UNIQUE EXPERIENCES JULIA CREEK

An iconic weekend of rodeo, campdraft and gymkhana action approximately 200 kilometres north of Julia Creek. Free camping and entertainment. Bar and catering facilities. Typically the last weekend in June every year for the last 53 years. Don't miss this authentic outback event!...

From modest beginnings, today’s event brings together people from all walks of life – people from Queensland, Australia and overseas. Julia Creek, based in McKinlay Shire, is proud to host what is fast becoming Queensland’s “Must go-to” event. Each year the Committee aims to reproduce the highlights of the previous years and add new attractions to continually showcase the town, its people and the true Aussie outback. The Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival now offers visitors three jam-packed days of fun and entertainment. Experience real outback hospitality when the tiny North West Queensland outback town of Julia Creek swells from 400 people to 3,000 in one weekend! See the gutsy outback triathlon teams in action, back a winner at the Artesian Express Outback Horse Races, kick on til late with nightly outdoor concerts, or check out the spectacular Dirt n Dust Bullride, sanctioned by PBR....

Julia Creek is proudly situated on the Overlander's Way, the main travelling route from Townsville that runs all the way to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Approximately 650 kilometres west of Townsville and 250 kilometres east of Mount Isa, Julia Creek lies in the heart of North Outback Queensland. The Downs Country around Julia Creek has traditionally been utilised for sheep and cattle grazing. With the sealing of the road from Julia Creek to Normanton in 1964, Julia Creek also became colloquially known as the "Gateway to the Gulf". The McKinlay Shire which Julia Creek is situated in, is located on the Great Artesian Basin; sustaining primary productions and the town water supplies. The 30 metre tall distinctive wine glass shaped water tower along Julia Creek's main not only acts to cool the towns artesian water supply, but assists with its water pressure as well. But thats not all! Julia Creek is also home to the endangered Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) which is an extremely shy nocturnal hunter found on the Mitchell grass downs surrounding Julia Creek. Because of their nocturnal habits and timid natures, glimpses of the dunnart are rare, but can be encountered at the award winning visitor centre. As a visitor, you should ensure that a visit 'At the Creek', is your first stop when visiting. 'At the Creek' is a multi award winning accredited Visitor Information Centre that offers an outstanding selection of travel information brochures, maps and an array of souvenirs that can only be found in Julia Creek. This is not to mention that Julia Creek also has many sporting and social events on its calendar. The annual Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival is held annually in April and includes one of Australia's toughest triathlons , the Artesian Express Horse Race (the richest horse race in the north west), a PBR Bullride and the iconic Australia's Best Butt Competition....

Artesian water is underground water confined and pressurised within a porous and permeable geological formation and the waters are generally 38 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius. The water is extracted from bores which are over 900 metres deep, and is laced with minerals such as sulphur, calcium and magnesium that contribute to its long-fabled healing powers. In 2016 the McKinlay Shire Council developed the concept of the Artesian Baths based on a rain water tank theme and each bath was named after one of the major river systems in the Shire. Locating the baths at the Caravan Park provided the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the amazing sunsets and a viewing deck was added to the Boundary Hut baths where guests can stay longer and enjoy the view during the experience. For travellers, there are few things more relaxing than slipping into a luxurious Artesian Bath at the end of a long day driving....

Located on the main street, ‘At the Creek’ won Gold for the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s – Visitor Information and Services Award in 2019. The Centre offers a great selection of travel information brochures, maps and a range of souvenirs that can only be found in Julia Creek. Their friendly local staff are dedicated to helping you experience and enjoy all that Julia Creek, the McKinlay Shire and Outback Queensland has to offer. This tourist attraction engages in many audio and visual displays that focus on the themes of water, country and people. The Centre is housed in historic railway fettler’s cottages and provide an authentic snapshot of Outback living. They value their authenticity and do their best to let you leave feeling a genuine connection to their people, history, land and their way of life, and a strong desire to want to return. Visitors are able to view the endangered Dunnarts being fed daily and immerse themselves in a virtual reality mustering experience....