Julia Creek 

Julia Creek, the small town with a big heart, is known for its warm welcome and year-round calendar of events. The town of around 600 people has become a vibrant social and sporting hub that celebrates its position in the outback. The district’s main industries are cattle, and mining. Established near the town of McKinlay in 1997, BHP Cannington is the largest producer of silver and lead in the world.

Also of note is the groundwater basin aptly named 'the Great Artesian Basin' or GAB. The GAB is one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world, extending 2400kms from Cape York in the North, to Dubbo in the South. At its widest it is 1800km from the Darling Downs to West of Cooper Pedy. With an area of over 1.7million square kms, the basin underlies approximately one fifth of the Australian continent.

Things to do

• Spot birds and kangaroos in spectacular sun sets
• Find the Julia Creek Dunnart – a small, rare marsupial found only in the region
• Step back in time at the McIntyre Museum and view the memorabilia on display
• Cool down with a drink at one of the many historic pubs
• Stroll along Julia Creek’s Nature Trail
• Stop in at the Julia Creek Information Centre, full of regional travel brochures
• See the Water Tower's feature lighting in early evening
• Swim, fish or picnic at the Punchbowl Waterhole
• Tour the Proa Redclaw Farm
• Pop in to the famous Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna
• Explore Swagman’s Billabong the home of 'Waltzing Matilda'
• Have a BBQ at Combo Waterhole
• Fossick for gemstones at Maronan Station
• See Crocodile Dundee town McKinlay