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Gulflander

Going old-school through a timeless landscape.

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Gulflander

Climb aboard the iconic Gulflander, warmly known as the ‘Tin Hare’ and witness first-hand, a unique moment in Queensland’s history. Initially built to connect the pioneer river port of Normanton with Croydon’s rich gold fields, the Gulflander has steadfastly continued connecting Queenslanders and visitors with these isolated outback towns.

The Heritage-listed Normanton to Croydon line is a legend of the outback, retaining the original patented steel sleepers laid between 1888 and 1891. The Savannah-accredited onboard guides will regale passengers with stories of the land and tales of the region’s colourful characters whilst travelling the only railway line still measured in miles. Affectionately said to go from ‘nowhere to nowhere’, this is a ‘must do’ journey into Queensland’s past.

Experiences

Step aboard the iconic Gulflander and experience a genuinely unique part of Queensland’s history.

Normanton-Croydon

Take the classic experience across the Savannah with a relaxed journey from Normanton to Croydon and return. With interpretative stops and photo opportunities along the way, your driver/Savannah guide will provide commentary on the Heritage-listed railway line, local history, flora and fauna and stories of the Savannah’s most colourful characters. The Gulflander Classic Experience operates weekly from Normanton to Croydon (Wednesday) and Croydon to Normanton (Thursday) from February through to December.

Normanton-Croydon Travel Options

Stay overnight in Croydon to experience Gulflander return rail journey. Same-Day Coach Return option available on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon and return by Trans North Coach in the afternoon back to Normanton. Self-Drive Share Ride option also available, purchase a one-way ticket and share the journey with a friend. One of you travel Normanton to Blackbull on the Gulflander while the other drives your vehicle; then swap places to continue to Croydon. A great way to share in the Gulflander experience. Blackbull times: Wednesdays 11.15am and Thursdays 10.15am.

Critters Camp Excursion

From May to September (excluding Wednesday & Thursday) the Gulflander operates a series of two-hour tours from Normanton to Critters Camp.

Take a short excursion on the iconic Gulflander from Normanton to Critters Camp. Hear the history of the 16-mile turning angle built in 1891, and the true tales of how this little Gulf Savannah landscape got its unusual name.
Croydon Golden Sunset Tour

From June to August the Gulflander operates a 90 minute evening special from Croydon to Golden Gate, formerly the richest of the Croydon Goldfields. Passengers can enjoy a ride on the Gulflander and enjoy a traditional ‘cattle station’ meal at old Golden Gate Railway Station and return to Croydon while gazing upon the Golden sun setting in the west.

Click here to view flyer.

Classic RM60 Excursion

Stay overnight in Croydon to experience Gulflander return rail journey. Same-Day Coach Return option available on the Gulflander from Normanton to Croydon and return by Trans North Coach in the afternoon back to Normanton. Self-Drive Share Ride option also available, purchase a one-way ticket and share the journey with a friend. One of you travel Normanton to Blackbull on the Gulflander while the other drives your vehicle; then swap places to continue to Croydon. A great way to share in the Gulflander experience. Blackbull times: Wednesdays 11.15am and Thursdays 10.15am.

6 Day Gulf Savannah Package

Explore the epic Gulf Savannah region as you journey through a vast range of landscapes from lush tropical rainforest, savannah plains to semi-arid spinifex ranges and experience some of Queensland’s most spectacular natural attractions, including:

  • Gulflander
  • Savannahlander
  • Karumba
  • Cobbold Gorge Cruise
  • Undara Lava Tubes Experience
Gulflander Experiences

Happy Customers

"Trip from Normanton to Croydon and return was one of the best rail journeys we have experienced, the sheer age of the rolling stock in use and the rail is a testament to keeping 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 full of our pioneering history with a vast amount of gold mining displays."
James Beattie Facebook
"...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..."
WorldTravla7
Tripadvisor

Ken Fairbairn

Ken loves trains.

A lot.