"The Creek" as the locals refer to it is home to 500 people. It is a compact town, not quite as neat or attractive as Richmond. Nonetheless the locals are fiercely proud of their history and have taken great care to display it well with an excellent information centre and an interesting historical museum.
The first Europeans to visit the area was a search party looking for Burke and Wills. Based on their travel reports two young Melbourne brothers come to the area, squatted and eventually gained pastoral leases. They claim to be the first European settlers in north west Queensland. Julia Creek only came into existence when the rail line was being extended from Richmond to Cloncurry. The site was chosen for a fettlers camp and a bore to water the trains. It only took a pub to get the town going. The locals are most insistent that Burke and Wills never passed through The Creek, even though the Main Street is named Burke Street.
Once again there are reminders of how many young men from central Queensland were recruited for World War I. At the RSL here there is a circle of plaques detailing the service record of many locals who enlisted ..some came home. Strathfield Station in particular must have been left very short staffed, judging by the number dorm there listed. There is a wonderful mounted infantryman sculpture there made of old metal parts from vehicles etc. (see the pic)
Tonight I joined around 100 visitors at the local caravan park for a Bush Dinner, catered by the local RSL. $10 for a mixed grill and pudding. Met some interesting folk from as far away as Tasmania. A study group from UQ was there and gave a brief talk about their work doing an audit of animal life in the Mitchell grasslands of the region. They are particularly looking to find some Julia Creek Dunnarts that are close to extinction. Saw one at the info centre today (again see pic). These are mice-like features but are marsupials and live on insects.
Tomorrow I'll pass through Cloncurry and do it all the way to Mount Isa. Today's selection of photos can be found here.
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