Croydon - Forever Golden
Croydon, a mesmerising blend of history and charm, holds within its embrace a tale as golden as the precious metal that once flowed through its veins. Did you know this quaint outback town was once the third largest town in Queensland after Townsville and Charters Towers? It was also home to the final colonial era Queensland gold rush.
The year 1885 marked the discovery of gold, credited to W. C. Brown of Croydon Downs Station and the Aldridge brothers, who were contracted there. Legend has it that Tom McEvoy, who was employed by either the Aldridge Brothers or Brown (and nicknamed 'Posthole Tom') stumbled upon gold while sinking a post hole, though accounts differ on the exact circumstances. Despite the promise of fortune, McEvoy's life ended in obscurity, while Brown's absence during the find led to a humorous courtroom excuse in Normanton.
The town swiftly transformed into a thriving mining hub, attracting hopeful prospectors from far and wide and propelling Croydon’s once-barren landscape into a golden age of prosperity. As gold flowed from the earth, so too did the population swell, and Croydon became known as the 'Queen of the Gulf'.
The gold rush brought unprecedented growth to Croydon, with the population skyrocketing to over 7,000 residents by 1887 and reaching a staggering 10,000 by 1890. The booming mining town serviced an extensive 18 km long gold field, which yielded an impressive 23,675 kg of gold over 35 years of relentless labour.
In 1890 Croydon had 4 newspapers - The Golden Age, The Croydon Mining News, The Express, and The Mining Record - and 11 share brokers. At its peak in 1888 this golden mining town had 36 hotels. An estimated 15,000 people passed through the area between 1885 and 1927. A total of 122 liquor licenses were issued on the Croydon Goldfields of which only one remains today – the Croydon Club Hotel. This great outback establishment was built in 1887 and still charms tourists and locals alike with its hospitable atmosphere, great food and stunning views of the setting sun every night.
The railway was originally meant to connect the port at Normanton to Cloncurry, but the discovery of gold at Croydon brought it here instead. When it opened in 1891 it served to break down much of Croydon’s isolation. It still runs today, known as the Gulflander and journeying from 'nowhere to nowhere'. This is one of the great timeless rail experiences everyone should have once in their lives.
Gulfander website
The town's prosperity was evident in its impressive architecture, with grand buildings like the historic Court House and the majestic Town Hall still stand - glorious remenants of its golden past.
However, life in Croydon wasn't without its challenges. The harsh outback conditions, coupled with economic downturns, posed significant hardships for its residents, yet their resilience and pioneering spirit endured.
As the gold rush faded, Croydon transformed into a vibrant pastoral hub, sustaining its community through cattle grazing and agriculture.
Today, Croydon's rich history stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its pioneers and the legacy of its golden era. Visitors are invited to explore the remnants of its mining heritage, wander historic streets lined with heritage-listed buildings, and immerse themselves in the stories of the pioneers who shaped this unique outback town.
Experience the living history of Croydon with Visit Croydon QLD, where every corner reveals a new chapter in the captivating tale of this outback oasis.
