Gulf Region

Lost City, Savannah Way, NT. Photo credit: Peter Eve/Tourism NT

Gulf Region

Gulf of Carpentaria attractions

Unless you’re journeying around the whole of Australia’s coast or tackling the Savannah Way, the Gulf of Carpentaria’s natural attractions are a long diversion from pretty much everywhere – but then, that’s part of the appeal.

The area is relatively unspoilt. The small town of Borroloola (home to the Yanyuwa people) is a decent stopping point, with beautiful surroundings and a diverting museum. The McArthur River and coastal areas are popular with sports fishermen (and saltwater crocs – so don’t try swimming).

Things to see in Gulf of Carpentaria

Natural attractions are the prime draw of the Gulf.

The Lost City
The 25m sandstone pillars create an awesome sight. A flight over them puts this geological formation brilliantly into perspective.

Barranyi National Park
A boat trip to Barranyi (North Island) National Park is well worth the effort.

4 different types of turtles make their nests here. The island is also a haven for a variety of birds including the endangered Carpentaria grass wren.

Book accommodation in the Northern Territory
Explore the Northern Territory

Northern Territory

How To Find A Gulf

This part of Australia may be remote, but exploring it is easier than it used to be.

In 1860 two explorers, Burke and Wills, led a party that set out from Melbourne with the intention of finding a route through the “ghastly blank” of Australia’s middle to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

As Bill Bryson notes in Down Under, they weren’t ideal choices for the job.

They took with them “a Chinese gong, a stationery cabinet, a wooden table with matching stools…and 1500 pounds of sugar.” And they set off in summer.

Incredibly they made it to the Gulf. Less incredibly, they never made it back.