30th Anniversary of "Crocodile Dundee" The Movie {McKinlay, North West Queensland - Outback Australia}

The tiny town of McKinlay - is on The Map!

An intrepid explorer, pioneer and pastrolist; originally from Scotland, John McKinlay was chosen to lead a search party for Burke and Wills in August 1861. The search party left with 9 men, 4 camels, 2 pack horses and 70 sheep.   A few months later, the team discovered the graves of Burke and Wills along the Cooper Creek.  After sending word to the Government of the fate of Burke and Wills, McKinlay decided to press on to reach the Gulf of Carpenteria, and hopeful return home via sea aboard the HMVS Victoria which was said to be waiting for Burke and Wills.

It was during April 1862 that McKinlay's team travelled through the area and   named the McKinlay River and consequently the town.  

McKinlay's team eventually made it to Port Denison and in August 1862 returned home to Adelaide via sea.  It was because of McKinlay's favourable report about North West Queensland, that the cattle industry began and the and the early pioneers began to appear.

At one time McKinlay was the home to three (maybe four) pubs.  The most notable one is the Federal Hotel built in 1900, however it's name was changed in 1986 to Walkabout Creek Hotel as homage to the Crocodile Dundee Movie.

Today, Walkabout Creek Hotel is a fabulous stop along highway for a cold one or two, a lovely chinwag or perhaps a spot to get a good nights rest, before travelling on to see more of North West Queensland.  There is plenty of movie memorabilia 

23rd April 2016 marks the 30th Anniversary of the movie "Crocodile Dundee".  Many people don't know, that the tiny town of McKinlay, on the Landsborough Highway (just over 100km from Cloncurry), was the setting for the "Walkabout Creek Hotel" scenes.

The celebrations included Ranger Dan and his snakes and crocodile.  The Rocky Instincts Show (good old fashioned bushman tricks and tales).  There was a parade, fun activities for the kids and when the sun went down "Crocodile Dundee" was shown on the big screen for everyone to enjoy.

Never Never Safari Tours truck

Let the Parade begin

Ernie Dingo came in for a special visit

Ranger Dan with his scaly mates - this one is an Eastern or Common Brown Snake

Eastern or Common Brown Snake

Coastal Taipan

Coastal Taipan

Coastal Taipan

Coastal Taipan

Coastal Taipan

Inland Taipan (also called Fierce Snake)

Inland Taipan (also called Fierce Snake)

Inland Taipan (also called Fierce Snake)

Inland Taipan (also called Fierce Snake)

Inland Taipan (also called Fierce Snake)

Ranger Dan with a 3 year old Fresh Water Crocodile

3 year old Fresh Water Crocodile

3 year old Fresh Water Crocodile

3 year old Fresh Water Crocodile

3 year old Fresh Water Crocodile

3 year old Fresh Water Crocodile

The Bar from the movie "Crocodile Dundee"

Rocky Instinct show - helping the young ones to make fire - the old fashioned way

Rocky Instinct show - helping the young ones to make fire - the old fashioned way

Where there's smoke, there's fire!

Inside Walkabout Creek Hotel

Quick Service Area - works a treat too!!