the gulflander

The Gulflander line started in the best traditions of the Queensland Government Railways. Built in 1888-91, it began at a port and headed inland. At that time, every railway in Queensland did that. Along the coast, passengers and cargo went by ship. In time, all the other lines were joined up, but that never quite happened to the Normanton (river port) to Croydon (inland) line. So now the Gulflander is known as the line from Nowhere to Nowhere That’s a bit unkind to Normanton and Croydon, but, honestly, I can’t think of any other reason why a tourist would go to either. All of which means that the Gulflander is on many a train buff’s bucket list. And many a general tourist’s, too. It runs just once a week each way, leaving Normanton at 8.30 on Wednesdays, going back next day. It’s a five-hour trip each way, even though it’s only 152 kilometres (94 miles). Accommodation at Croydon is not too flash, according to most reports, so many people go back the same day on the scheduled bus from Cairns to Karumba. I had a package that took me on by bus to Forsayth, so we could visit Cobbold Gorge and continue on to Cairns on the two-day trip on the Savannahlander. For a train buff it’s a great experience, with lots of talk about such stuff as the special mud-packed metal sleepers that were designed to keep the ballast-free line together as the annual floods of the Gulf Country sweep across it. The idea worked and the line still runs most of its way on those very same sleepers. The bouncy ride helps you believe that. Driver Ken plies his passengers with interesting factoids all the way along, plus a lot of it non railway stuff about the countryside. In which other train do you get to talk to the driver? As I’m sure you all know, it’s called the Gulflander because it’s in Gulf of Carpentaria country.

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.

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 :)

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.

A trip on the Gulflander has been high on my “must do” list for a long time. Finally we made it. What a disappointment! For the first hour, it was great, experiencing the vintage train in all its idiosyncrasies.But a five hour trip, in a hot, noisy, rough and over-crowded train is really trying for all but the most dedicated train buff. When you do get to the other end of the journey, you have the choice of staying over-night at Croydon, with its limited accommodation and returning on the same train the next day, or returning to Normanton via the bus.We arrived on the Tuesday to make a booking with the station master for the Wednesday journey, at that time we were advised that there was no reserved seating. However, on the Wednesday morning, those on bus tours (and obviously worded up by the bus drivers), arrived at the station before the tickets were distributed and were permitted to enter the train and ‘reserve’ the best seats by placing hats and other objects on the better seats.There has to be a better way! Maybe another day of the week for a return journey of about 2-3 hours for those who want to 'experience' the Gulflander without the pain!

The train from Normanton to Croydon is a 5 hour trip. The train overnights at Croydon before its return journey the following day. Recently, a new ride has been added to the trains schedule. On the night the train overnights in Croydon people are able to book a 45 minute train ride from Croydon Train Station to a lovely railway siding, leaving at 5:00pm. Once at the siding an optional meal is served of soup and spare ribs with passengers supplying their own drinks. While enjoying the occasion everyone watches the sun set before boarding the train for the return journey. By checking at Normanton or Croydon a traveller can plan when the next trip is scheduled as it is usually only once a fortnight and only in peak season. This train trip my wife and I took recently was one of the highlights of our two month outback travels. Brilliant!!

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!

We travelled to Mt isa then on to the gulf area last year. I had not heard of the gulflander train but although it is part of the qld railway system, it is a tourist train that travels from Normanton To Croydon a couple of times a week .It used to be the main method of delivery from the coast at Kurumba to stations along the track.The crew are full of knowledge about the area and the history and many stories are told as you rattle along the tracks.Stops are made for morning tea and photo shoots.The trip is about 200kms or so but takes several hours.You can overnight at Croydon or take a bus back to Normanton the same day.One for train buffs and every traveller .When we were there the old gulflander,basically a 1920s bus wheels, on was out for a small trip as well.Say hello to Kyris the crocodile in Normantons main street. Combine the trip with one on The Savanahhlander

The trip through the remote Outback from Normanton to Croydon is awesome with wildklife to be seen everywhere. The Railmotor RM93 dates back to an original build of 1950 and the Officer in Charge/Driver/Stationaster Ken runs a very informative commentary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.