Julia Creek

Overlanders Way A MUST-VISIT STOP ON THE

In McKinlay Shire, deep in the Outback of Northern Queensland, you will find the quaint town of Julia Creek – known simply to locals as ‘The Creek’.

Words: Kate Webster

READ IT ONLINE If you’re driving the Overlanders Way – the main route from Townsville in Far North Queensland to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory – you will pass through the tiny town of Julia Creek. Most travellers use it as a rest stop on their journey.

They say ‘The Creek’ lies in the heart of the Outback, and it’s the business centre of McKinlay Shire – which is also home to the townships of Kynuna and McKinlay on the Matilda Way, the route between Cunnamulla in the south and Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. It has a population of just over 500 people, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. The Julia Creek watercourse flows north-westerly via the town into the Cloncurry River, and there are two nearby waterholes that make ideal swimming, fishing, bird watching and picnicking spots. One is on the Flinders River, called Punchbowl Waterhole, which is 45 kilometres north-east of town; and the other is Sedan Dip, 100 kilometres to the north.

WILDLIFE SPOTTING

Head out for a walk at sunrise or in the late afternoon and you will be surprised at what wildlife you will find. There is a 7 kilometre nature trail that runs behind the Julia Creek 

LEFT THEN CLOCKWISE: The giant windmill in Julia Creek is a popular spot for a photo at sundown; In the town of Mckinlay you will find the pub made famous by the Crocodile Dundee movie; Road signs to Julia Creek are hard to miss; Soak up the outback in the Artesian Baths at Julia Creek Caravan Park; All images courtesy of Kate Webster.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Meet other travellers around the campfire at Julia Creek Caravan Park; Beware of roaming livestock when driving around town; Look the part and pick up a pair of boots from the only clothing store in town; The self-container cabins at Julia Creek Caravan Park; All images courtesy of Kate Webster.

Caravan Park that will provide an opportunity to spot kangaroos, brolgas, emus and lizards. If you are lucky, you may even spot a rare dunnart. These endangered nocturnal marsupials, which are no bigger than a mouse, are near impossible to spot in their natural habitat. However, if you head to the local Visitor Information Centre you can get an up-close dunnart encounter during their daily feeding time at 10am and 2pm.

BATHE IN THE OUTBACK

For a rather unique place to cool off and take a dip, check out the Artesian Baths at Julia Creek Caravan Park. Jump in and relax as you watch the sun set over the glorious outback landscape, all while enjoying a cheese platter and a glass of wine (or beverage of your choice). The bath areas are private and built with wood and corrugated iron to give you a true bush bathing experience.

GLORIOUS SUNSETS

With the wide-open spaces come views across the land as far as the eye can see, making this Outback destination the perfect sunset backdrop. Anywhere in town serves up a sensational sunset, but the best place to catch the sinking sun and last rays of light is at the iconic windmill. Watch as the sky turns pastel shades of pink and purple before morphing into a deep orange, all as the windmill creaks and groans and it turns.

WHERE TO STAY

Julia Creek Caravan Park is where you want to be in Julia Creek. It caters for caravans, motorhomes, camping and even has self-contained units. Visitors rave about the award-winning Bush Dinner nights each Monday, where local produce is cooked by a nonprofit community group, and you can catch a live gig or listen to a yarn told by a true blue Outback Aussie while sitting around the campfire. All for just $15 per person.

WHERE TO EAT

The Top Pub at Julia Creek Hotel is just that: a top pub in town to get your grub and a cold brewski. A piece of history, the first Julia Creek Hotel burnt down so the Metropole Hotel in Charters Towers was purchased and relocated to this site, where it was renamed the Julia Creek Hotel. Meals are large, tasty and a great price too. The toughest part is choosing what to order.

NEARBY MCKINLAY

Before leaving the area, head out to the neighbouring town of McKinlay. With the main street littered with rolling tumbleweeds, you will feel as far removed from any big city as possible. The town is home to the Walkabout Creek Hotel, made famous in Crocodile Dundee. This pub was the backdrop for the famous bar brawl scene from the Paul Hogan blockbuster, and much of the town was also featured in the movie. TB