If you’re looking for an authentic Australian Outback experience, look no further than the Walkabout Creek Hotel. Nestled in the breathtaking Landsborough Highway in McKinlay, Queensland, the hotel is a relic of the cinematic history of the Outback. It became a hit with local and international tourists after it was featured in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile Dundee.
The humble yet iconic pub is a must-visit when travelling between Winton and Cloncurry. We visited on our way to Normanton and Karumba after we had visited Winton. It’s on the way, so we found it a great overnight spot.
This Queensland Outback Pub has a unique charm. It’s not just a pitstop for food and fuel – it’s an experience. I’d recommend this place for RVers, campers and caravanners for their
Walkabout Creek Hotel
The Walkabout Creek Hotel McKinlay became globally famous through the lens of the 1986 blockbuster film Crocodile Dundee, starring the legendary Mick Crocodile Dundee.
Crocodile Dundee isn’t just the most financially successful Australian film ever made; it’s also one of the most successful non-Hollywood films.
Mick Dundee’s character charmed viewers worldwide with his tough, philosophical, romantic, old-fashioned and wild-spirited energy.
Even after 37 years, the film’s fame lingers, drawing in curious travellers to witness the allure of the real-life movie set. As you step into the grounds of Walkabout Creek Hotel, you’ll feel like you’ve returned to the set of an Aussie classic.
The Location: McKinlay’s Oasis on Landsborough Highway
The quaint hotel is strategically situated between Winton and Cloncurry in McKinlay. McKinlay is a remote outback town and has historically been a travel stopover. The town has a laid-back and authentic Australian vibe, offering a glimpse into rural life. However, the place gained international fame only after the movie was released.
The Walkabout Creek Hotel, once tucked away on a side street, now proudly stands on the main road, inviting travellers in.
Walkabout Creek Australia Map
Crocodile Dundee Walkabout Creek
Constructed in 1901, the Walkabout Hotel has the classic charm of an Australian pub. The building is low-set and built from the local timber, like all buildings from that era.
If you’ve been to Queensland before, you’ll have noticed that most buildings have wide-covered verandas built on stilts to avoid flooding. This hotel is no different. In the Queenslander style, it’s a single-level building with a public bar, pool room, amenities, store room/office, kitchen, and verandah facing north.
The Walkabout Creek accommodation has 18 rooms and an adjoining
The manager’s residence, another
Walkabout Creek Hotel History & Heritage
Although the town gained mainstream attention with the 1986 film, its historical significance extends beyond its movie fame. The town was named after the McKinlay River, which was discovered and named by the explorer John McKinlay.
In 1862, explorer John McKinlay led the South Australian Burke Relief Expedition through this area, searching for the ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills. The town’s evolution, from a Cobb & Co staging post in 1888 to a mining support hub, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Outback.
Fun fact: The Walkabout Creek pub didn’t exist before the film. It was a fictional hotel created for the film. In 1986, the Federal McKinlay Hotel or the ‘Grand Hotel’ was transformed into the Walkabout Creek Hotel for the movie.
The hotel was selected for its authentic outback appearance, and it became the Walkabout Creek Hotel through the magic of filmmaking. Filmmakers used it as a canvas to create the fictional Walkabout Creek Hotel, using fictional sets, altering the interior, adding signs for the hotel, etc.
Food: The True Flavours of the Outback
The pub’s food carries the authentic flavour of the outback. Their menu includes hearty lunches and refreshing drinks. The menu blends traditional Aussie food and modern delights, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a satisfied appetite.
We ate at the pub the night we camped out the back. You can’t order before 6 pm; being an Outback Pub, they were under-staffed when we visited. That said we found the service and the food excellent.
If you want to taste the flavour of the outback, try the famed ‘Dundee Burger,’ a homage to the iconic Crocodile Dundee character. The meat is tender and juicy, dripping with delicious sauces. What makes this place great is the love that the owners- Debbie and Frank Wust- put into it. In my experience, food created with care and love always tastes better.
The owners have been dedicated to preserving Walkabout Creek’s authenticity and infusing the spirit of the Outback into the hotel. How much of this will remain after they leave, though? The staff and the locals that frequent the place are very friendly and always make you feel welcome -whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveller.
Facilities for Caravanners, RVers, and Campers
The pub is a godsend if you’re touring the outback in your
You can choose between the $30-powered and $22 un-powered sites depending on your needs. The bathrooms are well-maintained with flushing toilets and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Camp Under The Stars
If you are looking for Walkabout Creek Hotel camping, they also have a camping area where guests can pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars.
