Most charming towns of North Queensland according to travel writers

Travel writers looking across Queensland have noticed the charming qualities of the north. These are two towns that stood out to them.

Local graziers’ children play around at the rodeo grounds during the Dirt N Dust Festival, which is a significant annual event for Julia Creek and its shire of McKinlay.

Travel and geographic website World Atlas has published a list of the nine most charming small towns of Queensland, and two of them are in North Queensland.

Residents of Julia Creek and Charters Towers have always known the qualities of the towns they live in, but travel writers have recognised it too.

Charters Towers was described as a place that kept much of its historical charm, and was recognised for its importance in gold rush history.

“The town’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved streets lined with heritage-listed buildings such as The World Theatre, City Hall, and Post Office Tower,” the website said.

“Visitors can experience gold mining history first-hand at the Miners Cottage and explore the Stock Exchange Arcade, a nod to the town’s prosperous past in gold mining.”

Texas Longhorns Wagon Tours owners Michael and Lynda Bethel with Member for Kennedy Bob Katter at the official opening of JR Gallery of Horns, opened in honour of once world record holding longhorn JR. Picture: Trudy Brown

It also recognised Charters Towers was the home of JR, the Texas Longhorn that had a record-holding horn span.

It was observed that Julia Creek was in the heart of Outback Queensland and a gateway to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

“As the first European settlement in northwestern Queensland, Julia Creek retains many of its original buildings and stands above the vast Artesian Basin.

McKinlay Shire acting animal control officer Rose Krogh sets traps for feral cats along the fence of the Dunnart Habitat Sanctuary at the Julia Creek Airport.

Serving as a vital outpost for the surrounding sheep and cattle farming areas, Julia Creek prides itself on excellent service and fresh local produce.”

Its annual Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival held in April was recognised, as was its breeding programs aimed at reintroducing the endangered Dunnart marsupial back into its habits in the Mitchell grass Downs.

Far North Queensland towns Palm Cove and Cardwell made the list, as did Bowen, Childers, Montville, Tambo, and Noosa.

Originally published as Most charming towns of North Queensland according to travel writers