Croydon

Nestled in the heart of the Gulf Savannah, Croydon is the epitome of quaint charm, offering a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and a strong sense of community.

With ten heritage-listed sites within the Shire, Croydon is famously known as the 'Heritage Capital of the Gulf,' a title that reflects its significant place in Queensland’s history. Once a bustling gold rush town in the late 19th century, Croydon was Queensland’s third-largest town at its peak. Today, it stands as a testament to that golden era, with many of its historic buildings and sites meticulously preserved.

The Croydon Heritage Precinct is the jewel of the Shire, allowing residents and visitors to step back in time and explore the town’s rich past. The precinct includes the original Croydon Courthouse, built in 1887 and the oldest structure of its kind in Queensland, along with the Croydon Town Hall, built in 1892. The Croydon Mining Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts from the gold rush era. The heritage trail, a self-guided walking tour, takes you through the town’s historic buildings, each telling a story of Croydon’s vibrant past.

Beyond its historical charm, Croydon Shire is surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Gulf Savannah. The area is a haven for nature lovers, with its wide-open spaces, unique geological formations, and abundant wildlife. Lake Belmore, the largest body of fresh water in the Gulf Savannah, is a popular recreational spot. The lake also offers stunning sunsets, making it a perfect end to a day of exploration.

The people of Croydon Shire are as charming and welcoming as the town itself. Despite its small population, the community is known for its strong sense of identity and pride in its heritage. Local events and festivals, such as the Croydon Heritage Festival, showcase the Shire’s vibrant culture and offer visitors a chance to engage with the locals and experience true outback hospitality.

Croydon Shire is where a rich and golden past intertwines with the incredible colours painted across the Outback sky.

The Stats

270 Population

29,498km² Area

$100,724 Median Family Income (Above state average)

$100,000-150,000 Median House Price

Top 3 Industries

1. Mining & Critical Minerals

2. Agriculture

3. Tourism

Education

1 Childcare Centre

Croydon Child Care Centre

1 Primary School

Croydon State School (K-6)

Many of the students from the Gulf region and surrounds complete their high school studies at boarding schools in Herberton, Mount Isa, Townsville or Cairns, or alternatively the School of Distance Education is offered through Cairns, Charters Towers or Mt Isa. The Shire often provides support or information about these options to help families with the transition.

TAFE

TAFE North (Normanton)

Key Attractions

Tagalaka National Park

Adventure Trails

Gulflander Sunset Tour

Croydon Heritage Precinct

Lake Belmore

Club Hotel

Diehm’s Lookout

True Blue Visitor Information Centre

Iguana Mining Museum

Savannah Art Trail

Connectivity

Croydon is located in North West Queensland, approximately 520 km west of Cairns and 150 km east of Normanton, along the Gulf Developmental Road. It lies within the Gulf Savannah region, an area known for its cattle stations, mining history, and remote landscapes.

Croydon sits on the Savannah Way, a major road route linking Queensland to the Northern Territory, making it accessible by road. Despite its remote location, Croydon is rich in history, particularly from its gold rush era in the late 1800s, and has become a heritage tourism destination in the Gulf region.

By Road

Croydon is part of the Savannah Way, the 3,700 km route running between Cairns in North Queensland, through the Northern Territory, to Broome in Western Australia. Make your way to Croydon via the National Highway (Route 1).

Road access to the Gulf is mostly sealed roads (with a few unsealed) however some areas may become inundated during the wet season so check before you drive.

By Air

The Croydon Airport located a short distance from town, is available for private and charter flights. Owned and operated by Croydon Shire Council, the 143 metre sealed runway is equipped with windsocks, strip markers and lighting. Fuel is available locally.

Regional Express (REX) operates flights to and from Normanton (1hr 40 min drive from Croydon) with regular service to destinations such as Cairns, Doomadgee, Mount Isa, Burketown and Mornington Island. For more details visit Rex Airlines.

Cairns Domestic and International Airport is a 6 hour drive from Croydon or a 1 hour 30 min flight from Normanton and can connect passengers to regional, national and international destinations.

Service

Croydon’s only available phone reception is provided by Telstra. This also applies to the neighbouring shires. If you wish to purchase a Telstra SIM card, you can obtain one from the Gulf Gate Roadhouse or the Café & Supermarket.

Telstra's Coverage Map

With Thanks

Live North West Queensland would like to thank Croydon Shire Council for their support in developing this resource and continued support in developing regional north west Queensland. For further information visit the Council website and support resources.