Created during a welding workshop at the ‘Crafty Old School House’ in 2013, The McKinlay Coolibah Tree, celebrates the history of the area, and recognises that even though the population of a small outback town seems small, there is a much wider community who belong to it. The project was a welcome distraction from the pressure and stress that the locals face due to drought.

View the history of QANTAS at McKinlay Centenary Park, honouring the legacy of aviation pioneers Hudson Fysh, Paul McGinness, and Fergus McMaster. This project has been developed in close collaboration with descendants of the QANTAS co-founders, including Fergus Fysh and Phil McMaster. It also pays tribute to the late Duncan Fysh, a long-time McKinlay resident and passionate custodian of QANTAS history, whose dedication helped preserve this remarkable story for future generations. The monument commemorates the first QANTAS passenger flight on November 3, 1922, with McKinlay as a key stop on that historic journey. Whilst at Centenary Park explore the history boards and capture a photo with John McKinlay (statue version) across from the park.

Come on out to McKinlay and check out the Walkabout Creek Hotel, see the original pub set, safari truck and other items from the movie yourself. From April to October, the Walkabout Creek Hotel do a great range of meals, but all year round, they have accommodation, caravan park, a huge range of coldies, spirits and other refreshments available. Please note though, you cannot just turn up and take photos without spending something to help out the economy of McKinlay. So why not book in and stay a night or 2, restock your supplies and check out the scenery!