Julia Creek

Julia Creek is located on the Overlander's Way, the main route from Townsville that runs west to Mount Isa and on to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Julia Creek started to grow when the railway line was extended in February 1908. The town was named after the niece of Donald McIntyre, the first European settler in the area. An interesting collection of memorabilia can be found at the Donald McIntyre Museum in Burke Street. The district's main industries are cattle, sheep, and mining at BHP Cannington. Julia Creek is a major stock trucking and cattle sales centre. Its impressive saleyards are fitted with lighting for night loading and unloading. The area is home to a rare and endangered marsupial, the Julia Creek Dunnart. Because of their nocturnal habits and timid natures, glimpses of the dunnart are rare. While visiting Julia Creek why not visit the Proa Redclaw Farm. The 12 ponds use artesian water, some containing up to 16,000 redclaw. Self-drive tours are available. Julia Creek has many sporting and social events on its calendar that are a major feature of the town's lifestyle. The annual Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival is held annually in April and includes one of the major triathlon events, the Artesian Express Horse Race (the richest horse race in the north west), at PBR Bullride and Australia's Best Butt Competition. While in the area, take the time to visit Punchbowl Waterhole and Sedan Dip. On the Flinders River approximately 45 kilometres north-east of Julia Creek, the Punchbowl is an excellent spot for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Sedan Dip is on the Cloncurry River, on the Beef Road to Normanton, 100 kilometres north of Julia Creek. In the late afternoon take a stroll along the nature trail at the back of the caravan park to enjoy the wonderful birdlife or enjoy watching the sunset while relaxing in the caravan park's naturally heated artesian spa after a long day's travel.