Normanton - 21.09.2012 to 22.09.2012

Normanton is a small cattle town in the Gulf Country region of northwest Qld on the Norman River. It only has a population of 1100, with 60 per cent of whom are indigenous Australians. As small as the town is it does offer some rather unique tourist attractions. There is the Gulflander motor train which was built during the gold rush days in the 1890's and drove the Normanton to Croydon route. The train is in prestine condition and offers a ride once a week on this historic route.

what a face

they dont make them like that anymore



old train wheels

Normanton is also home to the largest crocodile ever taken (shot dead) in 1957 and is 8.64metres long. The statue that stands is apparently a true replica of the guiness book of records entry describing the huge croc, as photos were destroyed in a fire. It is hard to imagine a croc of this size in existance. Perhaps the last of the dinosaurs??

One bite is all it would take

There was also some great birdlife in this area, which Crowey and I both love to watch and it was here that I got my best sunset photo eva!!

Another interesting feature in Normanton was the Purple Pub. That night they had a band playing so we decided to go and along and Gail and Ron (yes who we met at Gregory Downs) came also to see the band. Well what a treat we were in for that night. The Purple Pub appeared to be the local indigenous hangout and the local Normanton band were playing. They pumped out some great dance tunes that night and amongst the locals we danced the night away. I guess you could say we soon became a novelty amoungst the locals as we were just about the only 'whities" in the pub, except for another family from Melbourne (Chelsea). They wanted to know where we were from, were we having a good time etc? I got asked to dance by a local by the name of Kevin and we had a few boogies on the dance floor. After a few dances Crowey came and sat back next to me (after having a chat to the guy from Melbourne) and it was then that Kevin realised that I was not alone. He came up to Crowey and apologised as he was not aware that I was Crowey's "Mrs" and had been dancing with me. He introduced himself, shook Crowey's hand and then promptly asked if he could dance again with me. LOL. Soon Crowey was up on the dance floor and had a great night dancing until the last song ending at midnight.

The Purple Pub

We didn't get up too early the next day, but eventually headed for Karumba.