Some 116 kilometres north east of Cape Crawford is Borroloola on the banks of the MacArthur River. The town is quite old and in recent times its older buildings have been joined by a new town area.

In 1845 Leichhardt crossed the MacArthur River at the point where the town now stands, although it was not until 1885 that it was surveyed. Mining expectations attracted many Chinese but as the prospects of successful extraction diminished, the population declined rapidly. However, after mineral finds in later years hope for the town was bolstered.

Museums

The Borroloola National Trust Museum was built in 1886 as a police station. Today it home to a wide range of interesting historical information ranging from photographs to various artefacts giving details of the local police force, the port, the first explorers into the area and lots more besides. You will find the museum off Robinson Road. It is open Monday to Friday from 12 noon until 3 pm.

There is a heritage trail through the town, which has its starting point at the museum and will introduce you to many of the interesting details of the town's past.

Natural Attractions

The fishing in this part of the world is known to be good, with Red Emperor, Barramundi and a whole range of reef fish to be caught. Barranyi (North Island) National Park is set in some 5421 hectares and is not too far from Borroloola, being a member of the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

A boat trip of about 15 nautical miles from the McArthur / Carrington Channel mouths will take you to the long white sandy beaches of this new park. The fishing is excellent around the Islands. If you wish to visit, you must register with the CCNT Rangers or the Police at Borroloola.

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