Normanton to Karumba

Wednesday 3rd August 2011:
NORMANTON - From our overnight stop at the Bang Bang Rest area we arrived in Normanton Qld. This town was established in 1868 as a port for the Gulf's cattle industry and later grew with the discovery of gold. Burns Philp & Co Ltd started its origin in Normanton, today the building is used for the Tourist Information Centre and Library. The Normanton to Croydon railway line was opened in 1891. Today the historic railway station is an architectural marvel that was once the focal point of town. Today they run the train 'The Gulflander' as a tourist attraction with rail trips from Normanton to Croydon and shorter trips to Critters Camp.
Thursday 4th August 2011:
KARUMBA - A small port town 70 klms north west of Normanton on the south eastern side of the Gulf of Carpentaria. During winter the population of this small town swells with fishing enthusiasts throwing in a line to catch the plentiful Barramundi. We enjoyed a stroll around this small town along the river and out to the Karumba Point Beach where you view the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. We enjoyed lunch at the Raptis Seafood Market and Cafe looking out over the river.

The restored Normanton Railway which has an interesting museum
Normanton Railway in 1891

Station gardens - just beautiful

In the station museum - recognise any of these items?

Normanton Railway station on the track side

'The Gulflander' Tourist Train and the Motor Rail

Burns Philp & Co. Ltd - today the Visitor Centre and Library

Normanton was the town referred to in the novel "A Town Like Alice"

The Purple Pub mentioned in the info board above

Town Well

the original source from which the locals drew their water before reticulated water was installed in 1965.

Next to the well stands the original light pole

Norman River from the wharf precinct

Fisherman along the Karumba Point Beach over looking the Gulf of Carpentaria

Raptis Seafood Market and cafe where we enjoyed a seafood lunch looking out over the river

Black red under wing Cockatoo

Pussy cat pussy cat where have you been!!!!!!!!