Located on the picturesque creek of the same name, Julia Creek is a small town with a big heart to match its big sunsets. Get to know the area at the Visitor Information Centre, known as ‘At the Creek’.
Situated on the main street and housed in historic fettler’s cottages, this award-winning Centre is the perfect place to discover the region’s exciting and colourful history. ‘Beneath The Creek’, part of the Visitor Information Centre, allows you to see life, both past and present, within the McKinlay Shire through different eyes via the interactive displays and videos.
Have you ever seen a Dunnart, or a fat-tailed Dunnart to be precise? Never heard of it? Visit the Dunnart display at the Julia Creek Visitor Centre and learn about these cheeky, energetic little creatures, and even watch their daily feeding shows. The Julia Creek Dunnart is listed as critically endangered, with the Centre part of a successful re-establishment program. There is a small fee for entry to ‘Beneath the Creek’ and the Dunnart Display. By purchasing your ticket, you can feel proud of contributing to keeping this program viable.
Whilst visiting, you can also take part in a virtual reality cattle muster. Don a headset and headphones, relax and immerse yourself into being on the back of a dirt bike, inside a chopper, or sitting on the rails of a cattle yard, all in air-conditioned comfort!
Julia Creek offers a 96 hour stay for RVs and other fully self-contained caravans and motor homes, and is located beside the creek. Although free, you do need to register for your permit to camp here by getting your permit from the Park Hosts during April to September, or calling into the Visitor Information Centre. This is a lovely spot where you can set up beside the creek, enjoy the breeze, the brolgas and magnificent sunsets. Once your 96 hours is up, book in and power up at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. The Caravan Park has plenty of powered drive through sites, powered van sites, unpowered grass sites and large grassed areas for camping.
Other accommodation in the area, for those wishing to stop for a while, are Julia Creek Villas and Julia Creek Hotel. Julia Creek Villas is located near many of Julia Creek’s local attractions, restaurants and takeaways. There is a range of accommodation to suit individuals, families and groups, at affordable rates.
Walk the 36 signposted historical sites around Julia Creek to discover and explore some of the town’s history. Maps and brochures are available from the information centre. The centre can also provide a list of the birds found in the area, which will make a leisurely stroll around the nature trail in the afternoon a most rewarding experience. People usually see some wildlife as well as birds on the circuit, which takes about 45 minutes to walk.
If you love history, you’ll enjoy the Duncan McIntyre Museum, located on the northern side of Burke Street, which is home to countless relics from a bygone era. You’ll see a decommissioned railway carriage, a Willy Jeep Truck, once used by the Julia Creek Fire Brigade, a steam engine, tractor, plus an array of fossils formed in the Eromanga Sea, items from the district’s wool heritage, history of the hospital, radio and telecommunications and much more. Entry is free.
The Opera House, tucked in behind the Civic Centre (Council Chambers) in Julia Street, is home to a photo gallery of the past century in and around Julia Creek. The Opera House, so named from opening the same day as the Sydney Opera House, is full of history and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5:00. Entry is free.
The Water Tower, a 30 metre wineglass shaped tower, was opened in 1971 and has a 454,000 litre capacity. Not only does it provide the town with great water pressure, but it also serves as large scale water-cooling infrastructure for the water extracted from the Great Artesian Basin that can reach temperatures in excess of 60ºC. At night, the tower is illuminated, making for spectacular photos and an unusual sight from a distance.
Next on the list is Samson, the Spirit of the Light Horse statue. This incredible masterpiece was created by artist, Sue Tilley, from a range of vintage metal objects collected in the local region. With the surrounding metal silhouettes depicting the Light Horse Brigade in full charge, Samson forms a prominent tribute to the spirit of the Anzacs. Make sure you stop and have a good look at all the odds and ends that make up this incredible creation, and to remember the Anzacs!
For something different, visit the remains of a concrete building which housed a generating plant supplying power to a RAAF High Frequency/Direction Finding Station, called the ‘Round House’, which was installed in 1942 as part of a series of stations. The building is located near the cattle yards at the western end of town. The stations proved to be of great importance as navigational aids during WWII and assisted in the detection of Japanese aircraft across Northern Australia. There were only ever two Round Houses constructed of concrete, the other being at Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands. Using explosives, the Round Houses were demolished at the end of the war.
May 10 — Julia Creek Markets
May 17 — CSA Trivia Fundraiser for Western Qld Flood Disaster
June 14 — Julia Creek Markets
June 21 — McKinlay Races
June 26 – 29 — Saxby Round-Up (Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana)
July 12 — Julia Creek Markets
July 18 – 20 — Julia Creek Campdraft
August 9 — Julia Creek Markets
August 14 – 17 — Sedan Dip Races, Rodeo & Campdraft
August 29 – 31 — Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival & Artesian Express
October 3 -4 — “Big Weekend” – Town vs Country & Gala Ball
October 3 — Julia Creek Turf Club Beach Races
At the Creek Visitor Information Centre
Phone (within Australia) 07 4746 7690
Welcome to Travel Action Matilda Country!
We are passionate about promoting the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Outback Queensland. Our website is designed to provide you with all the essential information, insider tips, and exciting experiences to make your journey an unforgettable adventure.
