Gulf Region

Journey east from Katherine towards the Gulf of Carpentaria across an unspoilt wilderness and one of the Territory’s best remote fishing destinations.

Travel east of Katherine to the Gulf of Carpentaria, the shallow sea between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Nine rivers drain into the Gulf area, making this unspoilt region one of the Territory’s best remote fishing destinations.

Excellent fishing

A good place to base yourself for your fishing adventure is Borroloola, a fishing community and the Gulf’s main service centre on the McArthur River. It’s near King Ash Bay, a fishing spot with a huge tidal range that attracts thousands of anglers every year.

There are also many stations in the region that offer accommodation and exciting fishing on private billabongs and sections of river and coastline.

Things to see & do in the Gulf Region

Ancient landforms & natural pools

Don’t go home without seeing The Lost City. Jump in a helicopter to fly over these ancient sandstone pillars, some of which stand at up to 25m. Land in a spectacular natural amphitheatre to explore the caves and Aboriginal sacred sites at this special place.

Swim in Poppy’s Pool, a secluded thermal waterhole. The water has a high mineral content, which makes it a good place for a therapeutic soak. The pool is located on Aboriginal land and managed by a local tourism body – ask about arranging exclusive access for your group.

Explore Borroloola

The Old Police Station Museum, built in 1908, documents life here at the turn of the century. Call in to the Waralungku Art Centre to buy jewellery, coolamons, prints and woodcarvings made by local Aboriginal artists.

Wildlife spotting

Take a boat cruise to Barranyi (North Island) National Park, in the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands. Its beaches are a nesting site for four species of marine turtle. Birds also use the islands as a rest point on their migration flights.

Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Carpentaria grass wren and Gouldian finch at the Caranbirni Conservation Reserve south of Borroloola. The Borroloola gecko is also endemic to the region.