Burketown, Normanton and Karumba

19-25th August

Burketown and Normanton were just overnight stops. Both beside rivers. After stopping at the Visitors Centre in Burketown and talking to the guy there we paid our fee and followed the track out to the Albert River. The track took us out across the salt flats to a campsite overlooking the river, no one else in sight. Kangaroos stopped and watched us as we set up and we scanned the riverbanks for crocodiles after a warning they were about but not one could be seen. We enjoyed dinner as the sun set and headed inside once the mozzies appeared.

Next morning we retrace our route back over the salt flats and onto the road to Normanton. The first 80 k has numerous stops for roadworks but it’s still a steady trip and we are in Normanton by lunchtime. Again into the visitors centre to get our camping permit then over the bridge to find a spot alongside the Norman River. Again warnings to stay well back from the rivers edge but no crocs were sighted. After lunch we walked back into town, following some of the history walk. Found the butchers and purchased some meat for the next week before heading back to van. Before leaving this morning Philip washes our van, leaving quite a lot of red dust behind. Almost got all the dust off. (P:- correction to the Authors statement- the red out back dust penetrates every crack, micro hole and sticks to everything! From previous experience every wash for ever and a day will produce Outback Dirt trails!)

Next morning we are off to Karumba for 5 days. We both love Karumba. It’s just got a relaxed feel about it. Great sunsets, a good pub for a night out and friendly neighbours at the park. We settle into our site and my first job is laundry. (P:- and just like washing the van that Outback Red is impregnated in everything! I am sure when I clean my teeth there is a Outback red tinge in the toothpaste when I spit it out after brushing!) It’s been quite a few days since the last laundry day so it’s good to have fresh clothes by the end of the day. We watch the sunset from the van and enjoy dinner as the sky turns red and fades to pink.

The bikes are out and we are off for a ride into town following the walking/bike path, then around town to check out the fishing boats and jetties. Then the cafe for a smoothie and an iced coffee (sustenance to get us back) before following the bike path back again. Philip did take me bush bashing first up because he couldn’t find the start of the track. He was at the wrong end of the park. (P:- I am always getting something wrong so really just part of the norm!)

Dinner at the pub tonight as watched the sunset. Calamari for entree to share and then delicious Barramundi and salad for mains. The sunset here never disappoints.

We spend the days here cleaning some of the red dust off the van and vehicle, out of storage bins and off clothes. Riding and swimming at the pool, chatting to neighbours and just relaxing. Neighbours across the road twice delivered fresh fish to us. It was delicious. We made several trips up the road to purchase mud crabs which are delicious and prawns. Each day finishes with a gorgeous sunset. We will sad to move on tomorrow.

(P:- as mentioned a favourite place of ours – I first visited on a Royal Flying Dr Outback Air Race ( a fundraiser for the RFDS) liked the place then and have been back 4 times now! Beautiful 30-33 degree days, Sunsets that are way better than any others I have seen (including places like Broome), not too many people (and what people there are are friendly). The seafood also deserves another mention! I like Karumba’s Slogan “Karumba – Outback by the Sea” that about says it all!)