The historic goldrush town of Croydon is located in the heart of the Gulf Savannah, 562 km west of Cairns.

When first settled in the 1880s Croydon was a large pastoral holding covering an area of approximately 5,000 km2. Gold was discovered in 1885 and by 1887, the town's population had reached a staggering 7,000.

Gold was to be the mainstay of the district for four decades. The Mining Warden left in 1926 as there were too few miners left on the field. During its heyday, Croydon was the fourth largest town in the colony of Queensland.

Today restoration and conservation is ongoing on the town's historical sites:

• The Old Police Precinct with Jail. The Police Station houses a photographic display "Discover Croydon".
• The Heritage listed Courthouse c. 1887
• Town Hall with Movie Projection Equipment
• Federation Park with unique steel artworks depicting the natural and cultural heritage of the Croydon area.
• Old Hospital Ward - now a conference centre
• Static Mining Machinery
• The Mine Museum with a recently restored Gold Milling Stamper
• A10 Steam Train - under restoration
• Gulflander Railmotor weekly from Croydon to Normanton (established in 1891)
• Cemetery with Chinese section (4 cemeteries accessible)

In a radical departure from the standard local museum, the whole town is seen as a living, working museum.

Walking Tours

Lifelong resident and Savannah Guide site interpreter, Chris Weirman, takes regular walking tours of the Historic Precinct. Chris is a mine of information, having guided in Croydon for 17 years.

The historic buildings and sites are fascinating to explore. Chris can provide many an interesting story to bring the gold mining era to life including:

• Tales of the Town and People
• Stories of the National Trust Buildings
• Historic Gold Milling Relics
• Fossils and Minerals

Tour times are 8.00am / 10.00am / 14.00pm / 16.00pm. All Tours leave from the Visitor Information Centre. Bookings are not necessary

Tour coaches can be accommodated; custom tours can be arranged. Please contact us for details. Click here for tour prices.