Gulf Savannah Visitor Guide

Gulf Savannah, Northern Australia - Visitor Guide 2019 12 Why not try... Fossicking Fossicking can be great fun and many travellers have picked up valuable gold nuggets and semi precious gems on their travels. Ask at Visitor Information Centres en route, Mount Surprise Gems or where you pick up your licence for some background information. Fossicker’s Licences can be issued by the offices below. A Fossicking Licence allows the holder to enter any Designated Fossicking Area in the state of Queensland without the need to notify any authority. Details are at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or any office. The holder of a Fossicker’s Licence must not enter occupied land or a mining tenure without the written permission of the landholder or tenure holder (or both). Rules for camping also vary from area to area. Queensland Mines and Energy Offices and Agents: Mareeba District Office Phone: (07) 4048 4785 Mareeba Heritage Centre , Byrnes Street Mareeba Hot Springs Health Waters , Kennedy Hway, Innot Hot Springs Mt Surprise Gems , Garland St, Mt Surprise O'Brien's Creek Camping Ground , via Mt Surprise Forsayth Tourist Park , Forsayth Georgetown District Office Phone: (07) 4062 1204 Goldfields Caravan Park , Georgetown Croydon Shire Council , Samwell Street Croydon Visiting a Cattle Station Several cattle stations in the Gulf Savannah are now open to visitors. Here you can see life behind the scenes and understand what it takes to live on the land in North Queensland. Talk to the locals about their heritage and modern methods of sustainable grazing and see the expansive country they manage. Learn about the breeds and sample the local produce. Check in the regional sections of this Guide for opportunities to stay at, tour on or even fossick on cattle stations. Fishing & Boating Fishing is great fun and locals will help with advice regarding bait and the best spots (or maybe the second best spots!) to go. See www.savannahway.com.au for some suggested locations and more information. Remember that saltwater crocodiles inhabit many of the Gulf Savannah’s waterways, so stay back from the water’s edge, avoid repetitive behaviour such as checking crab pots at the same time every day, and clean fish well away from the water. Anglers do not require a licence to fish recreationally in Queensland, except if fishing in some stocked impoundments, however there are some regulations to keep fish populations healthy. Barramundi closed season applies to Gulf of Carpentaria and adjoining waterways Noon 7 October to Noon 1 February. East Coast from Noon 1 November to Noon 1 February. Does not apply to Croydon’s Lake Belmore. Barramundi size limits in the Gulf are 58cm minimum to 120 cm maximum with a limit of five fish per person in possession. For information contact the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, phone 13 25 23 or visit www.daff.qld.gov.au In Queensland, licences are required when operating boats powered by a motor of over 6hp that are capable of speeds in excess of 10 knots and have a planing or non-displacement hull. For information on licensing and registration phone 13 25 23 and they can connect you to the Weipa or Karumba Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol offices. Bird Watching The Gulf Savannah’s beautiful bird life entices many visitors to develop an interest in identifying species, watching their behaviour and learning about their habitats. A pair of binoculars and Bird Field Guide are all you need to get started. Keen bird watchers come from around the world to see iconic species here, particularly in the upland rainforests of the Tropical Tablelands near Cairns , Savannah country around Croydon and the Gulf shores around Karumba. Visit www.savannahway.com.au to download our free “Bird Watching in the Gulf Savannah” booklet and call into local Visitor Information Centres for bird lists and seasonal tips.