The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year.
Burketown sits on the Albert River and on the east-west dividing line between the wetlands to the north and the beginning of the savannah grass plains (Plains of Promise) to the south, some 25 kilometres from the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Albert River is tidal and the Gulf is accessible from Burketown by boat. This is worth considering if you are a little tired of sitting behind a steering wheel.
However, getting to Burketown during the monsoon season can be tricky. You need to carefully consider the best way to get there, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure, and that’s putting it politely.
Surrounding environs include flat, grassy plains to the south and immense salt flats and wetlands to the north. The Nicholson River is some 17 kilometres to the west and is fresh water and perennial. The wetlands are breeding grounds for crocodiles, barramundi and prawns and a vast amount of bird species that are prolific during the summer months.
The grasslands to the south are the habitat of a great array of wildlife including emus, kangaroos and birdlife.
Burketown is 425 kilometres north of Mt Isa. So if someone asks you what it’s near on the map the answer is nothing… Ah the serenity!
Destinations