🔍

McKinlay

QLD 4823 • Queensland

162
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
8837.55 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
OutbackRemoteRuralTourist Hub
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About McKinlay

McKinlay is a small outback locality in Queensland's remote north-west, situated on the Matilda Highway (Landsborough Highway) approximately 104 kilometres south-east of Cloncurry within the McKinlay Shire Council area. With a 2021 Census population of 162 and a vast surrounding area of nearly 8,800 square kilometres, McKinlay is a quintessential outback locality where cattle stations and wide open plains define the landscape. The shire's main administrative centre is Julia Creek, located further north along the Flinders Highway.

McKinlay is best known to visitors as the home of the Walkabout Creek Hotel, the iconic outback pub made famous as a filming location for the original Crocodile Dundee movie. The hotel draws tourists travelling the Matilda Way tourist route, offering cold drinks, outback hospitality, and a slice of Australian cinematic history. The area is true cattle country, hosting the popular McKinlay Races each year, and suits those drawn to remote, wide-open outback living far from city amenities.

McKinlay falls under postcode 4823 and is governed by the McKinlay Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4823
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
McKinlay
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.21°, 141.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
8837.55 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4823

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4823 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$55,427
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$83,662

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4823; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Julia Creek / Cloncurry / Mount Isa 1.5–3 hours

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
950 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
Approx 10–11 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 10–11 hours

🛣️ Remote outback locality; air travel via Mount Isa or Julia Creek is the most practical long-distance option

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

McKinlay is a remote outback locality with minimal services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
162
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the McKinlay Local Government Area, which contains McKinlay. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
701.7 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Motor vehicle theft
584.8 / 100k
2yr Up 148.2% 10yr Up 138.6%
Non-FV assault
1,052.6 / 100k
2yr Up 11.7% 10yr —
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
350.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 186.3%
View all offence categories for McKinlay →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is McKinlay known for? +

McKinlay is best known for the Walkabout Creek Hotel, the outback pub used as a filming location for the Crocodile Dundee movies. It's also a popular stop on the Matilda Way tourist route and hosts the annual McKinlay Races.

How far is McKinlay from Brisbane? +

McKinlay is approximately 950 kilometres north-west of Brisbane by road, making it around a 10–11 hour drive. Most long-distance travellers fly into Mount Isa or Julia Creek.

Does McKinlay have public transport? +

McKinlay has very limited public transport, with occasional regional coach services connecting it to Julia Creek and Mount Isa. There is no rail service; a private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of McKinlay? +

According to the 2021 Census, McKinlay had a population of 162 people, spread across a vast area of nearly 8,800 square kilometres of outback Queensland.

Is McKinlay a good place to live? +

McKinlay suits those who embrace remote outback living — wide open spaces, a tight-knit community, and a connection to the land. Services and amenities are minimal, so self-sufficiency is essential.

What is the postcode for McKinlay? +

The postcode for McKinlay, Queensland is 4823.

Is McKinlay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. McKinlay is part of the McKinlay LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.