Julia Creek

QLD 4823 • Queensland

549
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
6184.32 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
OutbackRemoteRuralAgriculturalMining Town

About Julia Creek

Julia Creek is a remote outback town and locality in the McKinlay Shire of Queensland's Gulf Country, situated approximately 138 kilometres east of Cloncurry and 1,600 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. Despite covering an extraordinarily large area of over 6,184 square kilometres of semi-arid Mitchell grass plains, the town itself has a compact population of 549 at the 2021 Census. The economy is driven primarily by the vast cattle stations that characterise this corner of northwest Queensland, with the town serving as an essential service hub for the surrounding pastoral region.

Julia Creek is perhaps best known as the home of the annual Dirt 'N' Dust Triathlon, which draws hundreds of competitors from across Australia to this remote setting each year. The town has a pub, essential services, a school, and a hospital, providing the basics for the resilient community of station workers, families, and long-term locals. The locality also lies along the Inlander rail route between Townsville and Mount Isa, and the Burke Developmental Road links it to the region's cattle industry.

Julia Creek falls under postcode 4823 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4823
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.21°, 141.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6184.32 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Julia Creek
0.5 km
5-10 min

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia (limited outback services) — Mount Isa / Townsville Approx. 2h to Cloncurry; 4h+ to Mount Isa

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1603 km
By Train
Queensland Rail Inlander service to Townsville (approx. 8–10h), then connecting rail or flight to Brisbane; not practical for commuting
By Car (Peak)
14–16h drive
By Car (Off-Peak)
13–15h drive

🛣️ Julia Creek Airport provides occasional charter flights; Cloncurry Airport (~138km) has regular flights to Mount Isa and Townsville

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small outback town where basic errands are possible on foot in the town centre, but the remote location means a vehicle is essential for most needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
549
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Julia Creek known for? +

Julia Creek is best known for its vast cattle station country and as the host of the annual Dirt 'N' Dust Triathlon, a popular event that brings competitors from across Australia to this remote corner of northwest Queensland. The town also lies on the Queensland Rail Inlander route between Townsville and Mount Isa.

How far is Julia Creek from Brisbane? +

Julia Creek is approximately 1,600 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, making it a 13–16 hour drive or a multi-leg air journey via Townsville or Mount Isa.

Does Julia Creek have public transport? +

Julia Creek is served by the Queensland Rail Inlander train service connecting Townsville and Mount Isa, which stops at Julia Creek. Long-distance coach services such as Greyhound Australia also provide limited outback connections along the region's highways.

What is the population of Julia Creek? +

The 2021 Census recorded 549 people living in the Julia Creek locality, which covers a vast area of over 6,184 square kilometres. The town itself is a small but vital service centre for the surrounding pastoral region.

Is Julia Creek a good place to live? +

Julia Creek offers a unique and rewarding lifestyle for those suited to remote outback living, with a strong community spirit, employment in the cattle and agricultural industries, and the wide open landscapes of Queensland's Gulf Country. It is not suited to those requiring urban conveniences, but the town provides essential services and a tight-knit community.

What is the postcode for Julia Creek? +

The postcode for Julia Creek is 4823, located in the McKinlay Shire of northwest Queensland.