Got A Question, We've Got Answers!
Check out all the common questions we get from where to stay to how to get tickets, where to get cash out to making the most of your trip to Julia Creek!
Visiting Julia Creek
Where is Julia Creek?
Julia Creek is situated on the Overlander’s Way (Flinders’ Highway) 650km west of Townsville and 250km east of Mount Isa.
How do I get to Julia Creek?
Whether you're travelling by coach, car, train or plane there's a way to get to Julia Creek! Check out our visitor information page for details
What happens if I get a flat tire or breakdown over the weekend?
Once in Julia Creek – there are a couple of local businesses that can help with tyres
and mechanical issues, please see the local business directory for details on the
McKinlay Shire Council Website at www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au/
What food options are available in town?
Get out and meet some of the friendly locals and support the Julia Creek community! Hours of business over the weekend will be advertised in our official program.
- Godiers Friendly Grocer Supermarket - Middle Burke St
- Foodmart Supermarket - Middle Burke St
- Gannons Hotel Motel - Cnr Julia and Burke Streets
- Julia Creek Hotel (Top Pub) - Cnr Goldring & Julia Streets
- Corrina's Cafe - near the post office in Burke Street
- Julia Creek Puma Roadhouse - across the road from the Dirt n Dust Festival venue
Is there EFTPOS/Cash available?
EFTPOS and cash-out facilities are available all weekend at the Dirt n Dust office. The Roadhouse on the Western Side of Town, Gannons Hotel Motel, and The Top Pub are available for cash-out transactions, all other businesses have EFTPOS facilities for purchases in their businesses. The Post Office is an agent for the Commonwealth Bank and the National Bank. It is highly recommended that you bring cash with you as there are limited cash supplies in town. Cash only for entry into the race course.
What will the weather be like in April?
It can get up to 40 degrees during the day, however, generally, it is around 32-37 degrees. Hat and sunscreen are vital. It can cool down at night and early in the morning, so we suggest you bring a lightweight jumper – and lip balm is a must!
Can you drink the town water?
A local will tell you it's the best water on earth, but if you haven’t tasted bore water before, you might think that it does smell and taste different but it is ok to drink and shower in. You can buy bottled water at the supermarket if necessary.
Will my mobile phone work in Julia Creek?
Yes, both Telstra and Optus now have towers located at Julia Creek for coverage. Coverage may be limited. Public phones are located outside the post office and the top pub.
What is the nightlife like?
There are two pubs which also offer after-party entertainment for all age groups.
What else is there to see in Julia Creek?
Julia Creek has a unique history based on the Artesian water, historical walking trails, unique and endangered species – Julia Creek Dunnart – This information is available at the local tourist information centre, which is located in the centre of town or visit: www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au. We have amazing towns to stopover at along the way, visit: www.overlandersway.com.
As you can see, we are not living in Vegas so no 24 hr shopping sorry. Most of the businesses will be closed by 1 pm on Saturday. Grocery stores are open until 1 pm Sunday. The newsagent is open Sunday until 10 am.
If you have a general town enquiry the Information Centre (Cnr of Burke and Julia Streets) will be open Friday until 5pm and Saturday 8am to 12pm.
Dirt n Dust Festival operational specific enquiries should be directed to the Dirt n Dust Office, which is located at DnD HQ at the western end of the main street.
Committee members will be in uniform over the weekend so if you have queries please ask one of them. Please use your town map for locations of the above information.
For a complete business listing in Julia Creek please visit www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au
Are there any COVID19 Restrictions in place?
Please see our COVID19 Safety page for up to date information
Tickets
How much do tickets cost?
The Dirt n Dust Festival is open to all ages, with weekend and day passes available starting from $35 for adults and $10 for children aged 6 - 17 years. Children 5 years and under FREE!
Check out our Tickets Info page for full details and to book your tickets at our early bird online prices. Tickets are available on the gate for $40. We suggest avoiding the queues and pre-purchasing to get into the “Fast Lane” at the gate!
How do I get tickets?
Head to our Tickets page for the latest information on tickets for the Festival, Races and Running events! Click here to book online
If you're interested in registering for the Rodeo events, head to our Competitor Information page for full details.
Is there merchandise available?
