorage, lime kiln and a gravestone, which is given by the HMCS Victoria. Sweers Island is considered as one of the romantic destinations in Australia, so do not miss setting foot on this remote site.
Feeling excited to go to Karumba? Then, fly to North Queensland and experience a one-of-a-kind vacation.