Black Star Normanton

Broadcasting Across the Gulf Savannah

Broadcasting License Details:

Frequency: 95.8 FM

Site Location: Normanton

Normanton is a historic town in the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland, situated on the banks of the Norman River. It serves as the administrative centre for the Carpentaria Shire and lies approximately 680 km west of Cairns and 500 km north of Mount Isa.

Founded in the late 1860s as a port supporting the cattle industry, Normanton’s significance grew with the discovery of gold at nearby Croydon in 1885. The completion of the Normanton to Croydon railway in 1889 helped establish it as a regional hub. Although its prominence declined after the gold rush, Normanton remains a key community with rich history.

The town is located on the traditional lands of the Gkuthaarn (Kareldi) and Kukatj peoples. In 2020, an Indigenous Land Use Agreement recognized their native title rights, including fishing, hunting, and cultural ceremonies over a large area around Normanton.

As of the 2021 census, Normanton has a population of about 1,400 people. Visitors enjoy attractions such as the heritage-listed Gulflander Railway, which offers scenic trips to Croydon, and the Mutton Hole Wetlands, known for birdwatching and wildlife.

Normanton experiences a tropical savanna climate, with a distinct wet season and warm temperatures year-round. The community blends a deep respect for Indigenous heritage with its pioneering history, making it a unique destination in Queensland’s Gulf region.