Croydon
A historic gold-mining town situated in the heart of the Gulf Savannah. It is located:
- 148km west of Georgetown
- 152km east of Normanton
- 562km west of Cairns
Poulation - 316
Economy
Grazing and tourism are the main industries in the area.
Climate
There are two seasons in this part of Queensland:
Dry/Winter (April to September):
- Little or no rainfall with mild to warm conditions
- Average temperatures are maximum 29°C, minimum 14°C
- Humidity levels are low, averaging between 45% - 50% in July
Wet/Summer (October to March):
- Heaviest rain falling from January onwards; January average 217mm.
- Average temperatures are maximum 37°C, minimum 24°C
- Humidity levels average between 55% - 70%
Current weather forecast for Croydon.
Environment
The area's natural environment of undulating savannah woodland is the focus of planned walking tracks near Lake Belmore. The lake was formed in 1995 to provide town water and provides additional benefits with the opportunity to swim, fish, ski and facilities for BBQ's and picnics. A regular stocking program to ensure future fishing has been implemented.
History
- 1880s - Area settled as a large pastoral holding covering an area of approximately 5,000km2.
- 1885 - Gold discovered. Croydon became the focal point of the Croydon Goldfields and a busy mining town of over 7,000 people by the mid 1890's. Gold was to be the mainstay of the district for four decades.
- 1891 - Gulflander Railmotor weekly train service from Croydon to Normanton established
- 1926 - Mining Warden left as there were too few miners left on the field.
The legacy of this bygone mining era remains today in the form of heritage buildings. Ongoing restoration and conservation is being carried out on a number of historical sites such as the Police Precinct with jail, Courthouse, Working Mine Museum, Chinese Temple archaeological site, Old Hospital and Town Hall.
The Gulflander railmotor (also called the Old Tin Hare) is an asset originally built to service Croydon from the Gulf port of Normanton and the specially designed metal sleepers under the rails allow the train to travel immediately after major flood waters have passed. Normanton is the only destination when it leaves on its weekly trip from Croydon.
Indigenous Culture
The local Aboriginal community are involved in several projects including oral histories, heritage site register and investigation of new economic development opportunities along with the establishment of Aboriginal food and medicine plants as part of Anzac Federation Park, a Centenary of Federation project.
Things To See And Do
Drop into Croydon Visitor Information Centre for tours, information, tea/coffee, and genealogical database for the Croydon area.
- Visit some of the historic buildings and relics on a walking tour with resident Savannah Guide, Chris Weirman, including:
- The Mine Museum with a recently restored Gold Milling Stamper.
- A10 Steam Train: currently undergoing restoration.
- Gulflander Railmotor weekly
from Croydon to Normanton with Ken Millard, Savannah Guide.
- Pioneer cemetery with Chinese section
- Chinese Temple Site: A Centenary of Federation project to present this heritage listed archaeological site.
- Go birdwatching: pick up a copy of the local bird list from the Visitor Information Centre.
- Fish, swim or ski at Lake Belmore only 3km from town. Covered barbecues, tennis courts and a children's playground are available.
- Take a walk on one of the self-guided walking tracks. A walking guide can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre.
- Visit the General Store/Museum, trading since 1894.
- Have a cold beer at the Club Hotel c.1887.
- Play golf, tennis, and lawn bowls, or have a swim at the local public swimming pool.
- Covered basketball/cricket pavilion available.
Services
- 2 service stations, fuel, ice, RACQ depot
- Outpatients centre for emergencies 24 hours. Nursing staff available during regular hours. Royal Flying Doctor Service clinic every fortnight. A dentist visits once a month.
- Post Office with Commonwealth bank agency at the Gulf Gate Roadhouse
- Grocery store, takeaway food, butchery
- 1 Hotel/motel, 2 caravan parks, roadhouse with accommodation
- Public Internet access is available at the public library, Samwell Street.
Access
- Air: Savannah Aviation and MacAir fly into the region.
- Train: The Gulflander is the historic rail service that goes from nowhere to nowhere. Venturing from Croydon the train travels to Normanton on the remote Gulf of Carpentaria 145km away one day per week. This is old gold territory with a history to match the incredible terrain.
- Queensland Rail - Phone: 13 22 32 (within Australia) or 07 4036 9350 (Cairns) or 07 4745 1391 (Normanton). Fax: 07 4036 9216 (Cairns) or 07 4745 1222 (Normanton). tnqres@qr.com.au.
- Bus: Regular passenger and freight services operate between Cairns and Karumba.
- Self Drive: The road is sealed from Cairns through to Normanton. This road, which extends through the Gulf Savannah into the Northern Territory, is known as the Savannah Way. Check road conditions before travelling- call the RACQ's 24 hour information service on 1300 130 595 or check online.
Further Information
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