NORMANTON TOP 5

NORMANTON IS THE ENTRANCE TO THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA AND THERE IS MUCH MORE TO THIS REMOTE TOWN THAN MEETS THE EYE. HERE ARE FIVE FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND THE TOWN ...

- GLENN MARSHALL

WHEN you think of Gulf Country, the mind wanders to thoughts of dusty outback stations, rogue cattle, crocodiles and barramundi.

The landscape is harsh and remote, yet it has been drawing in nomads for years who want to escape cold southern winters.

These days, the secret is out, and many folk are now tackling the route from Cairns to Broome via the Savannah Way. Money has been thrown into the roads and what was once dirt is now bitumen, and what was once a single-lane of blacktop is now modern two-lane roads.

It is far easier to get to Normanton than it used to be and once there, it’s well worth spending a few days in the area so you can experience what this part of the country has to offer.

1 NORMANTON PUB CRAWL

PICKING which pub is the best in town can be a real challenge, so going on a pub crawl is the best way to work it out. There are only three pubs and they are all within a short walk of each other, so leave your rig back at camp.

The Purple Pub is the obvious starter, this historic hotel was once the Exchange Hotel in Croydon and was relocated to Normanton, morphing in to the colourful building it now is over many years. The beer is cold and you’ll meet some interesting characters at the bar, but if you would prefer to sit outside, the beer-garden pool room and bistro are located out the back. The meals are typical pub fare and lunch is highly recommended. This is the only pub in town with gaming machines, TAB facilities and a drive-through liquor barn, while the pool competion is on Thursdays and karaoke night is on Fridays.