the gulflander
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the gulflander印象
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First of all, it's NOT in the Northern Territory but entirely in Queensland, up in the Gulf country. In fact, because it was never connected to the Queensland railway system, they call it "the train from nowhere to nowhere". It travels the approximately 140 kms between Normanton and Croydon one way on Wednesdays (Normanton-Croydon) or Thursdays (return to Normanton) departing Normanton at 0830, arriving Croydon at 1330, with the same departure and arrival times for the return journey. The cost? For adults $69.00 one way ($115.00 return); for Seniors, Pensioners, Children $34.50 ($57.50). The original railway line was laid between 1888-1891 and traverses what is known as "the Savannah", broad sweeping plains of sparsely vegetated, slightly waterlogged and highly flat terrain, necessitating ingenious methods to overcome the seasonal flooding that inundates the surrounding countryside. There are only two carriages that run, with air-conditioned provided mainly by opening the windows. A short stop is provided at the Blackbull Siding for morning tea (there's nothing else there). The seating is comfortable without being in any way luxurious, there's no assigned seating, and the driver or guard provides an entertaining running commentary on the history ofthe line and the landscape and species you encounter en route. It is, in every sense, an iconic and unique journey that will capture your romantic soul, or provide you with one if you lack it! Don't miss this amazing part of the Australian Outback experience!
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Travelled to Croyden on Gulflander last week. Very informative driver and friendly staff. The 5 hour trip to Croyden is more than enough to experience this unique train, only a masochist or train buff would do a return journey. There is a shorter journey on the Gulflander that is a 2 hour run to Critters Camp and then it returns to Normanton-a much better option to take especially if you have children or are elderly.The pub at Croyden does NOT serve lunch but there are a few cafes in town. We returned the same day by coach to Normanton-about 90 minute trip. Several of the people on the train had planned to stay at the Croyden pub but changed their minds when they saw the rooms
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The ride is rough and slow, and there is no air conditioning, but it's a great experience. The driver was informative and friendly. The train is clean and well maintained, and Normanton station is exceptionally well presented.
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The Gulflander which has now rattled its way into a tourism icon when its need as a vital link in the Gulf has long since passed is a fantastic weekly train approaching 125 years of service to/from the quaint Normanton to the even quainter Croydon. Ken, the driver offers tourist guide commentary as the train rattles along at 25kph. Around the half way point, the train stops at Blackbull, on the level crossing of the Savannah Way where a cuppa in a complimentary baked enamel souvenir cup is offered and the tourists travelling along the road invariably stop and take photo's of the iconic train. Nobody could possibly be bored travelling along the route with the wonderful birdlife and flora that's well described in the commentary.A wonderful journey which links by connecting bus to the Savannahlander train to/from Cairns.The Gulflander which has now rattled its way into a tourism icon when its need as a vital link in the Gulf has long since passed is a fantastic weekly train approaching 125 years of service to/from the quaint Normanton to the even quainter Croydon. Ken, the driver offers tourist guide commentary as the train rattles along at 25kph. Around the half way point, the train stops at Blackbull, on the level crossing of the Savannah Way where a cuppa in a complimentary baked enamel souvenir cup is offered and the tourists travelling along the road invariably stop and take photo's of the iconic train. Nobody could possibly be bored travelling along the route with the wonderful birdlife and flora that's well described in the commentary.Normanton railway station also has a lot of history about the Gulflander train and a good souvenir selection.A wonderful journey which links by connecting bus to the Savannahlander train to/from Cairns.
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The line was never connected to the state rail network. We did the two hour special from Normanton to Critters Camp return. Friendly staff and very informative driver, providing plenty of local and railway history. The carriages are in great condition, very clean and comfortable. Interesting museum at Normanton rail station. $49 per adult return, 50% discount with Seniors Card.
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I travelled on the Gulflander from Normanton to Black Bull Siding as part of a Wilderness Challenge outback tour. The tracks are laid "floodproof" which leads to an absolutely unique sensation while the train "hops along".The engineer gave great comments as the trip advanced. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
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We scheduled our journey along the Savannah Way specifically to coincide with the Wednesday departure of the Gulflander and we were so glad we did.The train is wonderful and beautifully restored. What makes the day is the driver who also doubles as your guide - he is totally brilliant. He gives you all the technical detail about the engines, the gears etc but also he tells you the history of the area, describes the different trees and flowers that you will see. His commentary is both informative but it is also full of anecdotes which were really amusing. We stopped along the way for a tea and muffin and he introduced us to a little joey he was hand rearing. It slept in a pillow case - very sweet!The only slight issue we had with it was that some tour groups get on at Normanton one of which got off at the tea stop and then another group got on just about 20km out of Croydon. These tour groups did tend to be noisy and that was irritating!We did the journey out by train then looked around Croydon and came back on the scheduled bus. This worked very well and I would recommend it.
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Combining the Gulflander & the Savannahlander is a great way to see outback Queensland & the Gulf country if you're a single traveller or/& don't want to drive this region. Combined into a travel package with the other fine things to see in the region it's a stress free way to go in a challenging but compelling landscape. The other reviews nail the travel attributes well. A train lovingly maintained. Taking the journey early in this century a breeze versus the experience of our forefathers.
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Traveled on the Gulflander from Normonton to Croydon - a great rail experience for rail buffs! The driver (Ken) was a wealth of knowledge and the station has a 'museum' of sorts with lots of historical memorabilia and a coffee shop for purchases prior to travel. Purchasing the morning tea gets you a souvenir mug and seating is 'first in best dressed' so aim for the right hand side for better views!We had trouble hearing the commentary but when we stopped at the half way point we mentioned it and the driver made a point of fixing it and checking in that everything was working ok :)
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There are a few types of train trips you can take. We took the 2 hours return trip from Normanton to Critters Camp. The driver was an excellent tour guide as he gave a lot of history about the rail line and the Normanton area. It was a good length.Seta on the train are comfy and there are a few stops so you can take photos out of the windows. Toilets on board.The historic railway station at Normanton is also interesting.