Newcastle to Normanton

[Geecee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Geecee]

Any tips on Northbound travel from Newcastle to Normanton? Through Denman to Dubbo - Louth - Longreach - Winton - Mt Isa - Cloncurry - KURAMBA. What should we not miss? Then on to Atherton and Townsville and back down the Coast.

Geecee

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Re: Newcastle to Normanton

Charleville - the Cosmos Centre (enjoy a great view of the outback stars)
Barcaldine - the Tree of Knowledge (admire the tree, be amazed by the awful structure surrounding it)
Longreach - Stockmans Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, Cobb and Co Coach trip, sunset cruise on the Thompson River
Kynuna - Walkabout Creek Hotel (Crocodile Dundee movie)

These a just a few, take your time and enjoy what should be a great trip.

[bgreeni Member Find all posts View Profile Close bgreeni]

Re: Newcastle to Normanton

Don't miss the "Gulflander" train at Normanton. As a railway maintenance engineer (who at various times was responsible for this amazing piece of railway) I can assure you it is unique in Aust., and probably in the world.

[Callo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Callo]

Re: Newcastle to Normanton

Geecee,
If you get a chance plan a night or two at Ilfrcombe Caravan Park. The family who run it are into bush poetry as are their young children and the entertainment each night is great. Everyone gathers in the entertainment 'hall' for a great pre dinner get together. Ilfracombe also has an amazing collection of old machinery.
I do not know if you will have time but if you have a bit of spare time go to Diamantina National Park it is Australia's best kept secret west of Winton. A huge varirety of landforms, great lagoons and many animals and birds.
The Gulflander is a great trip. We did not do the whole trip but took a locals advice and caught the bus out to Black Bull Siding (or something like that) and with a good book and some morning tea waited to meet the train on its return to Normanton. The train is unique and the commentary is great.
You will love it.
Meals at the Austral Hotel (I think)in Normanton are first class as is a cold beer at the Purple Pub.
At Kurumba do not miss out on prawns taken down to the bay and eaten with a cold beverage or two whilst watching the sun go down.
You are in for a treat up there. Enjoy.
Callo