Normanton
Multiple Locations

Description

The Gulf Savannah region extends from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the Northern Territory border in the west. The region is a safari country of golden savannah grasslands abounding with wildlife. Established on the Norman River by William Landsborough, Normanton was the port for the Croydon Gold Rush and is a terminus of the Normanton Railway Station - whose Victorian architecture has been preserved.

Some 30 kilometres to the south-west of Normanton is camp 119, Burke and Wills' most northerly camp. The wetlands between Normanton and Karumba are also excellent for birdwatching, particularly just after the wet season.

Normanton is 680 km west of Cairns, and 500 km north of mt isa.

Property Details

Activities

• Animal Watching
• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Fishing
• Golfing
• Off Road Driving

Other Information

Disabled:
Disabled facilities are accessible in most business and tourist venues.

Gulf Suvannah Way-East to Cairns and West to Darwin, Matilda Hwy-Sth to Mt Isa
CAIRNS ( 710 Kilometres )

General Comments

Established on the Norman River by William Landsborough, Normanton was the main port for the 1800s Croydon gold rush. The Gulflander tourist train runs on Wednesdays to Croydon, and returns on each Thursday. Enough memorabilia can be found throughout Normanton to satisfy any ardent historian. Today Normanton is the major business centre in the Gulf with plenty of services, comfortable accommodation and restaurants available. Be welcomed and have your photo taken next to 'Krys', a life size model of a famous 8 metre crocodile and the 'Big Barramundi'. You'll probably need to have a beer to relax afterwards at the famous Purple Pub. Located between the savannah grasslands and the wetlands birdwatching is popular, especially just after the wet season. There are excellent fishing guides, charter boats, and heli fishing operators working almost year round. Annually Normanton hosts the Barra Classic for the champion of all sportsfishing and Burketown follows up with the World Barramundi Championships.

Hotel Pick-up

Visitors can arranged to be transferred to accommodation venues from the airport. A taxi service is also available in Normanton.

How To Get There

Approaching from Cairns or Darwin, the Gulf Savannah is accessible via a network of sealed and unsealed roads. The Savannah Way is the favoured route, going east to Cairns and west to Darwin. The top alternative between Cairns and Normanton is the Chillagoe-Wrotham Park road, however, note there are no services for 563 kms and access is limited to 4WDs. Between December and March, some roads may be closed and drivers are advised to check road and weather conditions. Year round, The Gulflander rail service operates between Normanton and Croydon. Coach services can link you to Forsayth where the Savannahlander rail service will take you onto Cairns. Coach services between Darwin and Cairns travelling through Normanton operate regularly through the week. At Karumba 79kms north a passenger carrying cargo barge operates between Cairns, Bamaga and Thursday Island, with a weekly freight service between Karumba and Weipa. Forward bookings are essential. Flying is also a great alternative with air charters available.

Access Public Transport

Coach services connect to Darwin, Mt Isa and Cairns regularly through the week but bookings are essential. Freight of vehicles is also available via Karumba barge services and rail services. The Gulflander rail tour service operates between Normanton and Croydon. Coach services can link you to Forsayth where the Savannahlander rail service can take you onto Cairns. Normanton also has a taxi service to transport you around the area if required.

Access Car

Approaching from Cairns or Darwin, the Gulf Savannah is accessible via a network of sealed and unsealed roads. The Savannah Way is the favoured route, going east to Cairns and west to Darwin. The top alternative between Cairns and Normanton is the Chillagoe-Wrotham Park road, however note there are no services for 563 kms and access is limited to 4WDs. Between December and March, some roads may be closed and drivers are advised to check road and weather conditions.

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