Established in 1867 on the Norman River, Normanton became an important port which, according to some, rivalled Darwin in its day. With the discovery of gold at Croydon, the port of Normanton boomed and, even today, remains the terminus of the historic Normanton to Croydon Railway. It is the second oldest town in the Gulf and is the government and administrative centre for the Carpentaria Shire, which stretches from the Mitchell River in the east to the Leichhardt River in the west.
First stop for visitors should be the Burns Philp Building at the northern end of town, a reminder of the glory days of the port at Normanton. The building houses the Normanton Visitor Information Centre and Library where you can browse through the interesting displays. Pick up a town map 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.
The Burns Philp 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.
If you enjoy fishing, there is a jetty next to the boat ramp or there is a fishing bridge over the river, with barbecue facilities nearby. Get advice on where to fish and take every precaution possible, as this area is home to the dangerous saltwater crocodile.
Normanton is home to a fellow who 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.
Follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and visit Camp 119. Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, this historic site is just 34km from Normanton travelling along the Normanton-Burketown Road. Here Burke & Wills made their most northerly camp, which can be identified today by 10 remaining blazed trees, used by the party to mark buried non-essential supplies.
With its diverse and complex habitats, freshwater and estuarine wetlands, the Mutton Hole Wetlands Conservation Park offers fabulous wildlife observation opportunities. The park has an outstanding array of waterbirds and is a breeding ground for crocodiles.
Eleven internationally recognised conservation significant bird species have been recorded in the area. The wetlands covers 7860ha and is the largest continuous wetland area in Northern Queensland. Part of the wetlands is visible from the road between Normanton and Karumba and birds provide a magnificent spectacle as you pass. There’s a stopping bay with a telescope for longer, more detailed viewing. Brolgas and Sarus Cranes are a common and spectacular sight as they graze on the mud and weeds, seemingly unconcerned by the traffic on the highway not ten metres away. After extensive flooding during the wet season, the shallow water attracts a menagerie of birds and you’ll often find masses of gorgeous water lillies that seem to hover above the surface of the water … not to be mistaken for birds!
Turn off the highway about 1.5km from John Whyte bridge and a few hundred metres down the track you’ll come to a large waterhole. Leave your vehicle in the carpark and walk to see more of the waterholes. The whole area is a natural waterway for wild life which is a joy to experience, but be mindful that this is crocodile breeding territory – so be croc wise. Do not enter the water!
You cannot enter this area while towing, so leave your caravan or camper-trailer in town.
At the Top Service Station you could easily find yourself being served by an Aussie sports heroine. Diane Reeves, winner of a Commonwealth Games gold medal for trap shooting is one of the owners of this ‘top’ business. The service station offers 24-hour diesel and unleaded (card purchase) and has a fully equipped workshop.
Normantion Visitor Information Centre & Library
Phone (within Australia) 07 4747 8444
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