| KARUMBA - QUEENSLAND - 4891 | ||||
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Population: 1,050, Height above sea level: 10m Latitude: -17.3703 Longitude: 140.5500 Location: 2,220km north west of Brisbane Highway: Gulf Developmental Road Nearest Major Town: Normanton Nearest Airport: Karumba Touring Area: Tropical North |
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 Gulf Sunset - Karumba - Courtesy of Tourism Queensland | |
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Karumba is a prawn fishing town at the mouth of the Norman River in the south eastern corner of
the Gulf of Carpentaria. The port is also a major Barramundi fishing centre and the surrounding
area is stocked with cattle. Karumba was a base for the famous Empire flying boats on their trek from Australia to England and during World War II it was a base for the RAAF. In 1872, a telegraph line was established between Karumba and Cardwell to the east. The port of Karumba is home to Century Mine's huge dewatering plant and shipping facilities. Zinc and lead are mined near Lawn Hill and pumped through a 304km pipeline to Karumba where it is processed. The MV Wunma, a self- discharging transfer barge, carries 5.000 tonne loads to bulk carriers anchored about 20 nautical miles offshore from where it is shipped to Port Pirie and Hobart smelters, and to Asia and America. Large salt-water crocodiles are part of the river system and you can be seen along the Norman River from a tinnie or on a crocodile spotting charter. Large waterbirds such as sarus cranes, brolgas, jabirus, magpie geese and burdekin ducks are a familiar sight around Karumba and on the local waterways. There is an Hotel-motel, and 2 caravan/camping parks. This area has salt-water crocodiles in the ocean and estuary. 
PLACES OF INTEREST: ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES: Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park P.O. Box 61, Karumba QLD 4891 Ph: 07 4745 9277 info@sunsetcp.com.au 
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins