Croydon (S)
About the profile areas
The 2023 Estimated Resident Population for Croydon (S) is 270, with a population density of 0.01 persons per square km.
Location and boundaries
Croydon Shire is located in Far North Queensland, about 2,000 kilometres north-west of the Brisbane CBD, and 700 kilometres west of the Townsville CBD. Croydon Shire is bounded by Carpentaria Shire in the north and west, Etheridge Shire in the east, and Richmond Shire and McKinlay Shire in the south.
Traditional Owners
The original inhabitants of Croydon Shire were the Tagalaka Aboriginal people.
Name origin
Croydon Shire is named after the Croydon Downs pastoral station, which was thought to be named after Croydon in England.
Important
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Population270 2023 ABS ERP |
Land area29,594 square km |
Population density0.01 persons per square km |
Settlement history
European settlement dates from the 1880s, with land used mainly for pastoral purposes. Population growth took place during the late 1800s, spurred by gold mining from 1885, the opening of the railway line in 1891, and the establishment of the Croydon township. As gold production slowed in the early 1900s the cattle industry became prominent. The population of the Shire changed little between the 1940s and the 1970s, generally remaining around 200 people. The population increased slightly from the 1980s, and then fluctuated between about 300 and 400 people.
Land use
Croydon Shire is predominantly rural, with a small township at Croydon, where nearly two-thirds of the population live. Land is used largely for agriculture, particularly cattle grazing, with some sheep grazing and grain growing. Tourism is also an important industry. The Shire encompasses a total land area of nearly 30,000 square kilometres.
Transport
Croydon Shire is served by Gulf Developmental Road and the Gulflander train.
Major features
- Major features of Croydon Shire include Lake Belmore,
- Federation Park,
- Croydon Mining Museum,
- Croydon Savannah Golf Course,
- Croydon Swimming Pool and Croydon Primary Health Centre.
Included areas
- Croydon Shire includes the localities of Bellfield,
- Blackbull,
- Claraville,
- Coralie,
- Croydon,
- East Creek,
- Esmeralda,
- Karron and Victoria Vale.