Driving the Carpentaria Highway 

If you wish to explore more of the vast and sweeping gulf region, take the Carpentaria Highway. Loose yourself among the pioneering relics, Aboriginal artefacts and marine-based treasures of Borroloola, laid-back Gateway to the Gulf on the McArthur River that spills into this vast tropical waterway. If the weather is calm, take a boat trip to go fishing or beachcombing along the secluded white sands of Barranyi (North Island), the Aboriginal-owned national park in the Sir Edward Pellew Group. It's the Territory's only island national park.

Barranyi (North Island) National Park The Territory's only island national park located in the Gulf's Sir Edward Pellew Islands. Offering excellent fishing, birdwatching and bushwalking opportunities. Travelling to this park needs careful planning. Please register your trip with Parks and Wildlife Commission rangers or the Borroloola Fishing Club.

Borroloola The population of this historic town near the McArthur River mouth swells dramatically from its normal 900 with the annual interstate fishing pilgrimage. The town's facilities cater for most visitor needs.

*Cape Crawford - Nestled at the junction of the Carpentaria and Tableland Highways, Cape Crawford is a popular service outlet and gateway to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

*Caranbirini Conservation Reserve - Incredible 'Lost City' sandstone formations and a peaceful lagoon awash with birdlife are special features of this newly declared Gulf region reserve.

*Heartbreak Hotel - This popular Carpentaria Highway fuel outlet, 'watering hole' and overnight stop (rooms or camping available) extends a warm welcome to visitors.

*Limmen National Park - This developing 11,000 sq km Gulf Region park will incorporate the Roper, Hodgson, Towns, Limmen, Cox and Nathan Rivers and the area's spectacular 'Lost City' sandstone formations.

*Roper Bar - A rock bar marking the navigable point on the Roper River, a major supply route during construction of the Overland Telegraph Line.

*Wollogorang - This remote gulf cattle station straddles the Northern Territory/Queensland border 258 km south of Borroloola and features a fully-licensed wayside inn.