Established on the Norman River by William Landsborough, Normanton was the port for the Croydon gold rush and is the terminus of the historic Normanton to Croydon Railway with a classic example of Victorian architecture preserved in the Normanton Railway Station.

The Normanton Railway Station has a well stocked souvenir shop and tea rooms. It is also the booking and departure point for the Gulflander and all bus travel in the region. It is always advisable to book your ticket on the Gulflander Train in advance, particularly if you wish to place your vehicle on the train as well.

The Burns Philp building which dates back to the late 1800's. was purchased by the Carpentaria Shire Council and is now the Shires Historical Information Centre. Other historical buildings transport visitors back to pioneering times.

Some 30km to the southwest of Normanton is camp 119, Burke & Wills' most northerly camp. The wetlands between Normanton and Karumba are excellent for bird watching, particularly just after the wet season.

Accommodation in Normanton varies from camping, caravan park to hotel/motel, it is best to book accommodation in advance during peek tourist season.