8 of the most iconic outback pubs in Australia
Find a welcome respite – and an ice-cold beer – at a true blue outback pub.
Dotted among the golden plains and red earth of Australia's outback, you’ll find friendly locals having a yarn with road trippers at iconic pubs. And no Aussie adventure is complete without a visit to one – or more.
So grab a drink, or spend the night, at these iconic outback pubs.
Walkabout Creek Hotel
Where: McKinlay, Queensland
If you don’t know it by name, you may know it from the movies. Walkabout Creek Hotel was featured in the film Crocodile Dundee, but its rise to fame hasn’t changed its rustic charm. Located in the north of Queensland’s outback, Walkabout Creek is the perfect stop on a road trip to Lawn Hill and Boodjamulla National Park – one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular national parks.
Nindigully Pub
Where: Nindigully, Queensland
Queensland’s oldest hotel, Nindigully Pub, first received its liquor license back in 1864. Despite its age, the pub still draws in locals and visitors alike for a cold beer and a one-kilogram T-bone steak. The hotel 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 from Brisbane.
Betoota Hotel
Where: Betoota, Queensland
There’s the outback, and then there’s Queensland’s smallest town of Betoota. Located about two hours from Birdsville, the town has only one building – and that’s the Betoota Hotel. Yet the region comes to life throughout the year with events like the Betoota Races and the Simpson Desert Carnival. Stop in and say hello to owner Robbo; he’ll be sure to serve you a cold drink and point you toward your next outback destination.
Whim Creek Hotel
Where: Whim Creek, Western Australia
Not all of Australia’s outback pubs lie within deserts and plains. Some, like the Whim Creek Hotel, rest on stunning coastline. The hotel is a welcome stop for travellers exploring the north of Western Australia. Visit Whim Creek on a road trip around the Kimberley, where you can swim with whale sharks, kayak through gorges and discover beaches that stretch for more than 200 kilometres (124 miles).
Silverton Hotel
Where: Silverton, New South Wales
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, along with a cold beer and a warm meal.
Pink Roadhouse
Where: Oodnadatta, South Australia
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.
Prairie Hotel
Where: Parachilna, South Australia
Located near the rugged Flinders Ranges, 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.
Daly Waters Pub
Where: Daly Waters, Northern Territory
The Daly Waters Pub, located about six hours south of Kakadu, is a classic Northern Territory tavern. Hearty meals and friendly locals will send you on your way to explore the unforgettable sights of Australia’s north. Visit Nitmiluk National Park for calm waterholes or the West MacDonnell Ranges for rugged, red cliffs.
