Roper Gulf

Area

The remote Gulf area stretches east of Katherine to the Queensland border and meets the Gulf of Carpentaria, a shallow sea between Australia and Papua New Guinea. The area, home to four main indigenous language groups, includes many large Australian cattle stations. The Gulf is one of Australia’s most exciting fishing destinations.

On the Northern Territory side of the Gulf, Roper Bar is the natural rock crossing separating the saltwater and freshwater sections of the Roper River. The township of Borroloola, located 600 kilometres south of Roper Bar on the McArthur River (both of which are renowned fishing hot spots), is the Gulf area’s main service centre. A range of services and a taste of Northern Territory hospitality can be found in this friendly town. King Ash Bay is a popular fishing spot 50 kilometres from Borroloola. Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres south west of Borroloola, is another major base from which to explore the Gulf area. Surrounded by golden grasslands, rock escarpments, waterfalls and waterholes, Cape Crawford is within easy reach of Limmen National Park (Proposed). The area is home to a magnificent array of native wildlife. Another must-see destination is Barranyi (North Island) National Park, located in the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands. A haven for wildlife, the park provides a home to nesting turtles and migratory birds. Access to the islands is limited, and you must contact Parks and Wildlife NT before making the journey.

The Savannah Way, an adventure tourism drive along the Carpentaria Highway, is a great option for exploring this unique region.

Roper Gulf

Area Regional Council

Barunga

Urban

Population: 363 | Roper Gulf

Located 80 kilometres south-east of Katherine, Barunga is a small aboriginal community well known for its annual indigenous cultural...

Beswick

Urban

Population: 531 | Roper Gulf

Borroloola - Katherine Area - Northern Territory

Borroloola

Urban

Population: 871 | Roper Gulf

Borroloola is a remote fishing community on the McArthur River in the Gulf of Carpentaria. This...

Bulman Weemol

Urban

Population: 280 | Roper Gulf

Jilkminggan

Urban

Population: 301 | Roper Gulf

Miniyeri

Urban

Population: 618 | Roper Gulf

Ngukurr

Urban

Population: 1149 | Roper Gulf

Numbulwar

Urban

Population: 723 | Roper Gulf

Mataranka

Urban

Population: 350 | Roper Gulf

The Mataranka township, 100 kilometres south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway, was the setting of...

Robinson River

Urban

Population: 222 | Roper Gulf

Cape Crawford - Katherine Area - Northern Territory

Cape Crawford

Place Of Interest

Roper Gulf

Cape Crawford is a remote stop, home of the famous Heartbreak Hotel, at the junction of...

Dunmarra

Place Of Interest

Roper Gulf

Located 300 kilometres south of Katherine, Dunmarra is a small settlement on the historical Overland Telegraph...

King Ash Bay

Place Of Interest

Roper Gulf

King Ash Bay is located around 50 kilometres past Borroloola on the McArthur River and is...

Arnold

Rural

Population: 27 | Roper Gulf

Beswick Creek

Rural

Population: 3 | Roper Gulf

Birdum

Rural

Population: 86 | Roper Gulf

Calvert

Rural

Population: 54 | Roper Gulf

Daly Waters - Katherine Area - Northern Territory

Daly Waters

Rural

Population: 9 | Roper Gulf

Daly Waters is located 274 kilometres south of Katherine near the junction of the Stuart and...

Elsey

Rural

Population: 39 | Roper Gulf

Flying Fox

Rural

Population: 48 | Roper Gulf

Gulung Mardrulk

Rural

Population: 3 | Roper Gulf

Limmen

Rural

Population: 32 | Roper Gulf

McArthur

Rural

Population: 295 | Roper Gulf

Nitmiluk

Rural

Population: 169 | Roper Gulf

Numburindi

Rural

Population: 12 | Roper Gulf

Larrimah

Rural

Population: 47 | Roper Gulf

The historic township of Larrimah, 250 kilometres south of Katherine, is a pleasant stop along the...

Pellew Islands

Rural

Population: 14 | Roper Gulf

Sturt Plateau

Rural

Population: 46 | Roper Gulf

Wilton

Rural

Population: 136 | Roper Gulf