FOLLOW a heritage trail around Normanton, the second oldest town in the Gulf area.

Pick up a brochure for a walking or driving tour at the tourist information centre, situated on the corner of Caroline and Landsborough Streets within the Burns Philp building which is itself a big part of the history of the town. The building was constructed in 1879 and its original strongroom and safe are still in existence.

The Burns Philp story is a fascinating one. Between 1883 and 1914, James Burns and Robert Philp built up a public company that in its time became one of the oldest and most successful companies in the nation. In its earliest years, the Normanton store was stocked with 13,000 pounds worth of goods and the net profit outstripped that of a similar Burns Philp store in Townsville.

Another piece of architectural history in town is the Carpentaria Shire Council chambers. The two-storey building was constructed in 1890. A century after the original construction, the council built a sympathetically styled single-storey addition. Visitors are welcome to go inside the old chambers to see some of the photographs of yesteryear. While you’re there, see Krys the croc in the council park. Krys is a lifesize model of an old salty that was shot in the Norman River in 1958.

Learn some of the history of the river. There are aboriginal burial grounds about 500m north of the Norman River Bridge and some of this area has been planted with specially selected trees to combat erosion problems. At low tide, see the sunken wreck of the Porpoise.

Then go on to visit the lookout, Normanton Hospital, Mrs Loys, the 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.

A “must see” stop is the Normanton Railway Station, which houses a museum as well as being an architectural and historical attraction in its own right.

Visit the Normanton Gaol in Haig Street. The 19th Century gaol, listed on the Heritage Register, is a “rare and intact example of a 19th Century gaol used to service a remote regional area”. It is open weekdays from 8.30am to 5.00pm.

Go on a historic pub crawl. The Purple Pub was built in the early 1900s and the west wing was moved from Croydon to Normanton in the early 1920s. Originally known as the National Hotel, the structure has been painted in a number of shades of purple over the past couple of decades.

The Albion Hotel Motel began life in Croydon in the late 1880s and was moved to Normanton early in 1900. Inside, see the bartop (now adorning the wall) painted by renowned artist Percy Tresize in 1958.

If you’re staying at the Normanton Caravan Park, you’ll benefit from one of the pieces of the town’s history. In the back yard is Normanton’s only artesian bore, which is 120 years old and still going strong. The bore supplies hot water for the amenities block. What’s more, this water doesn’t have any noticeable smell, which is often a byproduct of hot artesian water. While you’re staying there, enjoy the modern camp kitchen and amenities block, and swim in the 25m pool. Surrounded by palms, with carpet, umbrella and deckchairs, it’s a great place to relax. They call it their own Normanton Riviera.

Or try out the spa, which is filled with artesian water (cool water in summer, warm in winter). Extensive landscaping has made this park a pleasure to stay at, whether you’re looking for a grassy camping site, a powered caravan site or a self-contained cabin. There are 19 cabins, some budget and some self contained with en suites.