Queensland’s Outback is the setting for some great annual events – including the Mt Isa Rodeo and Birdsville Races. Now, there’s another fantastic country festival to add to any travellers calendar.
Sedan Dip takes place north-east of Mt Isa in the McKinlay Shire – and it’s the best of the bush rounded up into one long weekend. Think frocks and fetlocks at a country race meeting… and all the dust and drama of campdraft and rodeo.
McKinlay Shire has plenty of great attractions to lure the holidaymaker. It lies 600 kilometres west of Townsville and 200 kilometres east of the Isa, in country that’s true outback.
The biggest town, Julia Creek, is internationally known for the famous Dirt & Dust Festival and the Saxby Roundup. It’s also home to some shy celebrities – native Dunnarts. Visitors can learn more about them at the town’s award-winning visitor centre, “At the Creek”.
Enjoy a town tour that leaves once a week from the centre. Another tasty way to get to know the shire is the “Paddock to Plate” producers’ lunch – where local beef, redclaw crayfish and other produce are on show.
McKinlay Shire has a couple of classic country pubs to visit too.
At the town bearing the shire’s name, visitors will find the Walkabout Creek Hotel which starred in the Crocodile Dundee movies. This year marks 40 years since the first blockbuster hit the silver screen.
In little Kynuna, there’s the Blue Heeler Hotel, named for the loyal working dog of the land. Drop in for a ‘coldie’ at the right time and you may catch the local publican feeding a family of brolgas that turn up every afternoon at the pub.
Sedan Dip
Campdraft, Racing, Rodeo
August 19 – 21, 2016
McKinlay Shire
RACQ
