Croydon
Town
Population 255
Croydon is a small town on the grassland plains of the Gulf Savannah. It marks the eastern terminus for the Gulflander train service, which leaves each Thursday morning for Normanton. The train line was established in the late 1800s to service Croydon's booming gold industry. Many original buildings dating from 1887 to 1897, and classified by the National Trust and Australian Heritage Commission, have been restored to the splendour of the town's goldmining days.
Visitor Information
Samwell St; (07) 4745 6125
Nearby national parks
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Undara Volcanic National Park
Undara Volcanic National Park, established in 1993, protects one of inland Queensland’s most fascinating attractions, the longest lava...more
Nearby towns
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Normanton
Normanton thrived as a port town in the late 1800s when the gold rush was on in Croydon. The Normanton-to-Croydon railway line,...more -
Karumba
Karumba is at the mouth of the Norman River in the Gulf Savannah. It is the easiest access point for the Gulf of Carpentaria, the key...more -
Mount Surprise
Mount Surprise is a historic rail town in the Gulf Savannah. Its name comes from the surprise the Aboriginal people felt when they were...more
In Town
Historical precinct: many restored buildings bring the rich history of Croydon to life. Highlights include the old courthouse with original furniture, and the old hospital featuring original hospital documents. Outdoor Museum: displays mining machinery from the age of steam; Samwell St. Old Police Precinct and Gaol: historic documents and access to gaol cells; Samwell St. General Store and Museum: restored store in the old ironmongers shop; Sircom St.
Nearby
Mining Museum: interesting display of early mining machinery including battery stamper; 1 km N. Historic cemetery: includes old Chinese gravestones; 2 km S. Chinese temple site: Heritage-listed archaeological site preserving 50 years of Chinese settlement that followed the gold discoveries of the 1880s. Take the Heritage Trail to see how the Chinese lived; on road to Lake Belmore. Lake Belmore: one of many sites for birdwatching, along with beautiful picnic areas and barbecue facilities. Also swimming, waterskiing and fishing (limits apply); 5 km N.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Gulflander 137 km
Jokingly referred to as the train from nowhere to nowhere, the Gulflander runs 150 kilometres between Normanton and Croydon, along a track that has never been linked to the main Queensland rail system. It is a great way... Find out moreBirdwatching in Mutton Hole Wetlands 169 km
Take your binoculars to the 9000-hectare Mutton Hole Wetlands, between Karumba and Normanton, which are of international significance as a breeding, feeding, moulting and drought refuge for birds. You will find a variety... Find out moreCampsites around town
Blackbull Siding camping area 59 km
This basic campground is on Savannah Way (Gulf Developmental Rd), about 90 km east of Normanton. You need to bring drinking water and firewood; generators are permitted. Normanton is the major commercial centre of the... Find out moreLeichhardt Camping Park 125 km
About 800 m from the Norman River on the Normanton–Croydon Rd (Savannah Way), 26 km east of Normanton, there are no powered sites here, but campers are encouraged to bring their own generators. Normanton, the major... Find out moreNormanton Tourist Park 137 km
This tourist park has 55 powered sites, 25 unpowered sites and the option of 12 self-contained ensuite cabins or 5 budget rooms. Facilities include a 25 m lap pool, artesian spa bath, 3 amenities blocks, and most sites... Find out moreKarumba Point Tourist Park 171 km
This caravan park has an excellent range of facilities including a swimming pool, craft shop, 2 amenities blocks, fish-cleaning areas and laundry facilities. Air-conditioned on-site caravans are available. You’ll... Find out moreBurke and Wills Roadhouse 230 km
This roadhouse with 10 powered sites sits at the junction of Wills Developmental Rd and Burke Developmental Rd, about 180 km north of Cloncurry and about 200 km south of Normanton. The camping surface is a mixture of... Find out moreUndara Experience 246 km
Next to the national park, the Undara Experience has a spacious caravan park and campground with laundry, swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Other accommodation options on-site include restored railway carriages, swag... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Normanton Tourist Park 137 km
Located in the centre of town, the park has good amenities, some large shady trees, and the town’s swimming pool within its bounds. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreMidway Caravan Park 138 km
This park is 500 metres from the town centre on the main through-road. It is a smaller park with good basic facilities and a service station completes the complex. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreGulf Country Caravan Park 169 km
Karumba is an extremely popular winter destination, when southern tourists flock north during the cooler winter season. A reservation is necessary during this extremely busy period. This park is just 50 metres from the... Find out moreKarumba Point Tourist Park 171 km
This is a popular tourist spot located 7.5 km from Karumba. A feature of the park is the fish barbecue on Saturday nights. The park has a craft shop with a range of stock. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreKarumba Point Sunset Caravan Park 171 km
This is a good quality park close to the boat ramp and very popular with those tourists who flock to the area in the cooler winter months. Some stay for a whole winter. The park has a roast dinner each Friday night.... Find out moreMount Surprise Tourist Park 219 km
The park is located in the centre of town and has grassy sites, large shady trees and a cafe/restaurant. It has basic amenities and there is an adjoining service station. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBedrock Village Caravan Park 220 km
This is an owner-operated park that is very clean and has good facilities. It also offers a selection of tours in its buses to Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge and other destinations. Bookings are required in peak... Find out moreUndara Experience 246 km
The camping area, part of Undara Lava Lodge, is 40 km east of Mount Surprise. The final 15 km of access is gradually being sealed and on our last visit only a few kilometers of gravel remained. Nestled at the edge of... Find out moreRest areas around town
Blackbull Siding Rest Area 59 km
94 km E of Normanton (R) or 61 km W of Croydon (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited facilities and shade. GPS: S17 56.412 E141 45.318 ... Find out moreGilbert River Rest Area 66 km
73 km E of Croydon (L) or 74 km W of Georgetown (R) Large area just off the highway among some trees. Limited shade. GPS: S18 12.027 E142 52.370 ... Find out moreGilbert River East Rest Area 69 km
76 km E of Croydon (L) or 71 km W of Georgetown (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S18 11.610 E142 53.83... Find out moreCumberland Mine Rest Area 117 km
126 km E of Croydon (R) or 21 km W of Georgetown (L) Large area well off highway near a lagoon. Limited shade. GPS: S18 18.030 E143 21.063... Find out moreLeichhardt Lagoon Camp Area 124 km
24 km SE of Normanton (R) or 131 km W of Croydon (L) Large camp area located 800 metres off the highway in a natural bush setting near the Norman River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S17 51.063 E141 07.719... Find out moreQT125 Rest Area 147 km
156 km N of Burke and Wills (L) or 38 km S of Normanton (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S17 57.700 E140 54.232... Find out moreQT124 Rest Area 152 km
116 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 78 km S of Normanton (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S18 17.285 E140 48.571... Find out moreRouth Creek East Rest Area 162 km
28 km E of Georgetown (L) or 65 km W of Mount Surprise (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S18 18.715 E143 46.610 ... Find out moreBang Bang Rest Area 172 km
84 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 110 km S of Normanton (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S18 31.577 E140 39.199 ... Find out moreDonors Hill Rest Area 191 km
57 km N of Burke and Wills (R) or 137 km S of Normanton (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S18 41.886 E140 30.715... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Poddy Dodger Festival: June.
