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riginally, construction of this railway
began in 1888 with the line being completed in 1891. Initial
plans were drawn up to link Normanton, the beef capital
of the North, with Cloncurry, to serve the cattle industry.
But as time |
passed, that all changed when gold was discovered at Croydon.
The Normanton - Croydon line was then constructed under the
supervision of "George Phillips", an engineer and
advocate of the Gulf Country. He designed and patented the steel
sleepers used on the line. Interestingly, they are hollow based
and packed with mud, avoiding the need for ballast material
in the track. This low cost railway was also designed to be
submersible, allowing flood waters and debris to flow over the
line, leaving it intact when the water subsides.
 Today,
over one hundred years after its construction, most of the
sleepers on the line are still in place.
The original services consisted of five, first and second
class passenger carriages and fifty assorted freight wagons.
Steam locomotives hauled the trains until 1922 when the first
rail motor was introduced.
This is an enchanting journey few people take the time to
experience. Travelling between Normanton and historic Croydon,
the Gulflander is more like an adventure than a train ride.
Your driver will stop and show you points of interest along
the 152 kilometre track.
You'll cross the Norman River, pass an endless stream of wildlife
and finally terminate your trip at the old gold town of Croydon.
Be Touched By A
Land Untouched.
The Gulflander was the Heritage winner in the Queensland
Tourism Awards, 1994... Until then it had been one of the
State's best secrets.
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Departures |
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Valid to 31 March 2008
Departs |
Arrives |
| Croydon - Thursday 8:30am |
Normanton - same day 1:00pm |
| Normanton - Wed 8:30am |
Croydon - same day 1:00pm |
| Regular short excursions can also be made
between Normanton and Glenore |
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Fares |
|
Fares: are per person in Australian dollars
Valid: 1 April 2007 - 31 March 2008
| Journey |
Adult |
Child |
| Croydon - Normanton or v.v. |
$58 |
$29 |
| Normanton - Blackbull |
$45 |
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