Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Best outback pubs in Australia
Find a welcome respite – and an ice-cold beer – at a true blue outback pub.
Nindigully Pub, otherwise known as “The Gully”, is Queensland's oldest pub and first received its liquor license back in 1864. The original building still stands, welcoming locals and visitors alike for a cold beer and a renowned ‘Road Train’ burger. The hotel, which offers free riverside camping, even hosts the kind of quirky events the Australian outback is famous for, including the Nindigully Pig Races. You can reach Nindigully in under a six-hour drive west of Brisbane.
Home to unique rock formations, stunning national parks and an easy-going attitude, the New South Wales outback is well worth a visit. Head inland from Sydney and visit the charming wine regions of Mudgee and Orange. Then, keep driving until you’ve almost reached the South Australian border. It’s here you’ll find the Silverton Hotel, an iconic outback pub, known for its appearance in several international TV shows and films, including Mission Impossible II.
Perhaps Australia’s prettiest outback pub, the Pink Roadhouse is an Insta-worthy stop on any road trip through South Australia. Its pastel pink paint stands out against the golden expanses of central Australia. Stop by for a famous ‘Oodnaburger’ and a beer before driving across the rippling red plains of the Simpson Desert.
Located near the rugged Flinders Ranges, the Prairie Hotel is one of Australia's most iconic pubs. It's known for its 'Feral Feast' – a selection of native dishes like camel sausage and house-made emu paté – but it caters to all tastes. Visit Prairie Hotel after exploring the ancient wonder that is Wilpena Pound; this epic part of the country is sure to leave you hungry for more.
The Daly Waters Pub, located about six hours south of Kakadu, is a historic Northern Territory tavern with plenty of outback character. You’ll visit for the celebrated Beef 'n' Barra BBQ, a scotch fillet steak served with wild-caught Northern Territory barramundi, and stay for the entertaining quirks: Tim’s Junk Yard, spooky tales and the unusual belongings of past travellers ‘leaving their mark’ on the pub’s walls.
Known as the last jumping-off point before you hit the sparkling pink and orange Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and the wildly remote Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks, the Marree Hotel attracts travellers with a love for the South Australian outback. Take a scenic flight to marvel at the Marree Man, the world’s largest work of art and discover the Tom Kruse museum – a tribute to the Birdsville Track mailman.
The tiny town of Tilpa sits along the Darling River Run, a journey spanning 950km (590mi) through outback New South Wales’ striking landscapes and country towns. Established in 1894, the Tilpa Hotel has been serving up true blue hospitality for well over a century. Expect a campfire yarn (that means 'chat' in Australia), ice-cold beers and walls adorned with thousands of travellers' names. Add yours for a small donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Western Australia’s vast outback is peppered with eerie and intriguing ghost towns where former settlements once thrived. The living ghost town of Kookynie, 8.5 hours from Perth, is home to just around a hundred residents and the odd passer-by seeking a dose of gold rush history. You can experience the latter, along with copious gold rush stories and an ice-cold beer, at the Grand Hotel Kookynie. Don’t miss Willie the horse, the most popular resident in town.
For travellers touring the Matilda Way, the cheeky dog perched on top of Kynuna’s Blue Heeler Hotel is a welcoming sight. Named after the Australian working dog, the Blue Heeler is Kynuna’s only watering hole – but its claims go back to 1889. It’s said that Banjo Paterson himself first performed the famous Waltzing Matilda ballad here and the late R.M. Williams built the hotel’s brick fireplace.
William Creek, located along the Oodnadatta Track, may be South Australia’s smallest town, but it has a big reputation. Surrounded by the mind-blogging Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Anna Creek Station (the world’s largest pastoral station) and the terracotta Anna Creek Painted Hills, this town of around twenty residents is as far-flung as it is iconic. Base yourself at the quirky William Creek Hotel, where cold brews and friendly yarns are guaranteed.
The Birdsville Hotel is quintessentially Australian, and arguably the country’s most legendary outback pub. Established in 1884, these sandstone walls have been housing guests bouncing along Queensland’s dusty outback tracks for over 130 years. Stay a while to enjoy cold ales, warm hospitality and epic outback tours. Sunset safari to the expansive Big Red sand dune, anyone?
