A Family of Tough Outback Survivors
In the heart of the Australian outback, where life is as rugged as the landscape, Jo Cranney and Angus Brodie are proving that they’re just as tough as the legendary Crocodile Dundee. With a cattle property to manage, free-range beef to sell online, and two young children at home, this couple has added one more challenge to their list: running a local pub.
“We might be a bit silly taking on so much, but we saw it as a great chance to diversify,” says Jo, who used to work as a nurse before transitioning into the world of ranching and hospitality. “It’s going really well so far.”
Both 34 years old, Jo and Angus weren’t even born when Crocodile Dundee first hit the screens in 1986. The film, which was made for $8.8 million, went on to make an astonishing $426 million worldwide, becoming an iconic part of Australian cinema.
A Legendary Local Landmark
The Walkabout Creek Hotel, featured in the movie, holds a special place in the hearts of locals. For Angus, who grew up in McKinlay, Queensland, a town with just 162 residents, the movie is more than just a film—it’s a part of his childhood.
“I can’t remember the first time I saw Crocodile Dundee, but everyone around here grew up with it,” he says. “It’s quite surreal to watch our tiny town for the first 15 minutes of the movie.”
The hotel, originally named the Federal Hotel in 1900, was renamed after its role in the film. Even today, the movie set still stands in the beer garden, and the famous “Never Never Safari” truck is parked outside.
After years on the market, the Walkabout Creek Hotel finally found new owners in November last year—Angus and Jo, who run the 36,000-acre Wolseley Downs cattle station nearby.
A Country Party to Celebrate 40 Years
To mark the 40th anniversary of the film’s global release, Jo and Angus are planning a “good old-fashioned country party” on September 25 and 26. They’re already receiving inquiries from locals and fans alike, eager to join in the celebration.
“We’re blown away by the fact that 40 years on, people are still obsessed with the movie,” says Angus, who recalls buying his first beer at the Walkabout Creek at age 18.
The event will feature performances by the Barnyard Band, known for headlining the Mount Isa Rodeo, as well as a best-dressed Mick Dundee contest, children’s entertainment, food stalls, and new merchandise. One thing won’t be there, though: crocodiles.
“We’re a long way from any crocs, so no one needs to be alarmed by that,” jokes Jo, while wrangling her daughter Louie and toddler Jimmy.
A Life in the Outback
McKinlay may be remote—17 hours from Brisbane and 228km from Mount Isa—but for Jo and Angus, that isolation is part of what makes it special.
“It’s really special and the people up here are really genuine,” says Jo, who met Angus at the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival in 2018 and married him five years later at Wolseley Downs.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to us buying the pub,” adds Angus. “It’s the meeting place for the town and surrounding properties. I’ve been coming here my whole life. It’s cool to say it’s ours now.”
As they prepare for the upcoming celebrations, Jo and Angus are looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to the Walkabout Creek Hotel—a place that continues to bring people together, just like the film that inspired it all.
