Get the Dirt
FAQ's and Information for “Dirt and Dusters”

Where is Julia Creek?
Julia Creek is situated on the Overlander’s Way (Flinder's Highway) 650km west of Townsville and 250km east of Mount Isa.

How do I get there?
Bus, train, plane or car. Online packages are available including transport to and from Julia Creek. Please see the Accommodation & Packages page of this website.

What accommodation is available?
Please see the accommodation page for more details. Camping is also available at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. Bookings are required. Please phone the Julia Creek Information Centre (07 4746 7690) to make a booking. Powered and unpowered sites available. Or if you register for Pit Stop to the Creek – you can have free camping facilities at McIntyre Park see the Pit Stop to the Creek page.

How do I enter the Triathlon?
Go to the triathlon page for registration details or Email seniortri@dirtndust.com or juniortri@dirtndust.com for more information

Can I hire a bike?
No, unfortunately we do not have this facility

I'm hungry where can I eat?
The Town and Country Club - Western End Burke St (partner venue).
The Shell Roadhouse - Western End Burke St
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
Please see individual advertising at their premises for opening hours.

Where is EFTPOS/Cash available?
The Town and Country Club has an ATM. EFTPOS and cash out facilities are available all weekend at the club, either inside at the bar or outside at the Dirt n Dust office or the main bar. The Shell 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.

Where can I pick up lost property or tri gear brought back from the waterhole?
All tri-athletes gear brought back from the waterhole and general lost property will be available from the Dirt & Dust Office which is located at the Town and Country Club.

Where does the bus to the waterhole for the start of tri (triathletes included) and to the horse races leave from?
All buses, for all events throughout the weekend, leave from the Town and Country Club. The bus will also collect people from the Caravan Park to the races on Saturday. Please see bus timetable for further information.

Where is the race course?
The race course (McIntyre Park) is located approx 2kms from the town centre. Buses are available to take you to and from 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 light weight jumper.

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.

Where can I buy merchandise?
Merchandise is available all week-end from the Dirt n Dust office located outside the Town and Country Club.

Has the triathlon had any famous names compete in the past?
Yes we have had some of Australia's best triathletes run in the event: The late Luke Harrop, as well as, Lorretta Harrop, Andrew Johns and Brad Beven.

Can I see the top triathletes presentations?
Tri-athletes presentations will be held on Saturday night prior to the start of the Bull Ride Event.

I want to make a proper “dirt and duster” of myself where can I enter novelty events?
Novelty events can be entered into with the appropriate forms, for some events, on Saturday. These will be available from designated committee at the Town and Country Club. This is great fun and a great release for a lot of committee family and friends after a busy week-end.

Where can I see the results of both the senior and junior triathlons?
Results will be posted on a notice board at the Dirt n Dust office by 3pm on Saturday. Results will be available on the Dirt n Dust website the week after the event.

The event photographer took a great photo of me where can I buy a copy of this from?
Please talk to the official photographer on the week-end and we will have a link to their web site on the Dirt n Dust website.

Can I cheer on the kids triathlon?
The Junior Triathlon starts at the pool at [TIME TO BE CONFIRMED] on Friday. We encourage ALL senior triathletes to come and cheer the kids on. This means a lot to them. Presentations for the junior triathlon will be held inside the Town and Country club at 10am on Sunday.

Will my mobile phone work in Julia Creek?
The only mobile phone network that will work in Julia Creek is Telstra Next G network. Public phones are located outside the post office and the top pub.

What is the night life like?
There are 2 pubs and a Club which also offer after party entertainment for all age groups.

Friday Night includes live entertainment until late with a final heat of the Australia’s Best Butt Competition.

The Saturday Night is the highlight of the weekend - Bulls, Bands, Best Butts - We host the Australia's Best Butt Competition , which attracts many people of all sizes and shapes. The Bullride is of National standard. Riders are qualifying for points that count towards world finals.

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 tourism 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.

Click here for a map of the town

As you can see we are not living in Vegas so no 24 hr shopping sorry. Most of the businesses will be closed by 1pm on Saturday. Grocery stores are open until 1pm Sunday. The Newsagents is open Sunday until 10am.

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 and Dust Festival operational specific enquiries should be directed to the Dirt & Dust Office, which is located outside the Town & Country Club 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.