The Gulflander
The Gulflander
4.5
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About
Climb aboard the legendary Gulflander for a rail journey unlike any other. Originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton with the rich gold fields of Croydon, today the Gulflander is a tourism icon and working tribute to the early pioneers of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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4.5
128 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
35
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Mike T
Brisbane11 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
After many years of discussion we finally made the first Gulflander journey in 2021! The trip was everything we expected and the staff were both helpful and informative. Most of the track/rails are original and Ken even showed me the manufacture date stamped into the rail - 1886!
An unexpected highlight was the impromptu sunset bus ride put on by Caroline (Croydon Van Park Manager), who took a small number of us out to the local lake with a stop at the town lookout for sunset photos. Caroline did all this for no charge and because "She wanted to show off her town"!
We caught the train back to Normanton on Thursday and highly recommend this trip as well as you get to see the things you missed on the previous day. Thanks QR and Caroline! 🤠
An unexpected highlight was the impromptu sunset bus ride put on by Caroline (Croydon Van Park Manager), who took a small number of us out to the local lake with a stop at the town lookout for sunset photos. Caroline did all this for no charge and because "She wanted to show off her town"!
We caught the train back to Normanton on Thursday and highly recommend this trip as well as you get to see the things you missed on the previous day. Thanks QR and Caroline! 🤠
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! Great to have you with us. Hopefully we can see you again on Gulflander sometime!
Written 5 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,656 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
A ride on the iconic Gulflander was top of my list of activities on my trip out to the Gulf from Cairns.
Cost is $82 and includes the 5 hour train journey from Normanton to Croydon, a basic morning tea at Blackbull Station and guided commentary most of the way.
The trip is a great way to see the gulf country and really take it all in. You pass coolabah trees, kangaroos, cows and cattle stations, and miles of wooded savannah and grassland I.e the true gulf country. You can see the flood water levels marked out on a historical marker not far out of Normanton (the 1974 water levels were next level high). There is a short stop at Haydon to deliver/pick up mail for the local cattle stations. The journey is peaceful and relaxing, the commentary is interesting and you can easily take photos from the train as it goes slowly.
The train only leaves once a week from Normanton on a Wednesday morning, so you need to coordinate accordingly. TransNorth offers same day return coach transfers from Croydon which is a good option (cheaper and shorter than going back on the Gulflander). If you take this option you get around 2 hours in Croydon and I made the most if it by checking out the excellent Heritage Precinct including the old court house, movie theatre and oodles of interesting history spread over multiple buildings. You can also grab a snack at the Club Hotel or the cafe just up the road from the pub. If you take this option you leave Normanton at 8.30am and are back in Normanton by 5.30pm.
Cost is $82 and includes the 5 hour train journey from Normanton to Croydon, a basic morning tea at Blackbull Station and guided commentary most of the way.
The trip is a great way to see the gulf country and really take it all in. You pass coolabah trees, kangaroos, cows and cattle stations, and miles of wooded savannah and grassland I.e the true gulf country. You can see the flood water levels marked out on a historical marker not far out of Normanton (the 1974 water levels were next level high). There is a short stop at Haydon to deliver/pick up mail for the local cattle stations. The journey is peaceful and relaxing, the commentary is interesting and you can easily take photos from the train as it goes slowly.
The train only leaves once a week from Normanton on a Wednesday morning, so you need to coordinate accordingly. TransNorth offers same day return coach transfers from Croydon which is a good option (cheaper and shorter than going back on the Gulflander). If you take this option you get around 2 hours in Croydon and I made the most if it by checking out the excellent Heritage Precinct including the old court house, movie theatre and oodles of interesting history spread over multiple buildings. You can also grab a snack at the Club Hotel or the cafe just up the road from the pub. If you take this option you leave Normanton at 8.30am and are back in Normanton by 5.30pm.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your detailed review. Happy to hear you enjoyed your experience and journey onboard.
Written 4 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane McBride
Brisbane, Australia26 contributions
June 2021 • Friends
We did the full Gulflander trip between Normanton and Croydon twice as part of a trip to Karumba from Cairns in July 2021. We were lucky enough to have Ken as the driver / guide / entertainer and host both times. His knowledge about trains and the history of that line as well as his general knowledge were amazing - he is obviously very well-read. The commentary was even quite different each way so clearly he hasn’t simply rote-learned a spiel. He is constantly watching the surroundings and sharing his observations with the passengers so you feel like you are in a car with him driving.
