Normanton QLD
Normanton QLD
Normanton in QLD is a small country town with an excess of old world charm. It is the second oldest town in the Gulf and is the government and administrative centre for the Carpentaria Shire.
The town started life as a port for the Gulf of Carpentaria’s cattle industry. It then grew in importance with the discovery of gold at Croydon in 1885. Today it is primarily driven by tourism with the Purple Pub, the Albion Hotel, and a number of interesting historic buildings making it a convenient stopover for bus tours heading for Karumba and backpackers and grey nomads making their way around Australia.
Normanton – An Historic Town
The Burns Philp Building
The Iconic Burns Philp Building
First stop for visitors should be the Burns Philp Building at the northern end of town. The building houses the Normanton Visitor Information Centre and Library as well as the town’s heritage centre, where you can browse through the interesting displays. Pick up a brochure on the Town Walk and discover the history of Normanton as you view 30 well preserved historical sites including the Normanton Railway Station, complete with a museum, original rolling stock and the famous Gulflander which still travels the line between Normanton and Croydon.
The Burns Philp Building was constructed in 1879 and still has its original strongroom and safe. While on your tour, see the handsome two-storey Carpentaria Shire Council chambers, learn some of the history of the river and Aboriginal burial grounds then visit the lookout, Normanton Hospital, Mrs Loys, school, general store, aerodrome and TAFE. Visit the old wharf where some original sections still stand. The boat ramp dates back to the 1880s when a winch punt was used for river crossings.
Normanton Railway Station
The Normanton Railway Station, QLD
The Normanton Railway Station is one of the most loved attractions in town. With its Victorian architecture and nostalgic rail travel on one of Australia’s most famous little rail motors, it has its own place in the history books.
RM93, known as the Gulflander, pulls out of the Normanton Railway Station every Wednesday at 8.30am to travel along the most original railway line in the world. The trip from Normanton to Croydon is rich in Gulf landscape and the area’s past. If you don’t have time to do the full Normanton-Croydon trip, charters run regularly for a shorter nostalgic rail experience.
The grand old Normanton Railway Station is an attraction in itself. It was constructed in 1889 and is still in mint condition. Don’t miss the other star attraction, a former Gulflander known as RM60. It’s been around since 1931! With a museum, souvenir shop and a multi-award-winning garden, it’s well set up for a fun day out.
Krys the Savannah King
Kris the Saltwater Crocodile in Normanton QLD
Normanton is home to a reptile that is not the kind of creature that gives you the warm and fuzzies. He’s more likely to make you feel a shiver down your spine! This life-sized replica of an 8.63m saltwater crocodile is Krys the Savannah King, named after the country’s first full-time female crocodile hunter, Krystina Pawlowski. Krys the Savannah King can be found in the beautiful and shady L. E. W. Henry Park next to the council chambers.
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Normanton QLD, AUSTRALIA
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