Far from the bustle of city life, these iconic pubs serve cold beer and great pub grub from dusty floors that echo with tales of yesteryear. With characters as colourful as the Outback sunset and a warm welcome that is only found by heading inland, each pub tells its own story. So point your wheels away from the coast, and add these Outback pubs to your Queensland road trip bucket list.
Found on the edge of the Simpson Desert, The Royal Hotel has been serving cold ones since 1886. Jim Smith, the current owner, has been operating the pub since 1971. Along with cold beer, this Outback pub oasis serves counter meals and a chance to take a break from camping by staying in one of the 11 motel rooms next door.
Said to be Queensland’s oldest continually licenced venue, the Nindigully Pub found in the gateway to the Outback region (St George region), was originally shearer’s accommodation. Now it is known for its fantastic free camp by the picturesque Moonie River and the 5.5kg Road Train Burger currently on the menu. You’ll need at least four people to eat it.
You’ll also find the iconic Boomerangs from the ‘Boomerang Cafe’, which Hugh Jackman fans may remember from one of his first feature films, ‘Paperback Hero’, which was filmed here.
Possibly Outback Queensland’s most iconic pub, this is definitely one for the bucket list. You’ll find it chock to the brim with history, stories, characters and great food and drink. And if you visit when the famous Birdsville Races on, you’ll simply find it chock to the brim and overflowing.
Serving as a meeting place for local, families, stockmen and travellers, the Noccundra Hotel in Outback Queensland is a gorgeous heritage listed sandstone pub owned by Nockatunga Station. Established in 1882 as a rest stop for travellers on the Cobb and Co stagecoaches, many a weary traveller stop overnight here.
An unsealed airstrip can be found directly behind it so don’t be surprised to find some people fly in to enjoy a meal and fly back out again.
Located in the tiny yet utterly charming Outback town of Ilfracombe, the pub found this permanent spot in 1890 after being relocated multiple times along the railway line by bullock and cart. Don’t miss the opportunity for a fun photo with their cheeky bar stools.
Established in the 1860s, this Cobb and Co staging post has hosted thousands of thirsty travellers in its time, including bush poet Banjo Paterson. Rumours abound that he debuted his famous song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ here. Stop in for a slice of history, a warm meal and a cold drink.
The Eulo Queen Hotel was opened in 1886 by Isabel Gray, otherwise known as the ‘Eulo Queen’. With a colourful history – which you can learn all about when you visit this Outback pub – she apparently had a penchant for opals. These days it’s an iconic stop with cold drinks, great food and camping sites for your RV.
Made famous by Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee, the interior of this Outback pub pays tribute to the movie with lots of memorabilia for you to take in while you enjoy a cold one.
Originally a Customs House in the 1860s, it converted to a hotel in 1916 and eventually was abandoned in 2013. Now reopened as the ‘Pub in the Scrub’, you’ll find an Outback camping area, cold beer, friendly staff, tasty grub and even a playground and pool.
Once a Cobb and Co staging post (apparently, the furthest from the ocean) and built way back in 1885, the Royal Hotel in Eromanga is an iconic stop for both locals and travellers alike. Like most Outback pubs in Queensland, here you’ll find cold drinks, friendly staff and great pub grub.
Even though Sadleir’s Waterhole burned down in 2016, thanks to a bunch of eight local family legends, it is now once again up and running. Here, you’ll find an open-air deck, lush green lawns, good country meals and ice-cold beer.
Famous for being the outback pub in a ghost town, you’ll find it around 167km east of Birdsville. After being closer for quite some time, it has now re-opened after a reno and boasts country meals, cold drinks and accommodation.
Betoota was once a Cobb and Co change station and at one point, supported three hotels, a police station, store and post office. Today the Betoota Hotel is the only business in town and despite its lack of population, is rarely quiet.
As you journey through Queensland’s Outback pubs, you’ll quickly realise that these hotels are more than just places to grab a drink, they are the living, beating hearts of their communities – each with a story to tell and a unique charm to discover. So, grab your family and friends, raise your glass and start planning your bucket list Outback pub trip now.
