Julia Creek owes its existence to the railway line which was extended from the coast in February 1908. The district's main industries are cattle, sheep and mining at BHP Billiton Cannington the world’s largest silver and lead mine located near McKinlay .

The 30 metre wineglass shaped water tower can be seen for up to 20kms away from Julia Creek, with blue coloured feature lighting creating a visual effect at night time. An interesting collection of memorabilia can be found at the Duncan McIntyre Museum in Burke Street and at the Julia Creek Opera House in Julia Street.

Julia Creek is at the centre of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB). The GAB is one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world. It extends 2400kms from Cape York in the North, to Dubbo in the South. At its widest it is 1800km from the Darling Downs to West of Cooper Pedy. With an area of over 1.7million square kms, the basin underlies approximately one fifth of the Australian continent.

The Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre has an updated range of travel brochures covering the north west of Queensland's Outback. Whilst there have a look at the mounted Julia Creek Dunnart display. Only found in the Mitchell grass downs of north west Queensland, the Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopis Douglasi) is a endangered small nocturnal, insect eating marsupial thought to be extinct until 1992.

The annual Dirt n Dust Festival is held in April. It includes one of Australia's most gruelling triathlon events, the PBR bull ride, horse racing, bog snorkelling and Australia's Best Butt competition.

Throughout the year other events are held in the shire including campdrafts, rodeos, horse racing and cultural activities. More information can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre in Julia Creek - (07) 4746 7690.