The ultimate Outback Queensland pub guide

Pouring beers since 1884, the legendary Birdsville Hotel is Queensland's most western watering hole. This sandstone icon has been a welcome sight for weary travellers rolling in from the Simpson Desert.

It’s the kind of place where hats line the roof and dirty boots line the bar. It's a place where stories get taller with each round and travellers can leave their own piece of memorabilia. 

Beer on tap? Of course. A cracking wine list? You bet—Birdsville is closer to the Barossa than Brisbane, after all. For most of the year, the pub is the heart and soul of Birdsville’s 100-strong community. But come event season—when the Big Red Bash and Birdsville Races turn the town into a buzzing outback metropolis—this place comes alive.

With Birdsville sitting more than 1,500km from Brisbane and 600km from the next town, Quilpie, there’s no need to watch the clock. Park the car, caravan, or even a chartered plane, and settle in. With 28 motel rooms out the back, there’s plenty of space to rest up before the next stretch of the journey.

Isa Hotel, Mount Isa

In the beating heart of the northwest, where the mines run deep, the sunsets blaze, and the steaks are as big as your head, you’ll find the Isa Hotel. A cornerstone of Mount Isa since 1926, this place knows how to serve up a hearty feed, an ice-cold beer, and a good old-fashioned yarn.

Whether you’ve spent the day visiting the Underground Hospital or chasing barramundi out at Lake Moondarra, the Isa Hotel is where you’ll want to pull up a chair. 

With Mount Isa sitting 1,800km from Brisbane and a hefty 900km from Townsville, it’s a smart move to stay the night. Lucky for you, the Isa Hotel has rooms that are just as inviting as its bar, making it the perfect pit stop before the next leg of your outback adventure.

Middleton Hotel, Middleton

Smack bang in the middle of nowhere (literally), the Middleton Hotel is as classic Outback Queensland as it gets. This historic watering hole, built in 1876, is the last-standing relic of what was once a bustling Cobb & Co. staging post. These days, it’s a beacon for travellers tackling the endless stretch of road between Winton and Boulia.

Whether you’re swapping tales with the publican, meeting fellow road trippers, or just taking in the wide-open, the Middleton Hotel is the kind of place you don’t just stumble upon – you earn your way there.

No frills, no fuss, just good old-fashioned outback hospitality. There’s free camping across the road, a hearty feed waiting inside, and a chance to experience the kind of pub that’s becoming rarer than rain in these parts.

The Royal Carrangarra Hotel, Tambo

Outback Queensland’s oldest licensed pub site, and home to a nightly spectacle you won’t find anywhere else - Ben’s Chicken Races. Yep, you read that right! From April to October, it’s all about the chooks. Place your bets, grab a beer, and watch these feathered athletes strut their stuff at the Royal Carrangarra Hotel in Tambo.

Tattersals, Winton

If your outback pub priorities start with the menu, Tattersalls Hotel in Winton should be top of your list. Right on the main street, this iconic watering hole serves up more than just your classic schnitzel and steaks — its extensive menu and daily specials board have earned it a reputation far beyond the red dirt streets of the town.

And if 'just one drink' turns into a yarn or two (or three), you won’t have far to go. With 52 van sites out the back, you can roll straight from the bar to bed. Now that’s a true outback sleepover.

Wellshot Hotel, Ilfracombe

Quaint and quirky is how travellers describe this classic pub. The Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe is full of character. Step inside, and you’ll find walls stacked with memorabilia, then pull up a seat in one of their iconic chairs and take on a new character.

The food is great (be sure to try their burgers) and the service is quick. Sitting pretty on the Matilda Way, just a short drive from Longreach, the Wellshot is where a quick pit stop turns into an overnight stay — because the best outback stories don’t happen in a hurry.

Gregory Downs Hotel

If you like your outback pubs with a side of history and a front-row seat to some of Queensland’s most spectacular landscapes, Gregory Downs Hotel is calling your name.

Originally a watering hole for thirsty drovers, this remote gem has been keeping travellers well-fed and refreshed for over a century. These days, it’s a top spot for those making the pilgrimage to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park or kicking back by the Gregory River — one of the last free-flowing rivers in Queensland.

The pub itself is as no-fuss as it comes and if you’re not ready to say goodbye after one round, you don’t have to - pull up at the campground out back and let the Gregory’s laid-back charm work its magic overnight.

Western Star Hotel/Motel Windorah

Need a break from roughing it? Windorah Motel has a comfortable and modern stay waiting for you, and pet friendly too. With strong air conditioning and decent water pressure (a luxury when travelling bush), it’s a great find for travellers.

The bar is open from 10am to midnight and the Sandhill Grill serves up breakfast (we hear the egg and bacon are some of the best), lunch and dinner.

This outback gem is in the heart of Queensland’s channel country (an arid landscape with intertwined rivers), and is well worth the visit. 

North Gregory Hotel, Winton

All good pubs start with a story, and don’t we have one for you. Rumour has it that the North Gregory Hotel was the first place our unofficial national anthem (Waltzing Matilda by Banjo Patterson) was played to the public. That’s pretty iconic!

Pull up a seat, enjoy a cold one and hear the stories of how this small town became home to a song, a dinosaur stampede and the birthplace of Qantas.

Here you can also expect big meals, friendly service and a charming stay with 24 ensuite rooms with shared balconies and lift access. There are also 15 unpowered van sites out the back!

Toompine Pub, Quilpie

Welcome to the ‘pub without a town’ - where the nearest neighbour is 70km away. Perched on the Dowling Track, this outback icon has been slinging drinks since 1893, back when Toompine was a booming opal town. These days, it’s a top spot for a barista coffee, a hearty feed, or a yarn at the bar. Whether you're pulling up in a 4WD or a Cobb & Co coach (if only), Toompine proves you don’t need a town when you’ve got a cracking pub.

Nindigully Hotel, Nindigully

Proudly holding the title of Queensland’s oldest pub is Nindigully Hotel. Tucked on the banks of the Moonie River, it’s a regular pitstop for thirsty, and hungry, travellers between Thallon and St George. And let’s just say, it doesn’t matter that the town only has nine residents, this place can draw in a crowd. 

They've got a menu that will get all of your mates talking with the 5.5kg road train burger that can feed the whole crew, unless you're up for the challenge. You can also enjoy 1kg of chicken wings and the Gully Sandwich which is said to be big enough for three people. 

Their tagline says it best, come as a stranger, leave as a friend. 

Eulo Queen Hotel, Eulo

Built in 1886 by the ‘Eulo Queen’, Isabel Gray — who had a taste for opals, racehorses, and the finer things — this pub has more than a few stories to tell. These days, it’s a must-stop for travellers chasing great food, a cold one, and a comfy bed. Stay the night, set up camp, and soak up the history of a place that’s been serving up outback hospitality for over a century.

The Sunset Tavern, Karumba

You know what earns a thirst? A road trip to Karumba.

Whether you’ve just arrived from the coast along the Savannah Way or via the inland route, the Matilda Way you’ll be ready for a pint and prawn.

Local produce reigns supreme on the menu in a nod to the region’s ‘where the outback meets the sea’ tagline. The menu is a combination of reef and beef, think local mud crab, barramundi and locally-grazed meat on the menu.

You could sit inside, but most choose alfresco so they can be beachfront to soak in the views and sea breeze blowing off the gulf.

Time your visit for sunset to see how this iconic pub earned its name.

Need more ideas to entertain the convoy? Explore Outback Queensland on the ultimate group getaway.