Julia Creek is situated approximately 600 kilometres west of Townsville and has claims to being the first town settled in Northwestern Queensland. The main industry of the town is cattle and wool production. The town was originally named Scorpion creek but the name was changed to Julia in honour of the first settlers niece.

The town does house a museum, which is made up of old photographs and records relating to the beef production in the early years of Julia Creek. The town also has accommodation available such as a couple of hotels and a caravan park.

Things to See and Do

Duncan McIntyre Museum

Located in Burke Street. See what pioneering life was really like from the wonderful collection of photographs, historical items and memorabilia on display. Open 7 days

Opera House

Located in Julia Street, behind the Civic Centre. Houses a historical photo gallery of the last 100 years in and around Julia Creek Open Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Flowing Bore

The Great Artesian Basin is a vast natural resource of flowing heated water. The flowing bore is the result of natural pressure forcing the water to the surface. At a temperature of 400 C the water is too hot to touch, but is a fascinating sight to see.

Nature Trail

Located behind the caravan park. The circuit takes approximately 45mins to complete. An abundance of local birds and wildlife can be seen in the early morning and late afternoon. Obtain a bird list from the information centre.

Water Tower

Opened in 1971, the water tower is wine glass shaped and stands 30m. It has the capacity to hold 100,000 gallons of water and stands above one of Julia Creek's bores. Not only does it serve to provide good water pressure in the town, but also allows the water to cool. Artesian water is often too hot to use when it comes out of the ground, and most houses in Julia Creek have tanks to allow for cooling. A blue light illuminates the Water Tower at night creating a striking visual effect.

Julia Creek Historical Walk

Walk the 36 sign posted historical sites around Julia Creek township. Obtain a map and brochure from the information centre.

World War 2 Bunkers

The remains of a Directional Finding Installation can be seen at the western edge of Julia Creek, near the airport. It consisted of two structures, the square remaining one which was the machinery shed. Another rounded structure housed high frequency directional finding equipment. This installation was one of a series which spread from southern Queensland, through the North and across the Northern Territory. Their purpose was to assist pilots who may have gone off course, which can happen in war time when other pressures take precedence. The pilot can use his instruments to locate the directional beams from these installations and then get back on course.

Travelling to Julia Creek

Air - Macair Airlines is the only commercial air service available in McKinlay Shire. Macair offer regular flight services every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the Julia Creek Airport to Townsville and Mount Isa. Please visit the Macair website for schedules and bookings

Road - Greyhound Coach Service stops in Julia Creek, McKinlay and Kynuna. Arrival and departure times vary and are subject to change. For latest timetable and bookings, please visit the Greyhound Coach website.

Julia Creek is situated on the Flinders Highway, 650km East of Townsville and 250km West of Mount Isa. This is a sealed, double lane highway accessible to all vehicles during the dry season.

Rail - Queensland Rail offers one rail service (The Inlander) weekly in Julia Creek between Townsville and Mount Isa. For an up to date timetable and bookings please visit the Queensland Rail website.

Visitor Information Centre

Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre is located on the corner of Burke and Quarrell Streets, Julia Creek.

A large range of brochures and maps are available for the local area and surrounding Outback Queensland and Gulf district towns.

Contact Details

Ph: 07 4746 7690

Fax: 07 4746 7956

Email: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

Mail: PO Box 177, Julia Creek, Qld 4823

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm