Shire council building in Normanton
Moving right along......................after we left Bank Bank free camp we ventured into Normanton, a 120km drive of partly single lane goat track, and in parts, super highway. I don't think, in our life time, will we see a complete two lane road between Normaton and Cloncurry...however work is progressing slowly. No wonder west Aussies and NT residence, moan and groan about Queensland roads.
We weren't to sure if we were going to stay in Normanton for a couple of days then head into Karumba, however we heard that Karumba was totally booked out...no big deal...............as we were in Karumba two years ago, and as we don't fish.....not much else to do there.
We decided on the Normanton Tourist Park over the alternative, once again through the Grey Nomad gossip grapevine.
Just had to do go and say hello to "Kris"
Se we settled in the CP and of course ran into two traveling ladies from WA that we met at Daly Waters, as well as Val, Ray, and Ivan that we met at Bank Bank free camp.
So what did we do at Normaton!!!!!!!!!!!!........went to the Pub, a couple of times, in between the bride being busy..............had more grogs with our friends while watching some afternoon entertainment, and just had to do the Gulf Lander Train
Three pubs in Normanton. The Purple Pub, Albion and Central.
As above three pubs in Normanton. The Purple Pub, is well known, however looking very tired. The Albion had great atmosphere with us consuming the odd cleansing ale, and the Central, although it looks like it is about to fall down, the evening meals are just sensational.....one of the best meals we have ever eaten. The reason why we went to the Central for a meal, was because the grapevine told us too. A'hhhh you can't beat that gossip from the Geriatric Gypsies.
The Albion bar with a few of the Normanton characters
Sunday arvo entertainment from the corporate box with Clive and Henny who we ran into at Normaton after not seeing them for 10 years.
Normanton was very social for us..........again...., no wonder I am becoming more rotund than normal....but I'm still handsome though. We decided that while in Normaton, we must go for a ride on the Gulflander Motor Rail. It is the done thing to do for all us Nomads in Normaton.............so what did we do on Monday, go for a train ride in the Gulflander to Critters Creek and return.
The bride posing along the Gulflander
The train trip takes about two hours. It is a rattly journey but one has to say "been there done that". We went along with Clive, Henny, Ray and Val. The motor rail (GULFLANDER) makes its way to Critters Creek, getting its name from the builders of the rail line, as there were so many "critters" in that area.
We were given a full commentary by the driver who not only is a Queensland Rail employee, but a Savannah Guide as well. A fair bit of history is associated with the trip, of which I won't bore you with the details, however if you are ever in Normaton this is a must, if you like a bone jarring, teeth shaking and churning up the jelly belly to the point of considering a technicolour yawn ....go for it.
One thing I do remember, even with my KRAFT DISEASE (Kan't Remember A Feeeeeerk'n Thing) that this line associated with Queensland Rail has not made a profit for 120 years. However because us old farts love trains they keep it running. But in saying that, the cost of $45 per head is quite steep for us TAPS (Tight Arse Pensioners) however a 50% concession made the pain a little better.
The Gulflander is driven by a six cylinder diesel motor with a four speed gearbox
Normanton Train Station
Bit more history on Normaton Railway Station
Our trip out to Critters Camp was quite interesting, however the scenery was a little dry and boring....although we came across part of the Norman River, and to think Chinese market gardens were in this arid landscape all those years ago....begs belief.
A lagoon in the middle of nowhere that serviced the Chinese market gardens
Part of the steam train that built and serviced the line
Some campers under the rail bridge right on the Norman River
As we went over the bridge the driver of the train said anybody camping anywhere on the Norman River were totally insane, as the Norman River has the most concentration of "snapping hand bags" anywhere in the north. The guide referred to these cuddly animals as "Crocodilis Attackus" Thanks for that bit of info.
Note the outside shower/toilet tent on the bank. Could get quite tricky, running from the car in the raw to the dunny and then bath the body, and a thumping big croc, coming through the tent for a perv.
The Gulflander on the return trip to Normanton
We spent three days in Normanton and quite enjoyable, I will say. However it was time to move on, with our next destination Leichardt Lagoon, half hours drive away....so stay tooooooned!!!!!!!
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