river rising in the Gregory Range of the Eastern Highlands of Queensland, Australia, and flowing for 260 miles (420 km) northwest through level country to the Gulf of Carpentaria at Karumba, a centre for the prawning industry. For long stretches the river flows through tropical forests with many cattle stations. About 55 miles (88 km) from its mouth is the township of Norman, which can be reached by small ships. The Norman is fed by the Carron, Yappar, and Clara rivers and may be perennial only in its lowest reaches.