Charming and quirky. Embrace the character of the outback at the best country pubs around Australia!
Photographed by Global Headquarters. Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.
Birdsville Hotel
Sitting on the border between South Australia and Queensland, after one visit you’ll realise why this sunshine state establishment has made the cut as one of the best country pubs in Australia. First and foremost, regardless if you’re coming from Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane or Alice Springs, it will take you roughly the same amount of time to get there. Besides that, it’s endured floods, fires and even cyclones. A testament to true character of the outback, Birdsville Hotel is the epicentre of the Birdsville Races and the Big Red Bash.
Image via Tourism Western Australia.
Broad Arrow Tavern
Thirty minutes north of Kalgoorlie, Broad Arrow Tavern is a sight to behold. Described as a true, quintessential, Australian outback pub with a heavy graffiti twist, a lot has changed at Broad Arrow Tavern since its construction in 1896. Seemingly every square inch of the walls inside and out is now marked with names, tags and graffiti from locals and visitors alike, wanting to leave their mark on this iconic country pub. In fact, after your schooner and feed, visitors are welcome to leave their mark on the walls. Be sure to pay Broad Arrow Tavern a visit to leave your mark on this quirky country pub!
Photographed by Helen Orr. Image via Tourism NT.
Daly Waters Pub
Also known as the bar with the bras, the Daly Waters Pub is truly fashioned by the people who have visited since opening in 1930. Found over 250 kilometres south out of Katherine in Daly Waters, this legendary country pub is the perfect stopover in your long drive. Unique and truly special, Daly Waters’ quirky decor is made possible by the flock of locals and tourists passing through to check out the infamous hanging bras of all colours, shapes and sizes. Forgot your bra? Not to worry, guests are also known to leave other treasures behind including their hats, shoes, and other unique oddities.
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Desert Cave Hotel
Who knew that one of Australia’s top country pubs could be found in a city with so little residents roaming the streets. Found within Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world, here majority of the town spends their time underground due to the extreme daytime heat. The underground pub has a gaming room, dining options and even accommodation all encased within the sandstone walls. What is usually found up above, you’ll find down below at the Desert Cave Hotel.
Photographed by KerrysWorld. Image via Shutterstock.
Gold Mines Hotel
Found a short walk away from Victoria Hill Mine, Gold Mines Hotel was built in Bendigo in 1872 and has since become one of the most delightful oddities in the Victorian pub scene. Equipped with a Victorian-styled garden, function rooms and a chic bar serving up decadent drinks, the Gold Mines Hotel is a haven for locals and travellers alike. One of Australia’s top country pubs, pair your visit to the Gold Mines Hotel with their iconic Sticky Bourbon Smoked Pork Ribs and you’ll be in for a ‘golden’ time.
Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.
Nindigully Pub
Opening its doors in 1864, Nindigully Pub has taken the title as Queensland’s oldest pub, with the longest continual liquor license. Today, you might be lucky enough to bump into the locals of Nindigully – a total population of nine people. Funnily enough, Nindigully Pub serves up a Road Train Burger which is big enough to feed up to eight people, or the entire town of Nindigully. Located on the bank of Moonie River, Nindigully Pub is perfect for a schooner or two and their annual Pub Pig Race. Be sure to visit this slice of Queensland countryside for an unforgettable country pub experience.
Photographed by Nick Osborne. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Pub in the Paddock
Over a two-hour drive south-east of Launceston in Tasmania, Pub in the Paddock seems more like a humble abode in Pyengana’s rolling hills region. The estate has been licensed since 1880 – making it one of the oldest pubs still open in Tasmania. Equip with accommodation and of course a restaurant for a quality pub feed, visitors of Pub in the Paddock will soon be surprised to learn about the Princess of the Paddock – Priscilla. Much to your own liking, Priscilla loves nothing more than the occasional beer or two. This is one Australian pub you must visit at least once!
Photographed by James Davis Photography.
Image via Shutterstock.
The Pub with No Beer Hotel
Originally built in 1903, walking into the award-winning The Pub with No Beer feels like taking a step back in time. Known locally as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, The Pub with No Beer features stunning interior decor that captures a unique time in Australia’s history, complete with old wooden panels and outback memorabilia. Despite the name, this quirky country pub in New South Wales is now replete with great Australian lager and hearty pub meals, making this a unique watering hole to have a drink with mates and soak up the local bush history.
After visiting these quirky country pubs in Australia, learn more about the Top Country Pubs in Australia for a Schooner and a Feed. Or, for live music and Guiness on tap, these 10 Best Irish Pubs in Australia are for you.
