Gulf Track

This route from Borroloola to Normanton is a major trek as it traverses remote country where facilities and civilisation are far and few between. You need to be fully self-sufficient with water, fuel and vehicle spares. The Gulf country is not a tropical paradise, it is part of the harshest and wildest country in Australia. Isolated communities and cattle stations are strung along the Gulf savannah plains with hardly any civilisation to talk of. So why do people want to come here? Because hidden amongst this rough and dusty country is the jewel of the crown - the Lawn Hill Gorge, protected in the National Park. For those who love fishing, the waters of the Gulf and its tributaries produce bounties of the most elusive fish in Australia, the barramundi, and for some the adventure to get to the destination is always more than half the fun of arriving.

Environment

Station tracks such as those near Bowthorn station appear dusty and dry and incapable of causing any problem. If there is any chance of rain however, we suggest you do not continue and definitely do not proceed if rain catches you unaware. The black soil is extremely slippery and tracks that were once dusty and dry can suddenly disappear under huge puddles of water. This area is a floodplain and during the wet is totally inaccessible.

Much of the land fringing the Gulf Track is either Aboriginal owned or private cattle station property. It is unwise to go wandering onto private land however the creek crossings usually have good camp sites off to the side and we particularly like the camp at Robinson River.

TrekID: 8

Permits

No permits needed.

Fuel Usage

There is also fuel available at Burketown (not shown on this trek note) which is approximately 70kms north of Floraville Station.

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 106 litres *	4cyl 155 litres	4cyl 192 litres
6cyl 134 litres *	6cyl 137 litres *	6cyl 169 litres
8cyl 147 litres	8cyl 159 litres

Best Time To Visit

The main attraction is the canoeing along the gorges. Just a few metres from your camp in the National Park you can hire one or use your own. You can easily spend a day or two paddling beside the colourful walls that tower 60m above the deep green waterholes. The banks are densely fringed with rainforest plants and aboriginal art, unusual species of fauna and flora and excellent walking tracks are other attractions that will delight you. Lawn Hill is fast becoming a favourite holiday spot and advance booking is the only way to ensure you'll be able to stay. Contact: (07) 4748 5572 to contact the ranger.

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

There are basic supplies available at Burketown (not shown on this trek note), which is approximately 70kms north of Floraville Station.