McKinlay

MCKINLAY (POPULATION 20)

The McKinlay district was first discovered by Scottish born explorer, John McKinlay in 1861 during his travel from Adelaide to the Gulf of Carpentaria. McKinlay was established in 1888 as a staging post for the Cobb and Co. coaches and a gathering point for the graziers from surrounding properties. The bore on the edge of town was sunk in the 1900s to give a permanent water supply. McKinlay was the service centre for many of the surrounding stations. The McKinlay Shire Council offices were originally located in McKinlay until 1930, when they were moved to Julia Creek, which was serviced by the Great Northern Railway. Travel from Julia Creek to McKinlay is 100kms and via a predominantly unsealed road.

QUEENSLAND’S SMALLEST PUBLIC LIBRARY & TOURIST CENTRE Located in Middleton Street, McKinlay, Queensland’s smallest public library is open seasonally. The library houses a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books. There is also a selection of travel information on offer from a friendly McKinlay local. Behind the library is the Centenary Museum, featuring photos and relics plus WWI Honour Roll and Soldier Profiles.

CANNINGTON MINE Located 87kms south of McKinlay is Cannington mine site – the world’s largest and lowest cost single mine producer of both silver and lead. Opened in 1997, Cannington was the supplier of silver for the Olympic Games medals in Sydney in 2000 and again for the Beijing Olympics, 2008. CENTENARY PARK Pull up for a break at Centenary Park and view the new historical story boards which feature the history of McKinlay. April 2012 marked 150 years since explorer John McKinlay discovered the area. A statue of ‘Big John’ was erected to commemorate the event and can be seen in Middleton Street, across from the Park.

WALKABOUT CREEK HOTEL P (07) 4746 8424 F (07) 4746 8768 Landsborough Highway, McKinlay QLD 4823 Originally known as the Federal Hotel, the pub was built in 1900 and licensed in 1901. The Walkabout Creek Hotel is now famous for being recognised as the pub in the Paul Hogan movie ‘Crocodile Dundee’. The pub, together with other buildings in the town, were featured in this iconic Australian film. The pub is now home to Mick’s truck and other film memorabilia. • Air-conditioned hotel rooms • Powered and unpowered camping sites