Camping near Karumba
The northern QLD coastal town of Karumba is a fisher’s and camper’s paradise on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
- Karumba
Popular camping styles for Karumba
Camping near Karumba guide
Overview
At the coastal junction of the Savannah Way and the Matilda Way with Cape York to the north and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the west, Karumba is not to be missed. The town is split into two parts by the Norman River, with Karumba Point at the river mouth and Karumba town with its commercial fishing boat harbour a little ways upstream. It is the only place in Outback Queensland where a bitumen road runs all the way to the beach, a spot that draws campers and outdoor enthusiasts to take in the sunset over the ocean. Fishing is a big deal in Karumba—whether you purchase fresh caught seafood straight from the fishing trawler or catch your own barramundi in the Norman River or the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Where to go
Karumba Point Beach
The sunsets at Karumba Point Beach are legendary. Crowds gather each evening on beachfront parklands or at the Sunset Tavern, so claim a beachfront table, order a round of drinks, and choose a meal of fresh caught seafood to get in on the town’s favourite activity. Beachfront caravan parks are the best place in town to pitch your tent, park your motorhome, or set up your camper trailer. The vibe is always relaxed, friendly, and sociable.
Norman River
If you can’t land a fish in the Norman River, you’re probably not trying hard enough. The river flows over 400 km from the Gregory Ranges, passing through the towns of Croydon and Normanton before emptying into the Gulf at Karumba. While staying at a riverfront campsite, take time to visit the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, check out the barramundi hatchery (the only one in the world breeding Southern Gulf barra!), dine at the local cafe, or take a guided barramundi tour.
Wider Gulf of Carpentaria
You’ll need a boat to take full advantage of Karumba’s coastal location. Launch your own boat at one of the boat ramps on the Norman River, or book a fishing trip with a commercial operator—locally caught mud crabs and Gulf-caught banana prawns are likely to feature on tasting plates around Karumba.
When to go
If you’re intent on fishing for barramundi (and quite frankly, nearly everyone in Karumba is), you’ll need to plan your camping trip between February and October. Peak season in Karumba is from June to August, when travellers come to trade the cold down south for Karumba’s low humidity and little rainfall. With a limited number of caravan and camping sites, the best spots book up well in advance during these winter months. Visit between September and November to avoid the biggest crowds.
Know before you go
- During tropical storms between November and April, Karumba may be cut off by floodwaters. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website for advisories in advance of your trip.
- Barramundi fishing season runs from February to October, but there are plenty of other species to land at other times of year, such as Jewfish, queenfish, salmon, and Spanish mackerel.
- Saltwater crocodiles inhabit coastal waters and rivers—caution is required when close to shorelines or in small boats.
- Marine stingers are a year-round hazard, so swimming is not recommended even in offshore Gulf of Carpentaria waters.
- Getting to Karumba is an adventure in itself due to its remoteness—make sure your vehicle is well equipped for all contingencies.
