A small township in the remote Gulf Country, on the Albert River. It is about 30km inland from the suoth east coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
North West
The long tailed dunnart - one of the areas notable inhabitants - and an endangered marsupial.
This is the Queensland outback. Harsh, often dry and unbelievably fascinating. Vast expanses of land with hardly a hill in sight in some parts, broken by tiny townships where the spirit of the bush lives on. And the great courage of the pioneers who set out to tame this land can still be felt.
One of the most interstig locals of the region is the dunnart, a rare marsupial originally found only in the environs of Julia Creek. Over the years, many more of these marsupials have slowly been discovered in neighbouring shires and other regions. The small noctural creatures are protected as they are considered an endangered species.
Burketown
Camooweal
A small town 180km west of Mount Isa. If you're a caving enthusiast, discover the Camooweal Caves at the national park just 20km from town. Or just go there for a picnic and to sit beside the little billabong there.
Cloncurry
Cloncurry is situated 118km east of Mount Isa and is the gateway to the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Royal Flying Doctor Service was born here and is immortalized at John Flynn Place Museum, a modern air-conditioned memorial to the spirit and achievements of RFDS pioneers. Mary Kathleen Park & Museum, is dedicated to the memory of both the mining days of yesteryear and to the explorers such as Robert O'Hara Burke who opened up our great country. Say Gday & have a chat with Gail, who can tell you all you need to know about our Shire. Cloncurry Shire takes in the townships of Cloncurry, Kajabbi and Dajarra. You will find all essential services available to you in Cloncurry; supermarkets, banks, various fuel stations, a wide range of accommodation places, airport, railway and bus services.
Cloncurry Shire also holds many community events throughout the year, contact Council for your Calendar of Events.
Come and visit us and discover that we really are, the Friendly Heart of the Great North West.
Phone: (07) 47 424100 Fax: (07) 47 421712
Hughenden
The spectacular Porcupine Gorge, 64 km north of Hughenden.
Julia Creek
Julia Creek is a small town with a large heart, and is often mentioned for its variable extremes of temperatures. Julia Creek relies on an underground water supply and has four bores within a 2km radius of the town centre. One of the bores is situated at the base of the wine-glass water tower.
The Walkabout Creek Hotel - used in Paul Hogan's movie 'Crocodile Dundee'.
Kowanyama
Mt Isa
Mount Isa is a mining town with an air of self-confidence and sophistication. It is 1829km north-west of Brisbane and 883km west of Townsville. Copper, lead, silver and zinc are all mined in Mount Isa.
Mount Isa city lights
Nelia
60 kilometres east of Julia Creek. The town is a central supply point for surrounding stations, supplying mail and basic necessities.
Nelia Post Office - operated by Mrs Alloway (centre) - is the hub of Nelia.
Normanton
Prairie
Prairie is set in a Fossil area, with National Parks in close proximity. There is an Outback Centre and Bush Wookatook also located in this locality.
According to Rod Thompson from WIN News Science; http://www.wintv.com.au/science/dinosaur.shtml
"Errol Flynn the actor worked around on a station around Prairie, Torrens Creek area in his younger years (prior to his discovery as an actor). He courted a local property owner's daughter (name known but kept out as family are still in the area). They became engaged but it was discovered that he had stolen from the intended father-in-law and the marriage did not take place. Locals who met him say he was extremely handsome and charming but vain and obviously after money. He stole a watch and chain from the property overseer who saw him in a movie some time later wearing the watch. The story goes that the overseer got his address and wrote to him asking for it back. Apparently all he got back was an autographed photograph.
The same lady who told me that as a schoolgirl she had met Errol Flynn said that Chips Rafferty also worked on that same property".