Famous and quirky: embrace the charm and character of these iconic country pubs in Australia!

<strong>Broad Arrow Tavern</strong>
Image via Tourism Western Australia.

Broad Arrow Tavern

Thirty minutes north of Kalgoorlie, Broad Arrow Tavern is definitely a sight to behold to say the least. 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, visitors should be pleased to know that after your schooner and pub feed, you’re more than welcome to leave your mark on the walls as well, assuming you can find space. Be sure to pay Broad Arrow Tavern a visit to leave your mark on this outstanding and equally unusual country pub!

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92 Railway St, Broad Arrow, WA 6431
<strong>Daly Waters Pub</strong>
Photographed by Helen Orr. Image via Tourism NT.

Daly Waters Pub

Also known as the bar with the bras, the Daly Waters Pubs 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 outback pub local pub is the perfect stopover in your long drive. One of the most unique and special pubs in Australia, 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 that makes you feel like you are seated in a little piece of quirky history.

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21 Stuart St, Daly Waters, NT 0852
<strong>Desert Cave Hotel</strong>
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 that’s also know as the opal capital of the world, visitors to the Desert Cave Hotel will need to look a little deeper to find the real action. Due to the extreme daytime heat, majority of the town spends their time underground. Equip with a pub, gaming room, dining options and even accommodation all encased within the sandstone walls, Desert Cave Hotel is an otherwise classic Aussie pub experience inside the sandy walls of this unique part of the continent. What is usually found up above, you’ll find down below at the Desert Cave Hotel.

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Lot 1 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy, SA 5723
<strong>Gold Mines Hotel</strong>
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.

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49 – 57 Marong Rd, Golden Square, VIC 3550
<strong>Nindigully Pub</strong>
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, visiting Nindigully Pub, 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, an afternoon of feasting, the very interesting decor and, of course, their annual Pub Pig Race. Be sure to visit this slice of Queensland countryside for an unforgettable night outcountry pub experience.

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Sternes St, Nindigully, QLD 4497
<strong>Pub in the Paddock</strong>
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!

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250 St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana, TAS 7216
<strong>The Pub with No Beer Hotel</strong>
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. One of the most famous Australian pubs!

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4 Taylors Arm Rd, Taylors Arm, NSW 2447

After visiting the best quirky country pubs in Australia, why not score a feed at these Australian Country Pubs to Visit for Lunch. Or, for live music and Guiness on tap, these Top 10 Irish Pubs in Australia are for you.

Feature image: Photographed by Paulharding00. Image via Shutterstock.
This article was first published on Jan 31 2019. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on April 25 2023.