The mayor and councillor Janene Fegan began the tour in Julia Creek and showed visitors iconic sites and pubs including the Blue Heeler Hotel, the Combo Waterhole at Kynuna, and the Walkabout Creek Hotel in McKinlay. 

“Tourism is part of my and Cr Fegan’s portfolio and we were very passionate about delivering this tour,” Cr Murphy said. The tour on Thursday, June 16, highlighted the colourful history of the shire, and the tour group also had the chance to meet the shire’s characters. 

Councillor Murphy said the shire had developed a focus on strong tourism in recent years. A shire tour, which will continue to be a service, had been on the council agenda for at least a year. 

The Kynuna experience included a walk into the famous Combo Waterhole where Banjo Patterson was inspired to pen Waltzing Matilda.

Here the group was treated to a poem Cr Murphy composed providing her take on the historic story.

A billy tea smoko were provided after the Combo with locals Kenny Jackson and Jacqui Elderfield offering further insight into Kynuna’s story. 

It was then onto the famous Walkabout Creek Hotel to meet owners Frank and Debbie Wust for lunch.

Guests were able to have having their photos photos taken with memorabilia from Crocodile Dundee including Mick’s truck and the original bar set restored by the Wusts.

Local artist and grazier, Heather Moore, then took the group tour through Queensland’s smallest library and local museum, based in McKinlay, giving a wonderful insight into the region.

Cr Fegan entertained the group along the 300 kilometre road trip with historical and current information including information on station sizes, cattle carrying capacity, windmills, bore pulling and a few local tall stories for good measure.

“I came out here 22 years ago as a nurse, fell feel in love with the place and my husband and never left,” she said.

“Having raised our four children here and my husband growing up here on Milgery Station I was able to tell some good stories.”

McKinlay Shire Council is planning to have at least three more tours this tourist season. 

Cr Murphy said tourism numbers had doubled in the last four years. She said there was a business opportunity for people to run the tours next year.