Hell's Gate
A small roadhouse 52km east of the Queensland - Northern Territory border.
- 180km west of Burketown
- 590km north of Mt Isa
- 1350km west of Townsville
- 1020km west of Cairns.
Population - 4
Economy
The pastoral industry, fishing, mining and tourism are the main regional industries.
Climate
There are two seasons in this part of Queensland:
Dry/Winter (April to September):
- Little or no rainfall with mild to warm conditions
- Average temperatures are maximum 28°C, minimum 5°C
- Humidity levels are low, averaging between 20% - 60% in July
Wet/Summer (October to March):
- Heaviest rain falling from January onwards, average 250mm in January.
- Average temperatures are maximum 36°C, minimum 25°C
- Humidity levels average between 55% - 75%
The Morning Glory: Late September to early November a peculiar cloud formation occurs. The Morning Glory is a series of long cigar shaped cloud formations that roll out of the Gulf in lines of three or four, usually in the early hours before daylight.
Occurring in only two places in the world, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Gulf of Mexico, these multiple formations follow behind each other, accompanied by a violent wind called a 'shock wave'. The cloud itself does not travel much further than 60km inland but the wind has been registered as far south as Alice Springs. The appearance of these formations heralds the unstable and changeable weather of the build-up to the 'Wet'.
Current weather report for Burketown.
Environment
Hell's Gate is a gap in the escarpment of the Constance Range. This range runs from south of Lawn Hill National Park across into the Northern Territory. The composition of this range is a conglomerate, formed by centuries of sedimentation settling down through water.
There is some conjecture that the whole area was at one time under water. It is unclear as yet whether it was under saltwater or freshwater: both freshwater-dwelling and saltwater-dwelling fossils have been discovered in the area.
Spectacular rock formations, rich mineral deposits, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and bird-attracting lagoons are found in the immediate area.
The soil is low in nutrients because of the heavy rainfall that occurs in the wet season - heavy rains saturate the soil and leech the nutrients to the surface, and floods then wash the nutrients out to sea. The majority of the gulf soils are usually less than 1m deep, with underlying laterite rock. When the rains continue for a prolonged period, the surface soil becomes saturated, and remains so for a long time after the rains stop. This is why it can take a long time for roads to open after the 'Wet'.
Flora
The vegetation of the area reflects the lack of nutrients in the soil. Usually the tallest trees and most robust plants are along waterways where there is some under-ground moisture available. Away from the waterways most of the vegetation is stunted. SunSet photo
The area boasts a diverse range of vegetation that is a brilliant blaze of colour during the 'Dry' season:
- the tall deep-red rock grevillea
- the very delicate prostrate Grevillea Dryandra; this ranges from a soft delicate shade of pink or cream through to a bold red.
- the prolific flowering star sage or pink fringe myrtle which has a mantle of lilac pink star shaped flowers amid a soft, blue-green, rounded bush.
After rain or floods the lagoons are alive with flowers including:
- the brilliant blue of the wandering dew
- delicate fringed white and yellow Nymphoids (water flowers)
- large white water lilies flushed with pink or a subtle blue.
Fauna
Commonly seen birds include large flocks of brilliant green wild budgerigars over the grasslands, bright pink galahs, brilliant white sulphur-crested cockatoos, graceful brolgas, and stately sarus cranes.
Larger animals you might see include the very visible agile wallaby, the elusive red kangaroo and the giant water buffalo. Brumbies are often seen thundering along tracks that weave through the bush.
History
- 1861 - Explorers Burke and Wills reached the Gulf.
- 1865 - Burketown established to service the pastoral holdings in the region.
- 1890s - Police stationed at Corinda provided regular escorts for settlers as far as the rocky escarpments of Hell's Gate. They refused to accompany the travellers past this point because of the fierceness of Aboriginals in the area. The area became known amongst settlers as Hell's Gate as a result.
Indigenous Culture
The Waanyi, Gungalita and Gawara people are the traditional people of the area. Caves near Hell's Gate act as natural art galleries for the pictorial history of these early residents. Native wells and other remnants of their life in the district can still be found today.
Things To See And Do
- Take a tour to historic Westmoreland Station. See the station at work; enjoy the birdlife and the natural wonders and stunning rock formations around Hell's Gate.
- Visit local Aboriginal art sites and the historic Afghan Camp.
- Experience the beauty of Hell's Gate by air. Enjoy a scenic flight to Kingfisher Camp.
Services
The following services are available at the roadhouse:
- Fuel, tyre repairs, spare auto-parts and a limited mechanical workshop
- All weather airstrip
- Souvenirs
- Tourist information service
- Freight depot
- Food supplies
- Licensed dining room
- Motel, cabin, safari tent and campsite accommodation (prior bookings essential)
For other services visit Burketown, 180km east.
Access
- Air: Savannah Aviation and MacAir fly into the region.
- Bus: No scheduled bus services the area.
- Self Drive: The road is unsealed from Normanton through to the Northern Territory border and becomes impassable after rain. 4WD is recommended. Check road conditions before travelling - call Burke Shire Council on 07 4745 5100, the RACQ's 24 hour information service on 1300 130 595 or check online.
Further Information
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