Pull up stumps at these iconic Aussie pubs

Few things feel more Australian than pulling up stumps at a pub and calling it home for the night. In fact, some people base their route on how many outback, charming pubs they can call into during their lap of Australia, and for good reason. Pub stays usually consist of a delicious and generous-sized meal (and a debate about whether it’s ‘parmi’ or ‘parma’), a few cold ones on tap and yarns across the table with some new mates before a mere walk back to your setup.

So which pubs are worth calling into on your adventure around Australia? I’ve listed 5 of the classics you must add to your bucket list.

Daly Waters Pub, Northern Territory

First established in 1930, Daly Waters pub interior is a mural of all the travellers who’ve stopped by on their way. The walls are coated in identification cards from people from all over the world, fabric name tags of military personnel, polaroid pictures of visitors, shoes hanging from the roof, license plates and even bras slung overhead. If the walls could talk they’d say “check out who called in!”

A rite of passage when you’re heading up the Stuart Highway, Daly Waters pub has everything you need: happy hour drink specials, a pool, delicious and hearty feeds (crocodile burger anyone?), LIVE music, outdoor and indoor seating areas, a gift shop full of quirky souvenirs and of course a campsite to pull up stumps. The campsite has the essentials: power, shade and a toilet/shower block, however I’d suggest you come prepared with your water tanks full as there’s only untreated bore water on-site.

Don’t miss Tim’s Junkyard across the road from the pub, Kevin the saltwater croc and the friendly donkeys who make their way around the campsite and through the pub.

daly waters pub

daly waters pub and caravan park

Adelaide River Inn, Northern Territory

Considered Daly Waters’ little brother, the Adelaide River Inn is another must-see, must-stop. Just like Daly Waters, there’s a pool onsite which is a welcome relief if you’re experiencing the scorching temperatures the NT sometimes throws our way. If you’re a Crocodile Dundee fan, you may want to check out taxidermied Charlie (the water buffalo Mick hypnotises) who’s on display inside the pub.

On that same taxidermied note, you’ll also find a taxidermied saltwater crocodile in a display box outside the pub known as ‘Jock the Croc’. A true testament to the wild side of the Top End, heading to Adelaide River Inn to view Jock the Croc is one way to marvel at these apex predators without risking your life.

This pub is also an easy proximity to tourist destination stops, allowing you to drop off the caravan and base yourself here for a few days while you zip off to a jumping crocodile tour or to pay respects at the war memorial.

Hebel Hotel and General Store, Queensland

Established in 1894, the Hebel Hotel stands as a relic frozen in time retaining its original charm with its beautiful weatherboard walls, wrap around veranda and iconic corrugated iron roof. Sitting north of the NSW/QLD border, Hebel is a great little stopover if you’re heading to the St George area for a camping getaway or on an adventure to opal town Lightning Ridge.

Renowned for its delicious and hearty pub meals, Hebel Hotel also offers a unique glimpse back in time for what it would’ve been like to roll into a quintessential outback pub in its heyday. In the mid 1800s to the early 1900’s Hebel Hotel was a key stop between routes for Cobb & Co stagecoaches, who played a huge role in connecting isolated towns carrying mail, freight and passengers via horse-drawn stagecoaches. It also acted as a social hub for the locals in the rural area, which was vital for receiving news and meeting people when isolation was the norm for many.

Although times have changed, Hebel remains an iconic stop for outback wanderers who enjoy experiencing historic gems for themselves. Camping here is behind the hotel, suitable for self-contained vehicles. Or if you need facilities, there’s a caravan park conveniently located across the road with powered and unpowered options as well as a laundry, a communal kitchen and bathrooms.

hebel hotel outside

inside the iconic hebel hotel

Betoota Hotel, Queensland

Situated between Windorah and Birdsville, Betoota Hotel offers free camping directly in front of it for the most authentic pub experience or across the road at the Betoota Rest Area. Established in the 1880’s, the Betoota Hotel is well-known for its hospitality and friendly atmosphere where travellers can enjoy a well-earned rest and yarn with other like minded Australian adventurers. There’s nothing quite like sharing stories with new friends over a fire pit or while devouring a hearty pub style meal.

You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained on your visit such as whip-cracking displays, or if you’re there during the Betoota Races you’llwitness the town become an outback festival with crowds of locals and travellers alike.

If you prefer a little more privacy, there is creekside camping nearby - but in the interest of this article, I’d recommend you experience camping right there at the pub.

beetoota hotel outback qld

Innaminka Hotel, South Australia

Established around 1885, Innaminka Hotel saw many drovers, pastoral workers and shearers who were traversing the iconic Strzelecki Track given its close proximity to Cooper Creek. Once a must-stop for cattle movers and those seeking essential respite from the harsh Australian outback conditions, Innaminka Hotel is now a treasure trove of history, telling a story of abandonment when severe drought and isolation led to the hotel’s closure. It was largely abandoned from 1951 to the 1960’s when tourism was able to breathe new life into the town.

Nowadays travellers head to Innaminka Hotel to share tales of their adventures, bond over their love of the Outback and meet locals and tourists alike. After enjoying the Innaminka Hotel, head to the Town Common where you can camp for free in unallocated spots along Cooper Creek.

innamincka hotel outback queensland

One thing I’ve learnt from my travels is how much unique and wonderful history there is waiting to be rediscovered in Australia’s Outback. The iconic pubs that feature in these towns are often the hub for these stories and stepping into them can feel like taking a walk back through time. Although we’ll never experience these pubs for what they once were back when they were established, we can grasp a small glimpse of how life once was here in the depths of the outback.