Karumba is situated at the base of the Gulf of Carpentaria, at the mouth of the Norman River. The nearest community is Normanton (73kms), while the closest major centres are Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville - all considerable distances by road. Karumba’s current population is approximately 600.

The connecting roads to these centres are mainly sealed, but are still subject to flooding. Thus leaving Karumba isolated by road for periods in the Wet Season, December through April.

Karumba is a town based around tourism, the fishing industry including; prawning and barramundi, and the necessary related industries i.e. metal and engineering works. Live cattle export has also commenced in recent years.

Oz Minerals Mine continues to operate in Karumba, with a ‘dewatering plant’, constructed to treat zinc slurry from the mine.