North Queensland - 8 Sep 2021

Krys the Savannah King

It was a windy night at Normanton Big Barra. 

Some amazing clouds at dawn, whipped up by the wind

After Brekky we packed up and drove uptown for the bakery (Apple Turnovers were on the order, but I couldn't have any). We walked around several of the historical buildings, The big croc, flood level, gaol, then had morning tea in the park behind the big croc. 

The Westpac Bank

Iconic "Purple Pub" - where author Nevil Shute stayed while gathering material for his novel "A Town Like Alice"

Stone pitched gutters

Krys the Savannah King - the biggest crocodile ever shot in Australia

Flood markers

Carpenteria Shire Council Chambers

John sizing up a cell...he decided it wouldn't be suitable

Darryl trying out the warden's peephole

John had to return to Rocky and headed off south.

Normanton Railway Station

Driving north over Norman River we passed wetlands with large flocks of brolgas. 

We arrived at Karumba, and the point where fuel was supposed to be cheaper but wasn't. Up to the tip and checked out the restaurant...they had nothing exciting for lunch except burgers, so we returned to Karumba town and got fuel at Cam's. It was supposed to be a Cafe but was a shop. 

North Karumba

We found the Lodge Caravan park beside the Norman River. It only had powered sites and they let all of us on one site for $44 per night, so we booked 2 nights. 

There was a nice shelter on the bank of the river where we had lunch. The Wuruma (carries Century mine's zinc from the port to a ship waiting at sea) came into port. 

We were very pleased with our choice of park with really clean, newish facilities. 

Dell and I went to the bar to find out about a sunset cruise (#Ferryman - https://www.ferryman.net.au/web2/sunset%20cruises.htm) and found that they would pick us up 15 mins later (at 3:45pm) at the jetty just down from us. 

Checking in for the cruise

And we're away

Our view of the men waiting for us on shore

We thoroughly enjoyed it and saw Crocs, the jabiru, history, WWII fuel drums, catalinas, Century Mine Zinc loading facility. 

The old jetty and hunting lodge

Fred the Jabiru - he's wild but was hand-raised and comes in for a fish supper

Feeding the Hawks

It's a boat race! lol

Darryl snapped this Corella which were all over the wharf

There was lots of food and we both had more than our share of drinks, and experienced a fabulous sunset.

Our sunset

The skipper takes in the view

The old jetty, beautifully captured by Darryl

Wharves along the Norman River 

We arrived back at the jetty at 7:15pm, then went to the Animal Bar (a famous local hang-out) for Surf & Turf. It was another very windy night.