The Lively Events at The Pub
In the traditional pub style, the pub isn’t just a place to eat- it’s a community. Everyone knows everyone. In small rural communities, local pubs play a significant role as social hubs where people gather, socialize, catch up on the latest happenings and celebrate victories & events.
McKinlay is a very small town with a population of only 836, according to the 2021 census! Pubs are central meeting places because there are limited entertainment options. If you look at the social media, you’ll see Debbie and Frank posting about the achievements of local sports players.
You may catch the pub at one of their events if you go at the right time. Weekly events such as trivia nights, live music, fundraising events and themed parties attract locals and travellers, creating a sense of community.
The place’s people and ambience combine to create an inclusive atmosphere. You’ll find locals and travellers gossiping over cold, frothy ones. The laid-back atmosphere encourages camaraderie, creating a space where everyone feels like friends.
Things To Do At The Crocodile Dundee Walkabout Creek Hotel Mckinlay
Savour A Cold Beer
The pub experience is incomplete without a cold, frothy beer.
Indulge in the ‘Dunde Burger’: Crafted with local ingredients and inspired by the film’s rugged spirit, this burger was created in homage to the iconic character, Mick Dundee.
Discover The Original Bar
You’ll be surprised to hear that the hotel’s bar wasn’t used for the movie- a temporary fake bar was set up in the back so the locals didn’t lose their watering hole. In such a small town, there is usually only one pub and having the place taped off for the movie would’ve caused an uproar. The movie set bar still sits in the shed in the back, complete with the faded blue timber counters and empty alcohol bottles.
Movie Memorabilia
Check out the GMC Wideside truck and the Ford F-250 car in the car park. In the movie, Mick drove the rugged 1982 GMC K-2500 Wideside truck. It was most notably used in the scene where Mick rescues Sue from a water Buffalo attack. In contrast, Sue drove the posh 1983 Ford F-250 during her time in the Outback. These antique cars still stand in the car park, and you can take pictures.
The Legendary Knife Photo-Op
If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll remember the iconic line; “That’s not a knife. THIS is a knife.”
If you want to get a picture holding THE knife, ask the staff at the bar.
It’s a massive Bowie knife (usually used for hunting, self-defence and outdoor activities). It’s got a curved blade and is 10 to 12 inches long.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hold the knife the day we visited. The legendary Dick Smith did though.
If you haven’t seen the movie, here’s the context:
When rugged Mick Dundee goes to New York to visit Sue, they get mugged, with the attacker threatening them with a switchblade knife. In response, Mick Dundee calmly pulls out his own knife, a large and impressive Bowie knife, and says to the mugger, “That’s not a knife. THIS is a knife.” The would-be mugger is intimidated and backs off, realising he has chosen the wrong person to mess with. The scene is funny – Mick’s rugged and unconventional outback background is no match for the so-called ‘tough guys’ of New York.
Explore the Pub’s Interior
Enjoy the rustic charm of the pub. Strike conversations with welcoming locals and ask them for details about the pub and its history.
Things To Do Near The Hotel
If you’re staying at the Walkabout camp and RV park, here are a few unique experiences in the region to explore.
Artesian Bath Houses in Julia Creek
Jumia Creek is an RV-friendly town 100km northeast of Mickinley. It’s got a designated free camping site along the edge of Julia Creek. You can get free permits (valid for 96 hours) from the onsite camp hosts during tourist season (April to September) or from the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre from October to March.
The place is famous for its Artesian Bath Houses nestled by the side of the
Mary Kathleen Ghost Town & Mine
This ghost town once belonged to the nearby Uranium mine, which closed after the mineral ran out. In the 1900s, the place was a bustling town with thousands of residents who earned their income from the mine.
Nowadays, you can go camping and choose a vacant house slab to camp on for the night! You can even wander up to the mine site and explore the tunnels.
You’ll be surprised that the place isn’t scary for a ‘ghost town.’ Many structures remain intact, and a turquoise pool of beautiful but deadly radioactive water exists.
Pub For Sale
This slice of Australian history is currently up for sale! The quaint hotel is hitting the market for the first time since 2014. This may be your opportunity if you’ve always wanted to own a hotel or restaurant.
Live the authentic outback life and make money alongside. The place was listed for sale for $1.4 million. The owners have kept it with love for the past ten years, but now they’ve decided to “pass on the baton to someone else” as they travel. Nevertheless, the place is still open until it’s handed over to the next owner, so go ahead and visit.
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
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