Normanton
The major commercial centre of Carpentaria Shire situated on
the Norman River. It is located:
- 69km east of Karumba
- 356km east of Northern Territory border
- 151km west of Croydon
- 700km west of Cairns
Population
- 1,328 - Normanton
- 2,271 - Shire of Carpentaria
Economy
Grazing, recreational fishing, mining and tourism are the main
regional industries.
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 15°C
- Humidity levels are low, averaging between 45% - 55% in July
Wet/Summer (October to March):
- Heaviest rain falling from January onwards, average 250mm
in January.
- Average temperatures are maximum 36°C, minimum 25°C
- Humidity levels average between 55% - 65%
The Morning Glory: Late September to early November a
peculiar cloud formation occurs. The Morning Glory is a series
of long cigar shaped cloud formations that roll out of the Gulf
in lines of three or four, usually in the early hours before daylight.
Occurring in only two places in the world, the Gulf of Carpentaria
and the Gulf of Mexico, these multiple formations follow behind
each other, accompanied by a violent wind called a 'shock wave'.
The cloud itself does not travel much further than 60km inland
but the wind has been registered as far south as Alice Springs.
The appearance of these formations heralds the unstable and changeable
weather of the build-up to the 'Wet'.
Current
weather forecast for Normanton.
Environment
Located at the head of the navigation of the Norman River, Normanton
sits on a high ironstone ridge. The ridge lies between the Savannah
grasslands which extend to the west, and the wetlands to the north.
The area surrounding Normanton comprises coastal saltpans and
mangrove fringed river systems. There are numerous water holes
and ephemeral wetlands.
Normanton is internationally recognised as an important location
for an estimated third of Australia's migratory wading birds (eg
brolga, sarus crane). Normanton is known as the 'Barramundi Capital
of the North' with locals regularly catching fish in excess of
5kg.
History
- 1664 - Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, sighted the entrance
to the Norman River.
- 1802 - Mathew Flinders landed in the area on his circumnavigation
of Australia.
- 1867 - William Landsborough navigated the Norman River.
- 1868 - Normanton town established.
- 1891 - Gulflander Railmotor weekly train service from
Croydon to Normanton established. The town became the principal
port to for the goldrush town of Croydon, 150km to the east-southeast.
Goods were transported by rail to and from the goldfields. Normanton
was served from the sea by barge along the Norman River.
Indigenous Culture
The Normanton area of the Gulf of Carpentaria holds the traditional
lands of the Gkuthaarn, Kukatj, Kurtijar and Kokoberrin peoples.
The initial period of contact was marked with massacres and bloodshed
as thousands of Indigenous people were slaughtered to make way
for the pastoral expansion of the area. The survivors and their
descendents were forced from their traditional land to work on
cattle stations as stockhands and domestic servants.
Two Reserves were established around Normanton, one of which
was handed back to the local Indigenous people in 1996 and has
been named Thawll Thuddawarrn Pikew Reserve, meaning 'our place'
or 'our camp'.
Through the local Indigenous oral histories and archaeological
surveys, discoveries of some of the oldest skeletal remains and
sites of significance have been recorded in the area. The local
Elders hold the songs, language, and information relating to the
traditional lands, ceremonial grounds and camping places.
This information has been reproduced with the permission of
Gkuthaarn Aboriginal Corporation. 5/11/2001
Things To See And Do
- Take a scenic wildlife-spotting cruise or try your hand at
fishing with local Savannah Guide, Dennis Taney of Norman
River Fishing and Cruises.
- Visit the railway station, one of Normanton's most distinctive
landmarks.
- Take a ride with Savannah Guide, Ken Millard on the Gulflander: this historic
rail service goes from Normanton to Croydon one day per week.
- Stroll around the historic buildings: the 'Purple Pub', the
'Albion Hotel', the original Burns Philp building, the Bank
of New South Wales which is now a listed National Trust building.
Services
The following services are available in Normanton:
- Service station (fuel, ice, mechanical repairs), panel beater
- Chemist, doctor surgery, hospital
- Post Office with Commonwealth bank agency
- Butchery, bakery, café, grocery shop, takeaway food
- 1 motel, 2 hotels, 2 caravan parks
- Public Internet access is available at the public library,
Lansborough Street, and at the Council offices.
Access
- Air: Savannah Aviation and MacAir fly into the region.
- Train: Queensland Rail's Gulflander is the historic
rail service that goes from 'nowhere to nowhere'. Venturing
from Normanton, the old Tin Hare travels to Croydon 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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