Borroloola 

Borroloola is a remote fishing community on the McArthur River in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The historic town is the gateway to the Gulf Region and is famed for its excellent fishing and rich lead, zinc and silver deposits, which are mined in the area.

Once a lawless frontier town, it is now the administrative capital of the Gulf of Carpentaria region. It serves a fishing industry, nearby pastoral properties and a growing tourist trade.

By the mid 1800’s the small settlement had developed into a very wild place populated by an assortment of horse and cattle stealers and sly-grog runners. Rum was smuggled from Thursday Island for illegal sale to the passing drovers as they worked the Queensland- Kimberley route. These rowdy days came to an end with the establishment of a Police outpost in 1885.

In contrast to this rough image, Borroloola boasted a substantial library. It was housed in the court house where the local police acted as voluntary Librarians.

In the late 1930’s cyclone damage to the court house resulted in the relocation of the books to a police cell. Bill Harney, a Northern Territory poet and bushman, is believed to have educated himself whilst being held on cattle duffing charges.

The fantastic fishing is the main draw card for Borroloola. If you're into fresh water Barra fishing, spend a few hours at the Borroloola "crossing" early morning/late afternoon, for some action. Blue lures & plastics work well, at the pipe outlets, and take a cast net or offer to pay some of the locals that are usually there, to catch you some live herring! If you value your cast net, pay the locals - stay out of the water there are large salt water crocodiles.

Facilities

Accommodation: For a unique and relaxing experience you can choose to hire a houseboat from Borroloola Houseboats and cruise along the McArthur River. Other accommodation options include caravan park, camping, fully self-contained cabins and motel rooms.

• Shopping: Grocery requirements can be met at the Borrloola Bulk discount store as well as the Mini Mart which is open seven days a week, twelve hours a day. Fishing supplies are also readily available. Fresh baked goods can be purchased from the Borroloola Bakery.

Special Features

• Caranbirini Conservation Reserve - explore the ancient Sandstone Rock formations
• The Lost City - Sandstone Columns are in the Abner Range, accessible by air
• The Baranyi National Park - long sandy white beaches home of the Yanuwa people
• Borroloola Regional Museum - located in the old Police Station, contains aboriginal artifacts & pioneer history
• The Pioneer Graves - View the graves of the pioneers came to the region in the 1800s
• Nathan River Station - approx 150 kms from Borroloola, unique Sandstone Formations
• The Worlds longest registered Road Train - the longest in the World
• Borroloola town lookout - lookout over Borroloola and the surrounding area

Traveller Reviews of Borroloola 

5 Apr 07

Pub with no beer!

Posted by a TotalTraveller

The Pub lost its licence in late 06 and things don't look like changing in the near future! - Its Accom. is still open. XXXX Gold,... Read more

5 Apr 07

Borroloola Site Information Update

Posted by a TotalTraveller

I visit this area monthly. Information current as of April 07! Air There are more regular flights in now, due to mining activity. ... Read more

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