Australia's 13 Most Iconic Outback Pubs

These iconic watering holes offer an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Aussie outback.

There’s nothing more quintessentially Australian than our outback pubs. These rustic establishments are not just places to grab a cold beer; they’re the heartbeat of remote communities, brimming with history, character and some seriously memorable characters.

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From weathered tin roofs to walls lined with quirky memorabilia, each pub tells a story of the rugged and resilient Aussie spirit. Here are the must-visit outback pubs that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. The Birdsville Hotel, Qld

Birdsville Hotel window — The Birdsville Hotel is as spirited and dynamic as times past. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Nestled on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the Birdsville Hotel is as legendary as the tiny town it calls home. This historic pub has been a refuge for weary travellers since 1884, offering ice-cold beers and a lively atmosphere. Whether you visit during the famous Birdsville Races or stop by for a yarn with the locals, you’ll leave with stories to tell for a lifetime.

Address: Adelaide St, Birdsville

2. Daly Waters Pub, NT

This quirky watering hole in the Northern Territory is famous for its eccentric decor, with walls covered in bras, banknotes and oddities left by travellers from around the world. The Daly Waters Pub serves up hearty meals and good times with a side of live entertainment. Don’t miss their famous beef and barra feast for a true taste of the Territory.

Address: 16 Stuart St, Daly Waters

3. Prairie Hotel, SA

desert view of Prairie Hotel — The Prairie Hotel emerges from the desert setting. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Located in the Flinders Ranges, the Prairie Hotel is a destination in itself. Famous for its inventive ‘feral’ menu, featuring kangaroo, emu and camel dishes, this pub redefines outback dining. Add in stunning desert views and a warm outback welcome, and it’s easy to see why the Prairie Hotel is a must-visit.

Address: High St and West Terrace, Parachilna

4. Tilpa Hotel, NSW

exterior of The Tilpa Hotel — The Tilpa Hotel has been a cornerstone of the region since 1894. (Image: Destination NSW)

Set on the banks of the Darling River, the Tilpa Hotel is as remote as it is iconic. This one-room pub is famous for its graffiti-covered walls where travellers leave their mark, and it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a beer after a day exploring the outback. Pro tip: order the steak sandwich – it’s legendary.

Address: 1 Darling St, Tilpa

5. Grand Hotel Kookynie, WA

Grand Hotel in Kookynie — Sip a cold beer and enjoy the dreamy outback ambience. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Step into the past at the Grand Hotel Kookynie , located in Western Australia’s Goldfields region. This pub has been serving travellers since the early 1900s and exudes old-world charm. Make sure to say hello to Willie, the resident horse who often hangs out at the bar – an outback experience like no other!

Address: 54 Britannia St, Kookynie

6. Nindigully Pub, Qld

Nindigully Pub exterior — Established in 1864, the Nindigully Pub is Queensland’s oldest continuously licensed pub. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Step back in time at the Nindigully Pub , which has been welcoming patrons since 1864. Perched on the banks of the Moonie River, this charming establishment is known for its enormous burgers – big enough to feed a family – and its warm country hospitality. Whether you’re camping nearby or dropping in for a feed, this pub promises an unforgettable experience.

Address: Sternes Street, Nindigully

7. Marree Hotel, SA

At the crossroads of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks, the Marree Hotel is a slice of Australian history. This heritage-listed pub has been serving adventurers and locals since the late 19th century. Don’t miss the Tom Kruse Room, dedicated to the legendary outback mailman who delivered post to Australia’s most remote communities.

Address: Lot 200 Railway Terrace South, Marree

8. The Silverton Hotel, NSW

exterior of Silverton Hotel — Get a taste of the cinema at this iconic hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set at the Silverton Hotel . Located in a ghost town in Outback NSW, this pub has starred in countless films and TV shows, including Mad Max 2. Grab a cold one, snap a selfie with the Mad Max car out front and soak up the quirky charm of this cinematic pub.

Address: 12 Layard St, Silverton

9. The Blue Heeler Hotel, Qld

Located in Kynuna, the Blue Heeler Hotel is steeped in history and Aussie folklore. It’s said to be the inspiration behind Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda. Stop by to enjoy a beer, chat with locals and immerse yourself in the stories of Queensland’s outback.

