Burke
Barramundi Capital of Australia
Cairns
Townsville
Burke
Community & Amenities
- Health Clinics: Burketown Primary Health Centre & RFDS (regular Gregory services)
- 1 Library
- 6+ Hotels, cafes & eateries within the Shire
- 1 Post Office
- 2 Grocery & convenience stores
- 42 Local Businesses
Education
1 Community Hub
- Burketown Childcare and Family Hub
1 Primary School
- Burketown State School (P-6)
Many of the students from the Gulf region and surrounds complete their high school studies at boarding schools in Mount Isa, Townsville or Cairns, or through distance education through schools like the Cairns School of Distance Education or Charter Towers School of Distance Education. The Shire often provides support or information about these options to help families with the transition.
Cost Of Living
- Median house price $100,000 - $200,000
- House price 20-30% of Queensland average
- Median rental $150-300 per week
- Median family income per year $110,500
Burke Shire is a remote community so the cost of living for some things can be higher than urban areas due to factors like increased transportation costs for goods and limited local retail options. Groceries and everyday necessities often come at a premium, as supplies must be transported long distances. However, this is balanced with relatively moderate housing costs, such as rents and utility expenses.
Key Attractions
Events
Connectivity
Burke is located in Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria, approximately 1,000 km west of Cairns. Situated on the albert River, Burketown lies about 560 km north of Mount Isa (via sealed roads) and 225 km west of the town of Normanton. Known as the 'Gateway to the Gulf', it is accessible by road or air, with sealed and unsealed routes linking it to surrounding areas.
Burketown and Gregroy are located on the Savannah Way, the 3,700 km route running between Cairns in North Queensland, through the Northern Territory, to Broome in Western Australia.
Road access to the Gulf is mostly sealed roads (with a few unsealed) however some areas may become inundated during the wet season so check before you drive.
Burke is in a very remote part of Australia making it particularly unique and serene, however travelling to Burke requires a planned approach. Ensure you carry appropriate equipment, maps, food and water. Plan your itinerary including fuel, food and water stops, and be able to carry rubbish securely to the next dump.
Regional Express (REX) operates flights to and from Burketown with regular service to destinations such as Cairns, Doomadgee, Mount Isa, Normanton and Mornington Island. For more details visit Rex Airlines.
The Burketown Aerodrome is owned and operated by Burke Shire Council. It primarily caters for Emergency Services, REX Operations, light aircraft and helicopters.
Cairns International Airport is approximately a 4 hour flight from Burketown (dependent on travel route) and can connect passengers to regional, national and international destinations.
Burke Shire has limited cellular phone coverage for Telstra users only. It is mainly in a small radius of towns and some stations. A satellite phone and or UHF CB (5km-20km range) may be a good option if you're on an extensive adventure.
With Thanks
Live North West Queensland would like to thank Burke Shire Council for their support in developing this resource and continued support in developing regional north west Queensland. For further information visit the Council website and support resources.
