Julia Creek

Julia Creek lies on the Flinders Highway between Richmond to the east and Cloncurry to the west, in north-west Queensland. It is the administrative centre of McKinlay Shire, surrounded by Mitchell grass plains grazed by cattle. The town is small, friendly and well set up for travellers, with good facilities, a striking visitor centre and an unusual way to relax: outdoor artesian baths.

Things to do in Julia Creek

• At the Creek visitor centre. Displays on local history, the cattle industry and the Julia Creek dunnart, plus tourist information.
• Artesian bath houses. Outdoor tubs fed by artesian water from the Great Artesian Basin, set up for a sunset soak. Bookings are made through the visitor centre.
• Duncan McIntyre Museum. Local history displays, including pioneering families and early pastoral life.
• Julia Creek dunnart. Learn about this small carnivorous marsupial, which lives in the cracking clay soils of the region and is listed as threatened. The visitor centre has displays about it.
• Creek walks and birdwatching. The creek and nearby waterholes attract birds, particularly in the cooler months.

Dirt n Dust Festival

Julia Creek's best-known event is the Dirt n Dust Festival, usually held in April. It combines a triathlon, bull riding, horse racing and live music, and draws visitors from across Queensland. Accommodation fills quickly, so book early. See our festivals, rodeos and race days guide for similar events.

Getting there

Julia Creek is on the sealed Flinders Highway, which links Townsville to Cloncurry and Mount Isa. The Inlander train between Townsville and Mount Isa stops at Julia Creek. Roads north of town lead towards the Gulf Country, but some are unsealed and close in the wet season. Check QLDTraffic before travelling.

Where to stay

Julia Creek has a caravan park, motel and hotel accommodation. The caravan park is popular with travellers using the artesian baths.

Suggested day

Visit the At the Creek centre in the morning, walk around town and the Duncan McIntyre Museum, then book an artesian bath for sunset. Continue east to Richmond's Kronosaurus Korner or west to Cloncurry's John Flynn Place the next day.

Dinosaur country

Julia Creek lies between two stops on Queensland's dinosaur trail: Richmond, known for marine fossils, and the larger dinosaur sites further south around Winton. Fossils from an ancient inland sea have been found across the region.

When to visit

April to September brings warm days and cool nights. Summers are very hot, and the wet season can bring storms and flooding.

Tips

• Book the baths early in peak season.
• Fill up on fuel in town; distances to the next town are about 130 to 150 km either way.
• Watch for wildlife on the highway at dawn and dusk.

History in brief

The McKinlay district takes its name from explorer John McKinlay, who led a party through the region in 1861–62 while searching for the missing Burke and Wills expedition. Pastoral runs followed, and Julia Creek grew as a stop on the railway west from Townsville. Cattle remain the backbone of the local economy, with large stations surrounding the town. The Mitchell grass downs are some of the best natural grazing country in Australia.

The Julia Creek dunnart

The Julia Creek dunnart is a small, mouse-sized carnivorous marsupial that lives in the cracking clay soils of the Mitchell grass downs. It hunts insects and other small animals at night and shelters in soil cracks during the day. Habitat changes and introduced predators such as feral cats threaten it, and it is listed as threatened. The visitor centre explains its ecology and conservation. Learn more about desert animals in our outback wildlife guide.

Artesian bath houses, pool and visitor centre

McKinlay Shire Council runs the visitor centre, the Julia Creek Caravan Park and an RV-friendly rest area in town.

Artesian bath houses. These private outdoor bath houses at the Julia Creek Caravan Park use water from the Great Artesian Basin. Guests are invited to bring a drink and snacks. The council says bookings are very limited, so contact the caravan park on (07) 4746 7108 well ahead. At the time of writing the caravan park office is open 9 am to 5:30 pm daily.

'At the Creek' visitor centre. On Burke Street, the centre is housed in historic railway fettler cottages. It has audio and visual displays on water, country and people, plus an interactive exhibit called 'Beneath the Creek'. In the peak season (April to September) you can watch the dunnarts being fed. Listed hours are weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, plus weekends 9 am to 12 pm from April to September. The centre is closed on weekends from October to March.

Swimming pool and water park. The town pool has water slides and is opposite the caravan park. Entry is free for paying caravan park guests. Otherwise it costs $2 for adults and $1 for children. Ask the visitor centre for opening hours.

From June to September, the caravan park also holds bush dinners on Monday nights.

Practical tips for travellers

• Bring warm clothes in winter. Nights on the downs can be surprisingly cold, even when days are warm.
• Combine attractions. A bath at sunset followed by dinner at the pub or caravan park makes a memorable evening.
• Plan around events. If you prefer quiet, avoid Dirt n Dust weekend; if you love events, plan your trip around it.
• Check road conditions. Wet-season rain can close roads, particularly unsealed routes north to the Gulf.

Fuel, phones and medical help

Julia Creek Multipurpose Health Service on Burke Street has a 24-hour emergency department, inpatient and aged care beds allied health and visiting specialist clinics (phone 07 4746 4000). The Julia Creek Roadhouse, also on Burke Street, sells fuel and is listed as open from 6am to 9pm daily. McKinlay Shire Council also lists local health services on its website.

The next fuel is Richmond (about 149 km east) or Cloncurry (about 137 km west).

Travelling with kids

Kids may enjoy the Kronosaurus Korner experience in Richmond and the artesian bath in town. The Julia Creek dunnart can be a great talking point for young wildlife fans.

Practical information

• Best time: April to September.
• Services: fuel, store, accommodation, health service.
• Related: Richmond, Cloncurry, Mount Isa, Dinosaur trail, Great Artesian Basin.