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.