The 2026 Race Card
Five races make up the 2026 Julia Creek Country meeting, presented by Multicom Resources. The Artesian Express is the feature race and runs last on the card, with $22,500 in shared prize money. Race times shown are indicative and subject to change on the day.
| Race | Name & Sponsor | Distance | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
Race 1 1:15 pm |
T's Plant Hire Pty Ltd Maiden Plate Sponsored by T's Plant Hire Pty Ltd |
1350m |
Maiden Plate |
Race 2 2:00 pm |
Townsville Earthmoving Benchmark 60 Handicap Sponsored by Townsville Earthmoving |
1350m |
BM60 |
Race 3 2:45 pm |
AIC Copper Pty Ltd Benchmark 60 Handicap Sponsored by AIC Copper Pty Ltd |
1100m |
BM60 |
Race 4 3:30 pm |
Grant Wiles Memorial Benchmark 50 Handicap Sponsored by Curley Cattle Transport & Haulmark |
1200m |
BM50 |
Race 5 Feature 4:30 pm |
Multicom Resources Artesian Express Class 2 Handicap Sponsored by Multicom Resources |
1200m |
CL2 $22,500 shared prize money |
Race times are indicative and may shift on the day. Follow us on Facebook for updates and the final program.
Race Day Schedule
Gates open at 11:30am with the Main Bar and Legacy Pavilion opening at midday. Five races run through the afternoon, with Fashions on the Field categories judged between races. All times indicative and subject to change.
Get your tickets
Tickets are available through the Dirt n Dust Festival ticketing platform. Purchase online in advance to secure your spot for the 110th anniversary race day on Saturday 30 May 2026.
Note on drink tickets: Drink tickets purchased through the Dirt n Dust Festival are not transferable to the Julia Creek Turf Club bar, and vice versa. The Turf Club and Dirt n Dust operate separate licensed bar areas on the day.
🎟 Tickets also available at the gate on the day — subject to availability. Book online to be sure of your spot.
Ticket enquiries? Get in touch with the club directly.
Everything you need on the day
The Main Bar and Legacy Pavilion open at midday and run through to 5:00pm. Fully licensed, with drink tickets available by card at the bar. We always encourage patrons to bring cash as well.
Turf Club drink tickets are not transferable to the Dirt n Dust festival.
A range of food vendors on site throughout the day. Something for everyone, from a quick bite between races to a proper feed.
TAB facilities are available on course so you can back your pick in person on race day.
Accessible facilities are available on site. If you have specific requirements, get in touch ahead of the day and we'll do our best to help.
Cash withdrawal facilities are available on site. Drink tickets can be purchased by card at the bar. Bringing cash on the day is always a good idea out here.
A large covered area with tables provides shade for those who want it, with plenty of lawn space under cover as well. Perfect for a Queensland autumn afternoon.
Finding Julia Creek
Julia Creek is in the McKinlay Shire, 640km inland from Townsville on the Flinders Highway. The racecourse is on the edge of town and easy to find on race day.
If you're making a weekend of it, Julia Creek has accommodation options in town. Book early as it fills up fast on race day weekend.
Plenty of free parking at the racecourse. Arrive early for the best spots near the gate.
A shuttle service runs between the Julia Creek town centre and the racecourse on race day. Details confirmed closer to the event.
Camping is available through the Dirt n Dust Festival booking page. Julia Creek is a small town and accommodation fills up fast — camping is often the only option left, so book early.
Rex Airlines services Julia Creek Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Mt Isa and Townsville. There are no hire cars at the airport, so arrange your own transport into town in advance — it's a fair distance and not one you'd want to walk in heels.
Julia Creek Turf Club, Julia Creek QLD 4823
Race Calendar
The 2026 Artesian Express Race Day is our feature event for the year. Keep an eye on this page and our Facebook for any additional race meetings and events as they're announced.
Want to be notified when new events are announced? Get in touch or follow us on Facebook.
Grab your tickets and we'll see you on the lawn