McKINLAY SHIRE

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF Julia Creek; McKinlay; Kynuna; Nelia

@JuliaCreekVisitorInformationCentre @juliacreekqld

#juliacreek #mckinlay #kynuna #nelia

Julia Creek – more than just the ‘Gateway to the Gulf’

The major centre of McKinlay Shire, Julia Creek, is ideally situated on the Overlanders Way (Flinders Highway) which spans the Outback from Mount Isa to the coastal city of Townsville. The Shire is connected by a fully-sealed network of roads connecting McKinlay – with the Walkabout Creek Hotel made famous by Crocodile Dundee and the annual McKinlay Races; Kynuna which was put on the map by Banjo Paterson with the penning of WaltzingMatilda and the shearers’ strike at Dagworth Station and of course, the famous Blue Heeler Hotel and then we have a small, quaint town of Nelia with a beautiful brolga sculpture.

At the Creek

Learn about the lifestyle and history of the area at the Visitor Information Centre known as ‘At the Creek’. Never heard of a dunnart? Meet these cute but feisty creatures at the daily Feeding Shows. Never been mustering in helicopter? Why not try the virtual reality helicopter mustering experience. Don a VR headset and immerse yourself into a station muster featuring horses, cattle, choppers and motorbikes.

RV Friendly

Julia Creek offers a 96 hour stay for RVs and fully self-contained caravans. Although free, a permit is required from the Camp Hosts during high season (April to September) or from the Visitor Information

Centre during low season. An idyllic spot where you can set up beside the creek, enjoy the breeze, birds and sunsets. Once your 96 hours is up, book in and power up at the Julia Creek Caravan Park.

Julia Creek Caravan Park

Ample powered drive through sites, powered van sites, unpowered grass sites and large grassed areas for camping. There are also self-contained airconditioned cabins and twin single units all at very competitive rates. A few steps from the Caravan Park are the Swimming Pool and Water Park (free entry for Caravan Park guests), Tennis Courts and Dog Off Leash area.

Artesian Bath Experience

The absolute jewel in the crown is the highly lauded Artesian Bath experience at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. There are six artesian bath houses; each containing two clawfoot bath tubs and other salubrious trimmings. Enjoy the stunning Outback vistas whilst taking a soak in the million-year-old water from the Great Artesian Basin. A cheese platter, pamper pack and your favourite tipple put the finishing touches on this award-winning experience. Bookings are essential (07 4746 7108). From June to September, join in the award-winning Bush Dinner nights at the Caravan Park each Monday night, where you can enjoy the warmth of a campfire and hear a local yarn or two.

JULIA CREEK Population: 500 JULIA CREEK

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P 07 4746 7690 E tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au atthecreek.com.au

Top Tips

▶ Did you know that the roads from Kynuna to Julia Creek and onto Burke and Wills Junction are all fully sealed? We call this route the ‘Barra Express’. Everything you need is available in Julia Creek – food, fuel, gas, clothing, camping and fishing supplies plus much, much more.

▶ Enjoy a day trip from Julia Creek taking in the local sights in nearby towns, rich in so much history. The only thing more Australian than having a beer in the original bar set of Crocodile Dundee at McKinlay’s Walkabout Creek Hotel would be writing your name upon the wall in the Blue Heeler Hotel at Kynuna where the striking shearers brokered a truce. Both ‘swagman’ and ‘squatter’ sank their last drinks at the bar. ‘Stranger, go in peace from here as a friend’ – Waltzing Matilda

▶ Bookings are essential for the Julia Creek Caravan Park Artesian Bath experience Please call (07) 4746 7108.

▶ Book the Julia Creek Caravan Park online at www.atthecreek.com.au