🔍

Burketown

QLD 4830 • Queensland

204
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
1715.00 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralTourist HubHistoric

About Burketown

Burketown is an isolated outback town on the banks of the Albert River in Queensland's Gulf Country, serving as the administrative seat of Burke Shire Council approximately 898 kilometres west of Cairns and 227 kilometres west of Normanton. Established in 1865, the town is one of Queensland's most remote and storied communities, with a 2021 Census population of 204 — a slight decline from 238 in 2016 — spread across an area of over 1,700 square kilometres of Gulf Savannah. The median household income reflects the remote area and frontier economic character of the broader Gulf region.

Burketown is celebrated among adventurous travellers as the world's premier location to observe the rare Morning Glory cloud phenomenon — spectacular rolling cloud formations that appear each spring over the Gulf of Carpentaria, attracting glider pilots and weather enthusiasts from across the globe. The town is also renowned for barramundi and King salmon fishing, with the Albert River and nearby Gulf waterways drawing serious anglers every season. The Savannah Way passes through Burketown, connecting it to the broader outback touring route, while the annual Burketown Rodeo and camp draft keep the town's authentic frontier spirit very much alive.

Burketown falls under postcode 4830 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4830
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.96°, 138.86°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1715.00 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular scheduled bus service — Normanton / Mount Isa Approx 3 hrs to Normanton; 5–6 hrs to Mount Isa

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
900 km
By Train
No direct train; nearest rail at Mount Isa (~480 km south) with Inlander to Townsville
By Car (Peak)
10–12 hrs to Cairns via Normanton and Gulf Developmental Road
By Car (Off-Peak)
10–11 hrs

🛣️ Extremely remote; Burketown Airport serves light aircraft and charter flights; 4WD recommended on local roads in wet season; roads may close during flooding

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small remote outback town; the main street has basic facilities but a car is needed for most errands and all travel outside town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
204
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burketown known for? +

Burketown is world-famous for the Morning Glory cloud phenomenon — a rare rolling cloud formation that occurs each spring over the Gulf of Carpentaria, attracting glider pilots and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. The town is also renowned for exceptional barramundi fishing in the Albert River and nearby Gulf waterways, and for its authentic outback character and frontier history dating to 1865.

How far is Burketown from Cairns? +

Burketown is approximately 898 kilometres west of Cairns, making it a 10–12 hour drive via the Gulf Developmental Road through Normanton. Charter flights from Cairns and other centres to Burketown Airport are a popular alternative for visitors.

Does Burketown have public transport? +

Burketown has no scheduled bus services or rail connections. The town has its own small airport (Burketown Airport) served by charter and light aircraft flights. A private vehicle — ideally a 4WD — is the primary way to get around, especially during the wet season when roads may flood.

What is the population of Burketown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Burketown has a population of 204 residents, down from 238 in 2016. Despite its small size, the town serves as the administrative seat of Burke Shire Council, which governs a vast area of Queensland's Gulf Country.

Is Burketown a good place to live? +

Burketown offers a genuinely remote and unique Australian lifestyle for those who relish outback living, fishing, and wide open spaces. It is a close-knit community with a strong sense of identity and frontier spirit, though the town's extreme isolation means access to healthcare, retail, and education is very limited.

What is the postcode for Burketown? +

The postcode for Burketown is 4830, which covers the town and surrounding Burke Shire area in Queensland's Gulf Country.