Shire Information

Welcome to Carpentaria Shire – where the Outback meets the Sea. Carpentaria Shire is located on the Savannah Way in North Western Queensland in the southeastern region of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The region is uniquely placed to offer residents and visitors opportunities and experiences in lifestyle, holidays, employment and investment opportunities. Carpentaria Shire has a friendly, laid-back lifestyle and is a place where children still ride their bikes down to the river to go fishing after school without parents having to worry as they would in the larger towns and cities.

Carpentaria Shire is the traditional country of the Gkuthaarn, Kukatj and Kurtijar people. The Shire covers an area of approximately 65,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 2,200 with the countryside ranging from vast inland plains to mangrove forests, deltas and saltpans along the coastal areas of the Gulf.

Carpentaria Shire has a diverse industry base with agriculture, fishing and tourism and government administration providing the majority of the Shire's income. Normanton is the region's government and administrative centre with much of the Shire's commercial activity coming through Karumba which has an active port based on the export of live cattle to Asia and a substantial fishing industry which targets prawns, barramundi, Spanish Mackerel, salmon and mud crabs. (Gulf Savannah Development) The region offers good infrastructure and facilities with sealed access roads, serviced airports, developed freight routes, primary and secondary schools, medical services, recreational and sporting facilities and the standard infrastructure to be expected in a modern community.

Carpentaria Shire Council's Vision is "Experience Carpentaria Shire - a great place to live, work, invest and relax". Whether you want to visit Carpentaria Shire, have a specific question about Council's services, or you are thinking about a permanent move we welcome your enquiry and look forward to being of service to you.

Regional Attractions

Les WIlson Barramundi Discovery Centre

Discover the amazing secrets of the mighty barramundi at The Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish!

The brand new interactive and state of the art Interpretive Centre provides the history, stories, lifecycle and habits of these sought-after fish. Discover the wetlands and mangroves and learn about the incredible birdlife and stunning southern Gulf flora.

Watch an amazing short film in their theatre – about Barramundi, the fishing industry and the wonderful community of Karumba and hear stories from the Commercial fishermen who catch them.

Enjoy views over the saltwater lagoon, whilst drinking a quality coffee or eating a scrumptious meal!

Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre and Hatchery

Mutton Hole Wetlands

From November to April these stunning wetlands come alive as the monsoon rain replenishes dry waterways and lakes attracting all varieties of birdlife such as brolgas, pelicans and jabirus. In the dry season the wetland retreat leaving a beautiful landscape of mangroves and grassland.

Burke and Wills Camp 119

30kms out of town (Normanton) on the Savannah Way, towards Burketown is the Burke and Wills Camp 119. It is here Burke and WIlls made their most northerly camp on their northerly expedition to cross inland Australia in the late 1800s.

Karumba Heritage Walk

This grade 1 walk is a chance to find out more about Karumba and surrounds. This walk also incorporates the 3.9km link between town and the Point. The signs on the walk have a map on the back to show where each map is situated.

Sweers Island

An untouched paradise with golden beaches, a host of birdlife and of course fishing. Overnight accommodation is available and day guests are welcome. Note: access to the island must be made by the individual as no commercial service is currently available.