Julia Creek, known as ‘The Gateway to the Gulf’, is a very friendly town located on the Overlander's Way (Flinders Highway), 650 kilometres west of Townsville and 250 kilometres east of Mount Isa. The town is at the centre of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), which is one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world. The district's main industries are cattle, sheep and silver and lead mining. The Julia Creek Information Centre, at the corner of Burke and Quarrell Streets, has a large range of travel brochures covering North West Queensland’s outback. Whilst there, have a look at the mounted Julia Creek Dunnart Display. Only found in the Mitchell Grass downs of North West Queensland, the Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is a small, nocturnal, insect-eating marsupial thought to be extinct until 1992, and now considered an endangered species. In the late afternoon, take a stroll along the nature trail to enjoy the wonderful birdlife, or watch the sunset while relaxing in the caravan park’s naturally heated artesian spa. A 30m wineglass shaped water tower can be seen up to 20 kms away from Julia Creek, with the blue coloured feature lighting installed creating a visual effect.
Those visiting Julia Creek can find short-term parking for up to 96 hours at Julia Creek RV Friendly camping area. Permits are requirement to stay, and these are obtainable from the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre, located in Burke Street. A dump point and potable water are accessible at the Race Course.
Whether you’re looking for fun, or simply have a hankering to see the country behind the main roads, you can find it at Julia Creek.
Tourist/Visitor Centre
Julia Creek VIC, 34 Burke St, Julia Creek QLD
Ph: 07 4746 7690
tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
www.atthecreek.com.au
Casual Parking
Burke St, Julia St & side streets
Short Term Parking
Julia Creek RV Friendly camping area, permit avail from VIC, self-contained vehicles only. On board showers are also essential at this site. (96hr)
Dump Point
Hickman St; Race Course
Potable Water
Race Course; Picnic Area; Peter Dawes Park; Lions Park; Julia Creek BP
Hospital
Burke St, Ph: 07 4746 4000
Doctors Surgery
Quarrell St, Ph: 07 4746 7159
Pharmacy
Julia Creek Hospital, Burke St, Ph: 0747 464 000, all prescription medication must be ordered through the hospital
Supermarket
Foodmart, Burke St, Ph: 07 4746 7193; Friendly Grocer, Burke St, Ph: 07 4746 7201