Outback Towns

Julia Creek

Think you've got what it takes? Like most remote outback communities, Julia Creek have taken their initative to another level with their Dirt and Dust Festival featuring Australia's wealthiest Triathlon.

About Julia Creek

Tourism with a bite!

Situated on the Overlander’s Way,(Flinders Highway) 650km west of Townsville and

250Km east of Mount Isa, Julia Creek can claim to be the first European settlement in north western Queensland.

Originally named Scorpion Creek, the name was changed to Julia in 1870 in honour of the towns founder Donald Macintyre's niece.

The main industries are sheep and cattle grazing, and mining at BHP Cannington which is located 85km southwest of McKinlay and is the largest single mine producer of silver and lead in the world.

A town like Julia..

The town achieved some small level of fame in Nevill Shute's A Town Like Alice when the hero Joe Harman drove's 1400 head of cattle from the Gulf to Julia Creek. He stays at the fictional Post Office Hotel which was based on Gannon's Hotel, which is over the road from the Post Office

A little town soaked in history 

With the ever growing interest (and for some, necessity) in the soothing powers of Artesian water, Julia Creek Caravan Park has an Artesian Spa for your relaxation. .

Other attractions around town are the Macintyre Museum in Burke Street (the main street), the Julia Creek Opera House in Julia Street, the Julia Creek Historical Walk, the Nature Trail, the Centenary Mosaic artwork and the World War 2 Bunkers near the airport.

Think you've been there and Dunnart? 

Most of us are probably yet to have heard of the Julia Creek Dunnart, but will no doubt fall in love once you do!

The tiny, rare and endangered bright-eyed creature, the Smithopsis douglasi, is an extremely shy nocturnal hunter with a habitat ranging approximately 100 km in all directions from Julia Creek. Once wide spread, the species has suffered massive blows over the years, predominately from feral cats and foxes. However with ongoing breeding programs, numbers are slowly beginning to stabilise. By 2009, you will be able to view live Julia Creek Dunnarts at the new Julia Creek Information Centre.

Think you've got what it takes? 

Like most remote outback communities, Julia Creek have taken their initative to another level with their Dirt and Dust Festival featuring Australia's wealthiest Triathlon. The Dirt and Dust Triathlon currently holds $13000 in prizemoney. Being also one of the most challenging Triathlons in the country, most successful competitors say they earn every cent. If you think you have the mettle, come out and give it your best!

 

 

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