The Norman River flows through the trading town of Normanton before emptying into the Gulf of Carpentaria at Karumba.
Karumba Point provides a popular place to view the sunset across the Norman River estuary.
Normanton was original port town
The home of the Gulflander, the vintage train the runs the old line to the once gold town of Croydon.
The route passes little siding in the sparse outback.
Normanton as the old port town has a collection of historic buildings.
These days Karumba is the main port
And home to large prawn and barramundi fishing industry.
While the model of a replica of a huge crocodile caught in the Norman River announces that this is Croc Country.
It is the waterbirds that fascinated me.
At Mutton Hole Wetlands.
And in the mangroves flanking the river at Karumba.
The powerful raptors
And the little mangrove birds
Darting around the mangrove
And down around the waterline
The campground at Normanton offered the luxury of a pool and spa
And at Karumba the campers included a group of classic cars from the 1920s that had driven all the way from Melbourne
And a nightly concert of harp and guitar from my neighbouring campers.
Tomorrow I head deeper into the Gulf Country along a dirt road to the remote town of Burketown.
Birds, old buildings, vintage cars, what a great mix of images! Intrigued too by the lovely harp. How was the music?
It had a beautiful sound. It was a traditional Paraguayan harp. I tried recording it on my phone but it didn’t turn out well. It has been a feast for my visual senses.
Beautiful skies! I am also enjoying seeing these old hotels and the architecture…great pictures!
Thanks Nora, glad you are enjoying the journey
I really am! You are enabling us to see parts of Australia that one could only dream of, and far off the path of where your typical travel tour takes you 🙂
Thank you
Hi Mick, you are starting to look too brown and tanned for us pale Victorians. Still, lovely photos. The Black Dog Ride national committee may decide to alter the ride in 3 1/2 weeks given NSW is looking very dodgy at the moment, COVID wise. Hopefully plan B which will be announced this week, will still take us somewhere if not Alice Springs. In the meantime, stay well and safe and keep on riding into the sunset…
Peter
Thanks Pete, feeling very well and relaxed I must say. Hope it all goes ahead to Alice via SA I would think
I loved Karumba and the sunset river cruise. Normanton was just a stop along the way to see the giant replica croc.
Karumba is a beautiful spot for sure. Didn’t do the sunset cruise but will do it in Burketown.
I never got to Burketown. Enjoy.
I would definitely camp more if someone was playing the harp each night! Loving the bird and sunset photos. Cheers Pauline xx
What an interesting, but out of the way place – a mere 2,200 km via the shortest route from Adelaide so not sure I am ever likely to get there! Great sunset and bird pics too!
Worth it just for the sunset and its also then there is the rest of the Gulf Country!