I don’t know how QR found him but he’s a huge asset to FNQ tourism generally and QR specifically.
I don’t know how QR found him but he’s a huge asset to FNQ tourism generally and QR specifically.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for a glowing review! We could not agree more, Ken is a gem isn't he! We hope to see you again sometime.
Written 18 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn S
13 contributions
Nov 2022
My wife and I went on the Gulflander in the first week of November 2022 and went from Normanton to Croydon in great weather. Glen was an excellent driver and guide explaining all the terrain whilst mobile and also identifying wildlife, water and flood levels in the wet and dry seasons. Glen always made us feel safe and ensured safety in and around the train. Anne was also a wealth of information at the station prior to boarding and provided a great morning tea. The staff were very professional and I would (will) recommend the Gulflander as a tourist destination to our friends.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the review! Glad you had a great time onboard and enjoyed the trip!
Written 6 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacqbag
Greater Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Apr 2021
This is a must do trip from Normanton to Croydon. QLDRail run this train thanks yo the dedication of 8 workers. 4 track workers and 4 self proclaimed jack of all trades. Ken our driver,Ticketmaster and guide Is incredibly knowledgeable and Ray aka Kiwi is the cheeky guard and master of morning tea ceremony. Their passion for their work and commitment to customers is outstanding. Thanks for a memorable trip
Written 28 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! The team are absolutely wonderful aren't they! See you again next time.
Written 3 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James B
Cairns, Australia84 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Trip from Normanton to Croydon and return was one of the best rail journeys we have experienced, the shear age of the rolling stock in use and the rail is a testament to keep our history alive. Ken and Ray abound in local knowledge, not just of the railmotor but history of the areas we traveled through. Croydon is a full of our pioneering history with vast amount of gold mining displays.
Valued the running comentary from Ken on everything about the railways, fauna, flora cattle grazing and gold mining.
Well done guys, awesome trip.
Valued the running comentary from Ken on everything about the railways, fauna, flora cattle grazing and gold mining.
Well done guys, awesome trip.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review. Glad you enjoyed your journey and had a great trip.
Written 29 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lird5
Brisbane, Australia375 contributions
Aug 2020
We had wanted to go on the Critters Camp excursion but this is not being offered this year due to covid restrictions. So we did the whole Normanton to Croydon trip with return by bus. We found the trip too long. Although the staff are enthusiastic and provide informative commentary there isn’t much change in the scenery. Excitement was provided by a herd of cattle on the tracks. The morning tea was a huge disappointment: a tea bag or instant coffee and a commercial muffin in cellophane (not even something from the Normanton bakery). When making the booking by phone the person in Cairns said it would be billy tea, damper and scones. (Maybe covid restrictions had something to do with this, but the booking was made after lockdown eased). It seemed odd that we had to be so distanced on the train (13 people per carriage) with open windows, then sitting much closer on a full public bus (travelling from Cairns to Karumba) with no open windows.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review. We do appreciate the feedback, and will pass this on to the relevant teams.
Written 20 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GabrielaP L
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
On 21/8 we were anticipating an experience for the bucket list but the tour left us disappointed and wanting more for our money. The narration about the construction method and train was well rehearsed but anything else about the area was missing. After the 10th mention of gold workings and ‘rock piles’ we wondered if there was any knowledge forthcoming- it was not. We reached our destination Golden Gate Mine ruins and were told nothing about it. Not even when it closed, how many ounces it produced and how many people worked there or who owned it. No further guided tour information was provided and we ate our stew & rice at 5:30pm in silence. Dessert - was an equally disappointing offering of canned fruit and store bought custard. Why not something locally made? No nostalgic elements or information about the era of train travel were shared at any time and given there’s no outstanding landscapes on offer - they need to create more interest somehow. Train and carriages were in great condition and it’s a missed opportunity to create some passenger experience or interaction by having staff more educated or willing to get into character of the era. Even a billy tea would’ve made it more nostalgic.
Written 2 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are sorry to hear your experience did not meet expectations. We encourage you to provide feedback via our official feedback form at https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/CustomerFeedback.aspx as this allows us to register your feedback and provide a response should you request one.
