110 years of racing in outback Queensland
Racing came to Julia Creek in the early years of the 20th century, when the town was finding its feet as a centre of the North West Queensland cattle industry. Informal race meetings brought the community together long before the club was officially established.
In 1916, the Julia Creek Turf Club was formally recognised by the Queensland racing authority — a milestone that marked the beginning of the official record. Through droughts, floods and the inevitable ups and downs of bush life, racing at Julia Creek has endured. The track has seen legendary horses, extraordinary jockeys, and generations of families who've dressed up, backed their pick and shared the day together under a wide Queensland sky.
In 2026, we mark 110 years of official racing. It's a milestone that belongs not just to the committee but to every person who's ever lined the rail, watched the field turn for home, and felt that particular kind of joy that only a country race day can deliver.
Racegoers at Julia Creek Races, circa 1940
110 years, a few milestones
Racing had been happening in Julia Creek before this, but 1916 marks the year the club was officially recognised by the Queensland racing authority — the beginning of the official record and the milestone we celebrate in 2026.
Like communities across Australia, Julia Creek felt the impact of the Second World War. With men away and resources scarce, race days would have been difficult to maintain — a reminder of how much the community sacrificed during those years.
Race day fashion flourishes. The grandstand fills with hats, suits and the kind of outback elegance that would define Julia Creek racing for generations to come.
The Dirt n Dust Festival launched in 1994 and the Artesian Express Race Day joined almost from the start, becoming one of the festival's signature events and drawing visitors from across Queensland and beyond.
The Julia Creek Turf Club celebrates 110 years with the Artesian Express Race Day on 18 April 2026. Five races, $62,500 in prize money, and a Fashions on the Field celebrating a legacy worn.
The people who make it happen
The Julia Creek Turf Club is run by a dedicated volunteer committee who give their time to keep this great tradition alive.
Honoured for a lifetime of service
Life membership is the highest honour the Julia Creek Turf Club can bestow. It recognises individuals who have given extraordinary service to the club and to country racing in North West Queensland.
The club family
The Julia Creek Turf Club has over 38 members — locals, graziers, families and racing lovers who share a common passion for keeping country racing alive in the North West.
Membership is open to anyone who wants to support the club and be part of one of Queensland's great outback race day traditions. Get in touch to find out more.
Club membership supports everything the Julia Creek Turf Club does — from keeping the track in shape to putting on a race day the whole community can be proud of. If you love country racing, this is your club.
Get in touch and we'll send you the details