The Julia Creek Dirt & Dust Festival will celebrate its 18th year in 2012. From modest beginnings, today’s event brings together people from all walks of life – from Queensland, Australia and overseas.  Julia Creek, based in McKinlay Shire, is proud to host what is fast becoming Queensland’s “must go” event.  Each year the Committee aims to reproduce the highlights of the previous years and add new attractions to continually showcase the town, its people and the true Aussie Outback.

Building on the success of the 16th Birthday celebrations last year, the Festival is quickly becoming more than bulls, bikes and butts. Situated in the centre of the adventurous OVERLANDERS WAY the Julia Creek Dirt & Dust Festival provides the focal point in the magnificent month of April for our many visitors who gather and celebrate, before heading out to explore or work in our glorious outback.

From Humble Beginnings

Starting in 1994, it all began with a couple of locals spinning yarns over the bar at the Town and Country Club, coming up with ways to put Julia Creek on the map. Low and behold, in one of Queenslands hottest and harshest climates the idea was born to run a triathlon! Whilst many would have scoffed at the idea, the challenge was taken up by many competitors in what was (at that stage) the newest tough sport.  A junior triathlon was run in conjunction with the seniors, with figures such as Brad Beven inspiring the youngsters on. In 1997 the triathlon became part of the Saucony Adventure Series for professional triathletes.

The triathlon continues to grow both in numbers and esteem. It’s not easy – but then nothing is in this part of Australia. That’s the challenge. There is however something for everyone else that doesn’t run, ride or swim. Over the years we have seen magicians, country music talent quests, amateur boxing, dance groups, cultural performers, fireworks displays, tobacco rolling contests, local ironman/woman contests, and the list goes on. Perhaps the biggest addition was hosting a sanctioned Bullride.  The men that you can now see taking on the bulls at the Dirt & Dust are not your regular cowboys, but some of the best in Australia - for we host a sanctioned Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event!

Program of Events

Friday 20th April
By 4.30pm	Arrival of the Key Motors “Pit Stop to The Creek” - Bikes, Planes, Caravans, Buses and Coaches.
5.30pm - 9pm	Triathletes sign on at the Triathlon Office, Council Chambers.
6pm	Gates open – Welcoming Dinner - Fair Dinkum Carbo feast
7pm	Troy Cassar-Daley Live in Concert
	Kids Rides.
	Final Heat for Australias Best Butt Comp.
	Continue live music till Midnight.
Saturday 21st April
6am - 8am	Sign on Triathletes.
8.30am	Cattle Truck leaves with the bikes for the Water Hole.
9am	Both Greyhound Buses leave for waterhole - Triathletes first, then spectators.
9.30am	Start of the Cannington Dirt & Dust Triathlon at Eastern Creek.
12pm	Trade Show opens at Races - McIntyre Park.
12pm	Ute Muster - McIntyre Park.
12pm	Komatsu-Artesian Express Horse Race, Entry Fee at Races $10.
	Red Claw Luncheon at the Races - Pre Bookings only.
5.30pm	Gates open at Town & Country Club for the PBR Challenger Series.
6 - 7pm	Official opening of the PBR Challenger Series.
9.30pm	Live Band - Main act is Mick Lindsay
10.45pm	Finals of Australias Best Butt Competition.
11.30pm - 2am	cont..., live band.

SENIOR TRIATHLON

For information on the Senior Triathlon - e-mail seniortri@dirtndust.com

JUNIOR TRIATHLON

For information on the Junior Triathlon - e-mail juniortri@dirtndust.com

JUNIOR COURSE MAPS

The Junior Triathlon course varies depending on the age group. Please click any of the maps below for a large version of each course.

6 yrs and under map	7 - 9 yrs map
10 - 12 yrs map	13 - 15 and 16 - 17 yrs map