Address: 16 Hulbert St, Kynuna

10. William Creek Hotel, SA

The laid-back atmosphere of this remote pub is not to be missed. (Image: South Australian Commission)

Sitting on the edge of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, one of Australia’s best pink lakes, the William Creek Hotel is the definition of remote. It’s a lifeline for adventurers traversing the Oodnadatta Track, offering hearty meals, cold drinks and the chance to swap stories with fellow travellers. Don’t forget to sign the visitor book before you leave.

Address: Lot 1 Oodnadatta Track, William Creek

11. The Lion’s Den, Qld

Visitors of Lion's Den Hotel — The pub is on the bucket list of adventure seekers in Cape York. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Nestled in the rainforest near Cooktown, The Lion’s Den Hotel is a must-visit for adventurers exploring Cape York. This historic pub, established in 1875, features walls covered in signatures and mementos from travellers over the decades. Relax with a cold drink and soak in the charm of this iconic watering hole.

Address: 398 Shiptons Flat Road, Rossville

12. Matso’s Store, WA

Matso's Brewery — Matso’s is the only microbrewery in North West WA. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Located in Broome, Matso’s is a beloved institution known for its unique craft beers. Try their famous mango beer or ginger beer while soaking up the laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy a refreshing drink after exploring the Kimberley region.

Address: 60 Hamersley St, Broome

13. The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill, NSW

The Palaca Hotel in Broken Hill — The Palace is located in the heart of the heritage-listed city of Broken Hill. (Image: Broken Hill City Council)

With its grand facade and famous murals, The Palace Hotel is an outback pub with a difference. It shot to fame in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and continues to attract visitors with its vibrant art, live music and icon status in Broken Hill. Stay the night in one of their heritage rooms for the full experience.

Address: 227 Argent St, Broken Hill

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

The Mornington Peninsula can be the kind of place where salt-tangled hair feels like a badge of honour – proof you’ve been somewhere wild, raw and real. Peel back the layers and you’ll discover stories that anchor this region to something other than its famed food and wine.

This land is the traditional Sea Country of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people. Long before grapevines were planted and artisanal goods were crafted, the Bunurong Traditional Owners lived in deep connection with the land and sea. Today, places such as Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary echo that tradition, with families exploring its rockpools in search of colourful sea stars and crabs at low tide and learning how these fragile ecosystems have been cared for across countless generations.

a group of people visiting the Port Nepean National Park — Take in the rugged coastal landscape at Port Nepean National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A visit to Point Nepean National Park feels like stepping back through time. The fort, built in 1882, protected the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay until the end of the Second World War. It was here that the first Allied shot of the First World War was fired – at a German cargo ship trying to escape just hours after war was declared. Nearby, the old Quarantine Station, one of Australia’s first permanent quarantine facilities, established in 1852, still stands. Walking through the hospital and disinfecting complex evokes stories of those who arrived from faraway shores.

Not far from here is a story of survival that inspired the Aussie phrase ‘you’ve got Buckley’s chance’. In 1803, escaped convict William Buckley vanished into the bush near what’s now Sorrento. Everyone thought he had no hope of surviving, but he reappeared 32 years later, having lived with local Aboriginal people.

Even the waters here hold history. The infamous stretch known as The Rip, just three kilometres wide at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, is among the most treacherous waterways. Countless ships were lost here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in 1967, Australia’s own Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared while swimming off the coast, never to be found.

a seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay — A seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

But for all its danger, the sea here also holds extraordinary beauty. Dolphins are often seen near Sorrento’s cliffs, while below the surface, seagrass meadows and rocky reefs teem with life. Marine tours offer a viewing to this underwater wonderland, while back on terra firma, walking trails lead along beaches, through coastal scrub, and over rock pools.

And if you think you’ll forget about the Mornington Peninsula once you’ve left? You’ve got Buckley’s chance.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the suite interior at InterContinental Sorrento — Luxury interiors at the historic InterContinental Sorrento. (Image: Greg Elms)

Point Nepean Discovery Tents is immersive glamping beside the historic Quarantine Station. Or upgrade to luxury at the 1875-built InterContinental Sorrento .

Playing there

an aerial view of Cape Schanck Lighthouse — Make your way to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Bayplay Adventure Tours offer eco-adventures from snorkelling with sea dragons to kayaking with dolphins and cycling Point Nepean. Cape Schanck Lighthouse is fascinating to explore on a guided tour, which takes you into the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage.

Eating there

Portsea Hotel is a beautifully restored 1876 Tudor-style pub right on the beach, serving seasonal local fare.

Australia’s 13 most iconic outback pubs