McKinlay Shire comprises the four towns of Julia Creek, Nelia, McKinlay and Kynuna. Julia Creek and Nelia are located on the Flinders Highway (Overlander’s Way). McKinlay and Kynuna are positioned on the Landsborough Highway (Matilda Way). These towns are all connected by a fully sealed network of roads. Julia Creek earned the tagline ‘Gateway to the Gulf’ with the sealing of the road north to Normanton in the 1960s. If you are travelling up through Queensland’s interior, Kynuna > Julia Creek > Burke & Wills Junction is the fastest, fully sealed route to the Gulf – we call it ‘The Barra Express’. McKinlay Shire has a population of around 1100 people and covers an area of 40,728 square kilometres.
There’s much to see and do in and around Julia Creek. From historical walks and cultural trails to shopping, cafe & pub dining – Julia Creek is a small town that punches way above its weight. Make the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre your first port of call so you can chat with our local staff who can guide you on your journey around Julia Creek. Located on the main street, ‘At the Creek’ offers a great selection of travel information brochures, maps and local souvenirs. Whilst here, why not partake in a Virtual Cattle Muster or check out the endangered Julia Creek Dunnart.
Our Award-Winning Julia Creek Caravan Park has over 40 powered caravan sites that can accommodate all sizes of rigs, powered camping sites on spacious lawn areas, and large unpowered grass sites for those who are self-sufficient or want to pitch a tent or roll a swag. The Park also offers five fully air-conditioned self-contained cabins and four twin-single rooms. Guests are offered Free Wi-Fi and our Free Cruiser Bikes with their stay. Guests who are fully self-contained can also stay at our RV Friendly Site for up to four nights, free of charge, situated idyllically on the banks of Julia Creek.
Don’t forget to enquire about our unparalleled Artesian Bath Experience, soak your cares away and immerse yourself in the therapeutic minerals found in water sourced from the Great Artesian Basin. If you’re visiting us from June to September, visit one of our famous Monday Night Bush Dinners, where a small fee will get you a two-course home-cooked meal catered by one of our local not-for-profit groups. Enjoy a few good bush yarns around the campfire while taking in a breathtaking outback sunset.
