Another iconic destination on our bucket list is the Walkabout Creek Hotel, located in central Queensland’s town of McKinlay. The pub was featured in the movie Crocodile Dundee.
It’s hard to believe that Crocodile Dundee was released in 1986. It doesn’t seem that long ago! The bar is decorated with posters, stickers, and plenty of drinks. We even had our photo taken with Paul Hogan himself—well, sort of; it was actually a look-alike. We enjoyed the memorabilia in the pub, the old photos brought back memories.
When we first got to McKinlay, we made a stop at Dickies for some coffee. The Dickies coffee van is just across the road, and it has such a charming, quirky vibe in the outback. Try out his cow bell, you can ring for service!
While enjoying our coffee, we strolled across the road to explore the fascinating history of McKinlay. One intriguing aspect you might not be familiar with is the historical practice of branding horses and cattle, a crucial method for establishing ownership in the livestock industry. This process not only serves as a means of identification but also comes with a specific set of protocols that must be followed to ensure it is done legally and ethically. If you’re curious to learn more about this important tradition, head over to Centenary Park, where you can find informative displays.
McKinlay is named after the renowned Australian explorer John McKinlay, who passed through the area in 1862 during his remarkable journey from Adelaide to the Gulf of Carpentaria in search of the ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills. Additionally, in 1922, fifty residents of McKinlay welcomed the first passenger flight to the town.
