Welcome to Borroloola.

Capital of the South West Gulf of Capentaria.

Borroloola was gazetted a township in 1885. The town was a lawless outpost where most people carried guns and illegal activities like smuggling and grog running were a way of life. This lawlessness prompted the Police to build a Police Station in 1886 and Mounted Constable Donegan and Curtis were stationed here. The Old Police Station today is a pioneer museum recording Indigenous and Non Indigenous history of the area.

David Attenborough the famous documentarist made a film in the 50's about a few eccentric people living in Borroloola. The Hermits of Borroloola centres mainly on Roger Jose (a strange little man who took strychnine to give his heart a kick start), Jack Mulholland a wild Irishman who lived in the pub at the Tamarind Trees and the Mad Fiddler who lived near a lagoon across from the cemetery and was reputed to be a 'remittance man'. Jose Street and Mulholland Street are named after these two colourful characters.

Today the town is still a bit wild and unruly at times but the people are friendly and easy going. After Cyclone Cathy in 1984 Borroloola was finally recognised as needing a helping hand. The building of half decent houses began in 1985 which changed the look of Borroloola. Territory Housing started building public houses for public servants and local people. The standard of Aboriginal housing has finally improved and more new houses are being built.

Fishing and camping is a way of life for most of the population and tourists come from all over Australia to catch barramundi and camp for the Dry Season. King Ash Bay Boat & Fishing Club is 30 kilometres down stream and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The McArthur River Estuary sees many tourist chasing the elusive barramundi and bottom fish such as Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Salmon, and Queenfish. The Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands provides good reef fishing where Red Emperor, Coral Trout and Parrot Fish can be caught.

Have a look at Borroloola from the air! - Aerial Photo