Getting Here AIR Regional Express Airlines (REX) is the only commercial air service available in McKinlay Shire. REX offers regular flight services every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the Julia Creek Airport to Townsville and Mount Isa. For schedules and fares call 13 17 13 or visit rex.com.au
ROAD Julia Creek and Nelia are situated on the Flinders Highway (Overlander’s Way) between Townsville and Mount Isa. This is a sealed, double lane highway accessible to all vehicles during the dry season. Kynuna and McKinlay are situated on the Landsborough Highway (Matilda Way) between Longreach and Cloncurry. This is a sealed, double lane highway accessible to all vehicles during the dry season. The Julia Creek to Kynuna Road (115kms) is now a fully sealed road. The Julia Creek to McKinlay Road (80kms) is a one lane, recently fully sealed road. The Julia Creek to Burke & Wills Roadhouse (235kms) is a one lane, sealed road with passing opportunities. BUS Bus Queensland stop in Julia Creek, McKinlay and Kynuna. Arrival and departure times vary and are subject to change. Check out busqld.com.au for schedules and fares.
RAIL Queensland Rail offers one rail service (The Inlander) twice weekly in Julia Creek between Townsville and Mount Isa. Visit queenslandrail.com.au for more information.
ROAD SAFETY Although most of McKinlay Shire is easily accessible, when driving our roads please take care. It is essential to carefully plan your trip and remember that good preparation and common sense are the keys to a successful journey in Outback Queensland. Some tips to remember: • E nsure you have a good map and plan ahead, including calculating travel times and distances between stops. • B e aware of the next available facilities and services including fuel, water, medical and food supplies. Towns and fuel stops in McKinlay Shire are no more than 250kms apart. • T ake frequent rest breaks and change drivers regularly. • A lways carry spares including tyres, water, extra food and a comprehensive first aid kit. • I f you encounter gates, they should always be left as they were found. Open gates should be left open and closed gates should be closed after passing through them. • A void driving after dark. Slow down and keep a look out especially at dawn and dusk as cattle, kangaroos and other wildlife often congregate alongside the road. • Obey road closure signs. • D rive slowly on unsealed roads and take extra care – loose surfaces are unpredictable. • T ake care when overtaking road trains (some can be 50m long), heavy vehicles and caravans, and only do so when you can clearly see at least 1km of the road ahead. Be prepared for road trains to move a little from side to side as you overtake. Be aware that dust and stones can be flicked up, potentially damaging your vehicle and obstructing your vision. • If a road train is approaching to overtake you, move over as far as possible to the left and stop if necessary to allow it to overtake.
mckinlay.qld.gov.au
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