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QROTI > Long Distance > The Gulflander

The Gulflander Operated by QR Traveltrain Link to official page See the operator's home page for this service. QROTI recommends you check the operator's page as this summary may sometimes fall out of date. The History. Originally, construction of this railway began in 1888 with the line being completed in 1891. Initial plans were drawn up to link Normanton, the beef capital of the North, with Cloncurry, to serve the cattle industry. But as time passed, that all changed when gold was discovered at Croydon. The Normanton-Croydon line was then constructed under the supervision of George Phillips, an engineer and advocate of the Gulf Country. He designed and patened the steel sleepers used on the line. Interestingly, they are hollow based and packed with mud, avoiding the need for ballast material in the track. This low cost railway was also designed to be submersible, allowing flood waters and debris to flow over the line, leaving it intact when the water subsides. Today, over one hundred years after its construction, most of the sleepers on the line are still in place. The original services consisted of five, first and second class passenger carriages and fifty assorted freight wagons. Steam locomotives hauled the trains until 1922 when the first rail motor was introduced. Be touched by a land untouched. This is an enchanting journey few people take the time to experience. Travelling between Normanton and historic Croydon, the Gulflander is more like an adventure than a train ride. Your driver will stop and show you points of interest along the 152 kilometre track. You'll cross the Norman River, pass an endless stream of wildlife and finally terminate your trip at the old gold town of Croydon. The Gulflander was the Heritage winner in the Queensland Tourism Awards, 1994. Until then it had been one of the State's best secrets. Timetables effective from 1st April, 2004 until 31 March, 2005: Normanton to Croydon Wednesday Normanton dep 8:30 am Blackbull R arr 10:50 am dep 11:20 am Croydon arr 1:00 pm       Croydon to Normanton Thursday Croydon dep 8:30 am Blackbull R arr 10:00 am dep 10:30 am Normanton arr 1:00 pm Timetable Notes R = Refreshment stop. All times are Australian Eastern Standard Time. Fares effective from 1st April, 2004 until 31st March, 2005: Single Economy ($A) Normanton to: 36.00 Blackbull 48.00    Croydon Fare Notes The Sunshine Rail Pass can also be used with this service. Concessional fares are applicable to Children four years and under sixteen years of age. Children under four occupying a seat must pay the child's fare. Students in possession of a Queensland Secondary or Tertiary ID Card or International Student's ID Card. Queensland resident Pensioners and Senior Citizens in possession of their respective Concession Cards. Cancellation or rebooking fees may apply if travel is cancelled or amended. Fares include GST (Goods and Services Tax) Travel Facilities and Services Sleeping Berths Not applicable on this service. Showers Not available on this service. Sitting Cars The train is a vintage rail motor with trailers, accommodating up to 100 seated passengers. Cancellation or Rebooking Fees may apply if travel is cancelled or amended. Reservations May be made up to 325 days in advance. Restrictions do apply for short journeys. Smoking Is not permitted on any QR service. Conditions are subject to change without notice, and other conditions may apply. Bookings are generally made through Normanton or Cairns railway stations. HOW TO BOOK AND TRAVELTRAIN CONTACT DETAILS