normanton

Normanton is full of old-world charm and started life as a port for the Gulf of Carpentaria’s cattle industry and also became of importance after the discovery of gold at Croydon in 1885. You can’t pass through Normanton without having your photo taken with Krys – The Savannah King. This croc is unique as it is said that this is an exact replica of the huge croc, 8.63 meters. It was shot by professional crocodile hunter, Krystyna Pawlowski in July 1957 on the MacArthur Bank, in the Norman River downstream from Normanton. The crocodile was shot on the MacArthur Bank, Norman River, downstream from Normanton in July 1957. The woman who shot it was a professional crocodile hunter. Normanton Tourist Park boasts to have the largest resort pool in the North West of Queensland. Source: www.aussiecaravanninglifestyle.com/normanton-queensland/

Purple Pub Officially known as the National Hotel, the Purple Pub was established in the early 1900s. The west wing was previously the Exchange Hotel in Croydon and was relocated here. Originally painted a light mauve in 1968, then a few shades darker in 1975, it gained its current purple in 1979, and now attracts tourists from all over. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in town. Normanton is the capital of the 68,111km2 Carpentaria Shire and part of the only sealed access to the Gulf of Carpentaria. The shire is as large as Tasmania and only has two towns. The town of Normanton was founded as a port for pastoral and mining ventures in 1870. Normanton is the third oldest town in Queensland north of Bowen and is home to the historic Gulflander Railway. Source: purplepub.com.au/about-us/

Normanton’s “Purple Pub” is built in the same wide veranda, high ceiling style, but is an unusual combination of two separately roofed buildings. I doubt it was called the purple pub when it was built in the late 1800s – purple wasn’t invented till way after that. It’s now the best-known landmark in town. Source: splashingpaintblog.com/tag/normanton-hotel/