This little Outback Queensland town is shooting its way to fame from a very clever initiative put together by the McKinlay Shire Council. That is, the Artesian Bath Houses located at the local Caravan Park. In fact, many travellers are flocking hundreds of kilometres out of their way to enjoy the experience.
For great accommodation while in town, head to the Julia Creek FREE RV Camping area (donations welcome) where travellers can stay for up to 4 days. This cam is for self-contained vehicles only, meaning that you must have your own toilet and shower facilities on board.
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Julia Creek Free Camping
Julia Creek RV Camp FEATURES
💲 *FREE- Donation welcome, box at entrance
⏰ 96 hours (4 days)
⛺️ Caravans, RVs, Big Rigs (self-contained vehicles only)
🐶 Dogs allowed
💧 Drinking Water
🗑 Rubbish Bins
♨️ BBQs
🥪 Picnic tables
⚡️ Generators allowed (8am – 8pm)
🎣 Fishing
🚴 FREE Bike Hire
📶 Telstra Reception
*Permit Required: Collect from Camp Hosts during peak tourist season & Visitor Information Centre all other times.
Julia Creek RV Camp RULES
A 96-hour permit is required to stay at Julia Creek Free RV Camp. During peak tourist season (April to September), permits can be obtained by the onsite Camp Hosts. During the off-peak season (October to March), head to the Visitor Information Centre on Burke Street to collect your permit.
Permits are required:
- April to September – obtain from onsite Camp Hosts
- October to March – obtain from Visitor Information Centre
All vehicles must be self-contained, including the following:
- Fixed toilet with holding tank
- Plumbed shower inside the vehicle
- Fixed grey water holding tank
Become a Julia Creek RV Camp Host
Julia Creek RV Camp are often looking for Camp Hosts for the next season. This is a volunteer position, with each slot running for two weeks at a time.
Basically, the camp hosts need to remain on hand at the RV Camp for the duration of that two weeks, issuing camping permits and making sure the campsite is running smoothly.
The exchange is two week’s free camping at the RV Camp in return for hosting the camp. A free generator is also available for the camp hosts to use so that they’ve got plenty of power for their two-week stint.
Contact the Visitor Information Centre in town for more information.
Camp Location
Julia Creek is located 260km East of Mount Isa and 640km South-West of Townsville.
Things To Do In Julia Creek
Julia Creek would have to be one of the most RV Friendly towns we’ve visited so far. They have a multitude of activities on offer for tourists, which makes it really worthwhile to hang around for 4 – 5 days.
Swimming Pool & Water Park
Across the road from the Caravan Park in town is a fantastic 25 metre public swimming pool with a wicked water park, complete with slides!
| JULIA CREEK SWIMMING POOL | |
|---|---|
| Cost | FREE – Julia Creek Caravan Park Guests Adult – $2 Child – $1 |
| WINTER HOURS (1 May – 31 August) | Monday to Friday: • 2 pm – 6 pm Weekends: • 1 pm – 5 pm |
| SUMMER HOURS (1 September – 29 April) | Monday to Friday: • 6 am – 7 am | 3 pm – 6 pm Weekends: • 9am – 12 pm | 3 pm – 6 pm |
Hire the Cruiser Bikes
All travellers can enjoy the use of the town Cruiser Bikes for free. You also get the use of a helmet and bike lock with the hire. It’s only a short ride into town and the Nature Trail is down the back of the RV camp, which showcases plenty of Outback Queensland flora and fauna.
| CRUISER BIKE HIRE | |
|---|---|
| Cost | FREE |
| Hire Addresses | • RV Camp – Punchbowl Road, Julia Creek • Caravan Park – Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek |
Artesian Bath Houses
In 2018 the McKinlay Shire Council received a large Government grant to help improve tourism in the town. With the money they invested in four Artesian Bath Houses constructed out of water tanks.
Each house has two private claw-footed baths that are filled with steaming hot water, straight from the Great Artesian Basin, with an outlook across the Outback plains. Does it get any more relaxing than that!
The Bath Houses are located at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. If you’re a paying guest at the caravan park, you’ll get 50% off the Bath House cost. We stayed one night at the Caravan Park while we were in town as the Bath House experience was free at the time!
| ARTESIAN BATH HOUSES | |
|---|---|
| Caravan Park Guests | $25 per person | $40 per couple |
| Non Caravan Park Guests | $40 per person | $70 per couple |
| Address | Julia Creek Caravan Park Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek QLD 4823 |
Bush Dinner Nights
Every Monday night in Julia Creek is Bush Dinner Night (from April to September). Jump onto the Courtesy Bus (if you don’t want to drive) and head to the Caravan Park for local entertainment or storytelling.
For $25 per head, you can enjoy a two-course meal prepared with local ingredients by a local not for profit group. BYO plates, cutlery, chair and drinks.
Historical Walk & Information Centre
If you head to the Information Centre, you can get a map of all of the historical sites around town and go on a self-guided tour. Included are the Free Museum on the main street and some other sites on the outskirts of town.
The Info Centre has a few buildings you can wander through, which share the rich history of the local area, the significance of the Artesian Basin and lots of brochures for things to do in the area. You can also pay a small fee to watch the Dunnarts being fed and learn all about the little critters.
For more things to do in town, check out the article below.
JULIA CREEK CAMPING ESSENTIALS
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