Katherine to Normanton - Places To Visit
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Katherine
Renowned for the magnificent 13 gorges in Nitmiluk National Park, where you can canoe, boat cruise, swim, walk and take a scenic flight. Katherine also has more to offer. A rich Aboriginal culture is represented in tour experiences and local galleries. Nearby National Parks offer diverse adventure and recreational activities, and the local pioneer history is well interpreted. Visit Edith Falls, also within Nitmiluk National park and don’t miss going swimming and bushwalking in these spectacular surroundings. A wide range of accommodation is available. Katherine is also a major Australian airforce base and mango growing region.
Don’t forget - Katherine is also a gateway into Kakadu National Park and other wonders of the Top End. Darwin is a capital city with plenty to do and flight connections, just 324km of good highway north of Katherine.
Mataranka
Swimming and relaxing at Mataranka Thermal Pools or Bitter Springs Thermal Pools is a must. The classic Australian novel “We of the Never Never” by Jeannie Gunn (1908) tells the story of a pioneer woman’s life here, still represented by the replica homestead and cemetery. Stop to see the diverse artworks and have a coffee at the Stockyard Gallery and Café. The barramundi feeding at Territory Manor is great fun. Swim or canoe in the Roper River - fantastic!
- Elsey National Park
- Stockyard Gallery and Café Phone: 08 8975 4530
- Territory Manor Phone: 08 8975 4516
- Mataranka Cabins and Camping Phone: 08 8975 4838
- Coodardie Station Stay Phone: 08 8975 4460
- Lakeside Mechanical Repairs Phone: 08 89792255
The Roper Bar (unsealed) Route to Cape Crawford
Heading east at Mataranka to Roper bar is the primary Savannah Way route which involves a longer unsealed experience. This road can also be an opportunity for those with four wheel drive vehicles to leave their caravans in Mataranka or Katherine and enjoy a more remote touring loop. As with many remote routes it is advisable to take on fuel at every opportunity. The surface can be rough at times, so drive carefully to preserve your tyres. The road is sealed to Fizzy Creek, about 30km before Roper Bar. Roper Bar is an historic crossing of the Roper River, today consisting of a store and camping ground.
- Roper River Store Phone: 08 8975 4636
From Roper Bar to Cape Crawford there are a series of bush camping opportunities at picturesque river locations. There are pit toilets (no showers) at Butterfly Springs, Limmen Crossing and Towns River. Tomato Island has a boat launching area popular with fishermen. As in all fishing areas, please be aware of estuarine crocodiles and fishing regulations. Lormaieum Lagoon is a peaceful camping site near the evocative St Vidgeon homestead ruins.
- Lorella Springs has fuel, a hot springs pool, campground and fishing. Phone: 08 8983 3728.
- Limmen Bight Fishing Camp has fuel, camping and accommodation. It is 25km downstream on the Cox River from the Savannah Way crossing.
- Limmen National Park - Nathan River Homestead (Ranger Station) Ph: 08 8975 9940
- Poppy’s Pools - beautiful thermal pool on Mara people’s land Phone: 08 8975 9611
The Daly Waters (sealed) Route to Cape Crawford
Travel south from Katherine on the Stuart Highway through Larrimah to turn east at Daly Waters. Larrimah became a town in 1940, and the war history is told in the pub, museum and by exploring nearby Gorrie Airfield. Daly Waters is an historic droving stop and Overland Telegraph Station. The pub is a visitor icon with camping and rooms, and on the outskirts of town is Australia’s first international airfield, also used to help evacuate Indonesian citizens in World War Two. There are roadside overnight camping bays along the Daly Waters to Cape Crawford section, which is all sealed, single lane development road.
Daly Waters Historic Pub Est 1930
A true Territory icon offering a real outback experience. Steeped in history from the early exploration and droving days, free nightly entertainment, Dry Season World Famous Beef & Barra (wild caught Territory Barra). Accommodation in various room styles, powered/unpowered sites and campsites. Best Wayside Inn 2005 2006 2007 2010 Come in for a fun stay! Phone: 08 8975 9925 or visit www.dalywaterspub.com.
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Cape Crawford
The Heartbreak Hotel is the roadhouse stop for fuel, camping, accommodation and meals. Helicopter flights leave from here to view The Lost City, a series of amazing sandstone spire formations.
Borroloola
One of Australia’s most remote towns, with a lawless frontier history, and these days a base for many fishermen. Visit the Old Police Station Museum with a key from the caravan park or nearby mechanic. Waralungka Arts Centre sells local Aboriginal art on weekdays. Guided fishing and boat ramps are available. As in all fishing areas, please be aware of estuarine crocodiles and fishing regulations.
- King Ash Bay Lodge Phone: 08 8975 8998
- Lorella Springs Wilderness Park Phone: 08 8983 3728 (Rhett) or 08 8975 9917 (Station)
- Savannah Way Motel Phone: 08 8975 8883
- McArthur River Caravan Park Phone: 08 8975 8734
- Borroloola Hotel Motel Phone: (08) 8975 8766
- King Ash Bay Boat and Fishing Club has accommodation and camping Phone: 08 8975 9800
- TJS One Stop (repairs) Phone: 08 8975 8813
- Borroloola Information Phone: 08 8975 8799
- Black water dump point at Tamarind Park.
Please ensure you plan your fuel usage between Borroloola and Doomadgee as this is a long stretch between fuel stops (and toilets - be prepared!)