Written 9 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AussiePD
Alexandra Hills, Australia2,041 contributions
Apr 2022
Normanton & The Gulflander, they sort of go together. The Gulflander is a half day trip from Normanton to Croydon which in itself is a wonderful experience BUT it seems really a shame to come the way (from anywhere else) to not spend a few more days to explore the region.
The Normanton Station you could spend a half day just exploring all the exhibits and reading the history of the town and the line.
Also while here you can to a town walk and by the time you stop and read the many info boards and go into the 'pub/s' public buildings you could easily fill in a day.
Then next day - Hire a car and take a 32klm drive out to Burke & Wills Camp 119 and spend an hour reading about the ill fated trip from Victoria to the Gulf and how they then met their demise.
From there you can drive back into Normanton and on to Karumba on the Gulf.
AND
On the train - the drivers are also tour guides who know a lot about the history of not only the train and line but also the area. Along the way their are plenty to interest and lots of photo ops.
For train buffs the info about the track, sleepers, bridges, creeks and particularly info about the difference between the 'dry' and 'wet' seasons will make the trip worthwhile.
Once you arrive at Croydon the fun need not stop there.
Do yourself a real favour and check out the many packages available that do both the Gulflander & Savannahlander all the way back to Cairns from Normanton.
They include Cobbold Gorge, Copperfield Gorge side trips and lots more.
And yes they will include a bus ride up from Cairns as well . All up our trip was 6 days from Cairns back to Cairns.
The Normanton Station you could spend a half day just exploring all the exhibits and reading the history of the town and the line.
Also while here you can to a town walk and by the time you stop and read the many info boards and go into the 'pub/s' public buildings you could easily fill in a day.
Then next day - Hire a car and take a 32klm drive out to Burke & Wills Camp 119 and spend an hour reading about the ill fated trip from Victoria to the Gulf and how they then met their demise.
From there you can drive back into Normanton and on to Karumba on the Gulf.
AND
On the train - the drivers are also tour guides who know a lot about the history of not only the train and line but also the area. Along the way their are plenty to interest and lots of photo ops.
For train buffs the info about the track, sleepers, bridges, creeks and particularly info about the difference between the 'dry' and 'wet' seasons will make the trip worthwhile.
Once you arrive at Croydon the fun need not stop there.
Do yourself a real favour and check out the many packages available that do both the Gulflander & Savannahlander all the way back to Cairns from Normanton.
They include Cobbold Gorge, Copperfield Gorge side trips and lots more.
And yes they will include a bus ride up from Cairns as well . All up our trip was 6 days from Cairns back to Cairns.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So happy to hear you had such an amazing experience. Sure is the trip of a lifetime. Thanks for taking the time out to share your review.
Written 8 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenny D
Eaglemont, Australia805 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
How quirky is this little train and station. A small museum is at the station and is filled with interesting items from a bygone era. A new cafe has started in the building. This is a wonderful way to make the most of the building. It’s very new, but stop in a try the little doughnuts. They are freshly made and are delicious. As for the train, a commentary is given as you rattle and roll along the tracks. We started in Normanton and finished in Croydon. We stopped for morning tea of coffee/tea and a muffin at Black Bull. This allowed us to stretch our legs. There’s also an exchange library, so bring along the books with which you have finished. I’m sure they’ll be appreciated. For train enthusiasts this is a must do. For everyone, it’s a hoot.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review out beautiful Gulflander. Sure is a trip to remember and the journey of a lifetime. Happy to hear you enjoyed your journey!
Written 12 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
About three days ago I wrote a review about the GulfLander Train Trip between Normanton and Croydon on 2 November 2022 and my wife and I had a memorable trip however when I ticked submit it only showed one tick which was unintentional. I wanted to tick 5 out of 5 for our experience as our trip was fantastic and would recommend to all my friends to share this experience and I hope I didn't offend anyone as the one star rating was not intentional.
Cheers
Paul and Robyn
8 November 2022
Written 8 November 2022
Not sure if you realize that you can delete the unintended post. Easy to cut and paste your words and give the appropriate rating.
hope this helps.
Written 9 November 2022
We took the trip from Normanton to Critters camp, a two hour trip and we had pensioner rates which I think might have been half price and we paid around $25 return.
Written 23 July 2021
The Gulflander website advises of all prices.....different prices for seniors, concession etc. For accuracy, best to check the details. Our cost was $165 for two.
Written 20 June 2018
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