Merchandise is available all weekend from the Dirt n Dust office. The counter is located on the corner of the shed next to the bar tickets counter.
Can I just go on Saturday night?
The Saturday Night Bull ride and Concert is open to all ages – It costs $35 for an adult entry, $10 for children aged 6 - 17 years. Children 5 and under FREE.
Tickets can be pre-purchased online or are available at the gate on the night for $40 per person. We suggest avoiding the queues and pre-purchasing to get into the “Fast Lane” at the gate!
Saturday Night is the highlight of the weekend - Bulls, Bands, Best Butts - We host Multicom Resources Australia's Best Butt Competition, which attracts many people of all sizes and shapes. The Bull ride will kick off the excitement with cowboys from all over Australia and after the action, our headline artists will get you up and dancing, and live music continues until the wee hours. There will also be kid's entertainment to keep the littlies occupied!
How do I get tickets for the Artesian Races?
Tickets for the Artesian Races are available to book online - note that race entry is not included in the single day festival entry and must be booked separately.
Adult general entry is $25
VIP 'Rock The Casbar' Trackside Tastes $200 (strictly limited)
Limited tickets will be available at the gate but will be cash only.
For further information see the event details here
Camping & Accommodation
What accommodation is available?
Unfortunately, all motel and hotel accommodation are booked out well in advance – but don’t let that deter you! It’s time to get your Fair Dinkum Outback Experience!
There are a number of options available including our McIntyre Park Self-Camping campsites, the Julia Creek Caravan Park, and also the Free RV Camping site along the creek (no amenities available, self-servicing RV’s only)
Please see the accommodation page for more details.
Camping is also available at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. Bookings are essential.
Please Contact Julia Creek Caravan Park www.jcccaravanpark.com.au (07) 47467108 or JCCaravanPark@McKinlay.qld.gov.au.
Do I need to pre-book my campsite?
If you are staying at McIntyre Park Campgrounds and want a powered site, bookings
are essential as these run out quickly. This will need to be booked through our
office on 0448 901 392
Non-powered sites can now be booked online, very limited spaces will be available at the gate so we strongly recommended securing your site ahead of time.
Non-powered sites are 10m x 6m, for a maximum 5 people capacity. If you have more than 5 people in your party, you will need to book multiple camp sites.
If you wish to stay at the Julia Creek Caravan Park bookings are essential for all
powered and non-powered sites, bookings are direct on 4746 7108.
Can we bring our pets to the event?
No, sorry you will have to leave them at home for the event, due to there being livestock on site.
Can I bring my dog/cat camping?
Animals are not permitted on the McIntyre Park Campgrounds – if you have fur babies travelling with you, you can contact the Julia Creek Caravan Park or camp at the Free RV site on the Creek providing you are fully self-servicing as there are no public amenities at this site. Please remember that these sites book out fairly quickly and you will need to make a booking.
I've booked camping - now what?
You will receive an email the week of the event with all details for your stay at McIntyre Park.
For further information and Camping rules on McIntyre Park Camping, you will be given an information sheet attached in this email and at the gate. If you would like one prior to this, please send a query from the website requesting it.
Races & Rodeo
Where is the racecourse?
The racecourse (McIntyre Park) is located approx. 2kms from the town centre. Courtesy Buses are available to take you to and from the racecourse for just a gold coin donation. And there is a well-lit pathway from the racecourse into the centre of town if you want to walk!
Download your copy of our Festival Map ahead of time so you know where all the action is happening!
Is there food available at the racecourse?
There is an exclusive “Trackside Tastes Luncheon” held at the races, this is capped and tickets need to be pre-purchased for this through our website and there will also be food available to purchase at the track if you don’t go to the luncheon.
How do I get tickets for the Artesian Races?
Tickets for the Artesian Races are available to book online - note that race entry is not included in the single day festival entry and must be booked separately.
Adult general entry is $25
VIP 'Rock The Casbar' Trackside Tastes $200 (strictly limited)
Limited tickets will be available at the gate but will be cash only.
For further information see the event details here
Is the Rodeo APRA endorse?
The Dirt n Dust Rodeo is an APRA endorsed event.
Is there is a Vet and Paramedics onsite during rodeo event?
Vets and Paramedics will be on site during the event to ensure the welfare of all rodeo animals and participants.