King Ash Bay Lodge
Situated 40km from Borroloola along the Bing Bong road. Set on the banks of the mighty McArthur River, within the King Ash Bay Fishing Club, King Ash Bay Lodge offers travellers and fishermen a friendly and welcoming place to stay. The Lodge offers excellent air conditioned, twin share or double B & B accommodation as an ideal stop over for Savannah Way travelers. Visit www.kingashbay.com.au or phone 08 8975 8998
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Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Australian Outback Sanctuary Eco Adventure
Located 15 degrees south of the equator, in one of the remotest and most isolated areas of Australia or even planet Earth, we offer a superb retreat experience of an outstanding natural wilderness environment fronting the Gulf of Carpentaria. Camping, Caravanning, Fishing, Crabbing, Magic Thermal Springs, Wildlife, Birdlife, a Photographer's Dream. Ph 08 8983 3728 or 08 8975 9917, email mail@lorellasprings.com.au, or visit www.lorellasprings.com.au.
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Barranyi (North Island) National Park
Part of the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands, accessible by boat from King Ash Bay. More information...
Seven Emu Station
Cattle station owned and operated by an Indigenous family, the Shadforths, for three generations. Camp and fish along rivers and 60km of exclusive beach. Fuel available. Phone: 08 8975 9904
Seven Emu Station
Camp on the cliff face of the Robinson River and explore remote 4WD tracks. Great fishing and boat access. See cattle station life and join a half day tagalong heritage tours to the coast. 90km southeast of Borroloola.
Visit www.sevenemustation.com.au.
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Robinson River Community
Aboriginal community 50km off the Savannah Way with fuel and supplies. The community has alcohol restrictions so do not carry in alcohol. Phone: 08 8975 9791
Pungalina & Wollogorang
Although marked on some maps, Pungalina and Wollogorang are no longer open to visitors.
Hell’s Gate Roadhouse
No longer offering full services to visitors. Camping is available but no accommodation or meals. Sometimes fuel - phone ahead to check. Phone: 07 4745 8258
Kingfisher Camp
Popular stop on a 5km waterhole on Bowthorn Station with camping, showers and toilets. Phone: 07 4745 8212
Doomadgee
This Aboriginal community has alcohol restrictions (don’t take any in past the roadhouse) and a small supermarket, plus medical facilities. For more information visit www.gulf-savannah.com.au.
- Doomadgee Roadhouse has fuel, snacks and camping. Phone: 07 4745 8298
- Doomadgee Aboriginal Community Council. Phone 07 4745 8390
Note that in Queensland Alcohol Restrictions apply to many Aboriginal communities. Alcohol may be carried on the Savannah Way by bona fide travellers, though towns such as Doomadgee have severe fines (up to $37,500 first offence plus vehicle confiscation) for breaches. For further information phone 1300 789 000 or see www.alcoholimits.qld.gov.au.
The unsealed Loop to Lawn Hill Gorge
This is a highlight of the region. Try to give yourself at least two nights at Adels Grove or the National Park to enjoy Lawn Hill Gorge. To clarify road conditions ask for updates from locals and travellers in the days beforehand or phone Adel’s Grove. Heavy rain can be problematic on unsealed black soil.
- Boodjamulla National Park
- Adels Grove - Comfortable oasis with all facilities, including camping, accommodation, restaurant, bar and Fossil Fields tours. Phone: 07 4748 5502
- Riversleigh Fossil Site is World Heritage listed, containing over 250 mammal fossil sites from 15-25 million years ago.
- If you can, visit the Riversleigh Fossils Museum in Mount Isa Phone: 07 4749 1555
Adels Grove Camping Ground
An eco-sensitive tourist park on Lawn Hill Creek, located 10 kilometres downstream from Lawn Hill National Park. Set among a plantation of exotic trees initially grown by the French Botanist Albert de Lestang over 80 years ago, this oasis for the dusty, tired traveller:is a perfect place to refresh, relax and recover. Catch Barramundi just metres from your tent site or lie back and watch the cool aqua water meander through the park. Tours of the surrounding Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park as well as the World Heritage Listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields. Bookings are essential. Visit www.adelsgrove.com.au
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Gregory Downs
Great swimming in the Gregory River with camping and fishing from wide sandy banks.
- Gregory Downs Hotel Phone 07 4748 5566
Escott Station
Although marked on some maps, Escott is no longer open to visitors.
Burketown
The oldest settlement in the Gulf boasting a rugged frontier history of “Gulf Fever” devastating the pioneers, Burketown is today the “Barramundi Capital of Australia”. Visit historic sites including the cemetery. Fishing tours available. During Sep-Nov you may see the bizarre “Morning Glory” cigar-shaped cloud formations at dawn.
- Burketown Visitor Information Centre Phone: 07 4745 5111
- Burketown Caravan Park Phone: 07 4745 5118
- Burketown Pub Phone: 07 4745 5104
- Savannah Lodge Phone: 07 4745 5177
- BA Fishing Tours Phone: 07 4745 5118
Leichhardt Falls
Good walking and picnic spots around the Leichhardt River crossing - beware of crocodiles. Note the statue of Frederick Walker, founder of the Native Mounted Police, near Floraville.
Burke and Wills Camp CXIX
The most northerly known campsite of the ill fated expedition of 1861. Stop to reflect and read the interpretation.
Normanton
For information on Normanton and Karumba, please see our Cairns to Normanton section.
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