Burketown

Burketown lies on the Country of the Gangalidda people, on the Albert River about 30 km inland from the Gulf of Carpentaria. Established in the 1860s and named after the explorer Robert O'Hara Burke, it is one of the oldest towns in the Gulf Country and the administrative centre of Burke Shire. Its population is small, but it attracts anglers, birdwatchers and cloud-chasers from around the world.

The Morning Glory

Burketown is best known for the Morning Glory, a spectacular roll cloud that can stretch for hundreds of kilometres across the sky. It forms when sea breezes from either side of Cape York collide overnight, creating a wave in the atmosphere. The clouds appear most often at dawn in spring, roughly September to November. Glider pilots travel to Burketown to "surf" the wave, and many visitors simply get up early to watch from the edge of town. Sightings are never guaranteed, so allow several mornings.

Things to do in Burketown

• Barramundi fishing. The Albert River and nearby estuaries are known for barramundi and other species. The town hosts the World Barramundi Fishing Championships, usually at Easter. Queensland's Gulf barramundi closed season and size and bag limits apply.
• Hot artesian bore. A bore near town gushes very hot water from the Great Artesian Basin. Look but do not touch: the water is scalding.
• Burketown Pub. A classic Gulf pub and gathering place.
• Albert River wharf. A historic river landing with birdlife and sunsets. Crocodiles live in the river.
• Birdwatching. Wetlands, saltpans and mangroves attract waterbirds, especially in the dry season. See our birdwatching guide.
• Visitor information centre. Local history, information and tips on fishing and the Morning Glory.

Burke and Wills history

The Burke and Wills expedition reached the tidal channels near the Gulf in 1861. Their northernmost camp, Camp 119, lies inland between Burketown and Normanton, and can be visited. Read more in our Burke and Wills guide.

Day trips

• Leichhardt Falls. A waterfall and rocky river crossing on the Leichhardt River, east of Burketown.
• Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. South-west of Burketown via Gregory, with emerald gorges and canoeing. See Boodjamulla.
• Gulf Coast. Access to the coast is limited, and much of it is Aboriginal land or private property. Ask locally.

Getting there

Burketown is on the Savannah Way between Normanton and Hells Gate near the Northern Territory border. Roads in the region are a mix of sealed and unsealed sections and close after heavy rain. The wet season (roughly November to April) can isolate the town for weeks. Check QLDTraffic, and read our outback safety guide.

Where to stay

Burketown has a caravan park, the pub and other accommodation. Book ahead during the Morning Glory season and for the Easter fishing championships.

Crocodile safety

Estuarine crocodiles live in the Albert River and all Gulf waterways. Never swim, and keep well back from the water's edge when fishing or launching boats. See our crocodile safety guide.

History in brief

Burketown was established as a port for the pastoral industry in the 1860s. Fever outbreaks and isolation made early years hard, and the town was nearly abandoned at times. Pastoralism remains central, and the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples continue to care for their Country, including through ranger programs.

Suggested plan

Stay at least three nights between September and November to give yourself the best chance of seeing the Morning Glory. Combine dawn cloud-watching with fishing, a trip to Leichhardt Falls and an evening at the pub. Continue to Boodjamulla or along the Savannah Way to Hells Gate.

Tips

• Bring insect repellent for sandflies and mosquitoes.
• Carry extra fuel and water on the Savannah Way.
• Check opening hours of services, which may be limited.

The Gulf in the dry season

From May to October, the Gulf Country is at its best: clear skies, warm days, cool nights and good road access. Waterholes and wetlands shrink, concentrating birdlife, and fishing is popular before the barramundi closure begins. It is also the busiest time, so expect to share caravan parks with long-stay anglers. Bring everything you need for a few days, as shops have limited stock.

Gliding the Morning Glory

Experienced glider and light-aircraft pilots come to Burketown each spring to ride the Morning Glory's rising air. Flying is only for qualified pilots with appropriate permissions, but watching the clouds roll in at dawn is for everyone.

Fuel, phones and medical help

Burketown Primary Health Clinic is on Beames Street.

Fuel is available in town, but distances between services in the Gulf are long: Normanton is about 230 km east and Doomadgee about 127 km west. Tirranna Springs Roadhouse, about 30 km out of town, also sells fuel. Fill up whenever you can.

Travelling with kids

Children may enjoy watching for birds and wildlife around the Albert River, but keep them well away from the water's edge because of crocodiles.

Burketown visitor centre and permits

Burke Shire Council says the Burketown visitor information centre is in the old Post and Telegraph Office, built in 1887, and is managed by Gangalidda Garawa Services. It lists hours of 9am to 4pm on weekdays from March to October; phone (07) 4745 5111.

Camping on Gangalidda Garawa land requires a permit, so ask at the visitor centre before you set up camp.

The council's own guidance gives the Morning Glory season as usually August to October, slightly earlier than the range quoted above, which shows how variable it is.

Distances and contacts

Burke Shire Council lists these road distances from Burketown:

• Cairns. About 878 km, roughly 12 hours.
• Cloncurry. About 450 km on a sealed route, roughly 6 hours.
• Mount Isa via Camooweal. About 400 km, with long unsealed sections that the council does not recommend for caravans.

Truck drivers use UHF channel 40. The council lists Burketown police on (07) 4744 1611 and the clinic on (07) 4745 5133. Call 000 in an emergency.

Practical information

• Best time: May to October; September to November for Morning Glory.
• Related: Normanton, Karumba, Boodjamulla, Savannah Way, Burke and Wills.