The town of Normanton is the government and administrative centre for the Carpentaria Shire, which stretches from the Mitchell River in the north to the Leichhardt River in the west.
Normanton is a growing commercial centre with an expanding tourism industry and a wide range of accommodation choices from camping to self-contained units.
The second oldest town in the Gulf, Normanton in its heyday was the port for the Croydon gold rush and is a terminus of the historic Normanton to Croydon Railway.
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. 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.
One of the more unusual sights of Normanton is the life-size replica of an 8.6m saltwater crocodile named Krys. This can be found in the beautiful and shady L.E.W. Henry Park next to the shire office. More information on both Krys the Croc and Krys and Ron Pawlowski (crocodile hunters who became wildlife conservationists) can be found at the Normanton Visitor Information Centre.
Boat trips for sightseeing or fishing along the Norman River can be arranged. Either trip shares the history of the river and town, the vegetation and birdlife as well as providing an opportunity to do some croc spotting and witness a beautiful Gulf sunset.
An alternative is to fish from the wharf or the old bridge across the Norman River. This is an attractive fishing and barbecue area. Once you have experienced all that Normanton has to offer by day, visit the historical pubs in the evening, relax, unwind and watch the sunset.
To the north of town, on your way to Karumba, are many lakes and waterways known as the Muttonhole Wetlands. The wetlands cover more than 7000 hectares and extend inland for about 30km as a series of meandering saltwater tidal estuaries. They are home to the notorious saltwater crocodile and a variety of birdlife.
To obtain an information pack on the area, phone (07) 4745 1065 or email tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au.
Norman County Snacks and Supplies
Landsborough Street, Normanton Qld 4890
Phone (07) 4745 1214
Open seven days - fuel, ice, variety, camping gear, fish and chips, all day brekki, cappuccinos |
At Norman County Snacks and Supplies, you can buy everything from camping supplies to delicious food. Wander through the variety store section for shoes and clothing, toys, camping gear and souvenirs. You can even buy fishing tackle and bait at the shop. The garden cafe area is the perfect spot to relax over a delicious snack. The shop is open seven days during the season. The doors are open from 6.30am on weekdays.
