Savour Outback Queensland’s stand-out restaurants and cafes

Casey’s, Longreach

Take a break on your journey out west and grab a caffeine fix at Casey’s on the main drag in Longreach, where coffee is the key focus. First Batch beans are served up here however you’d like, with one of seven different milk types. You’ll also find an impressive array of home baked goods in the cabinet, from brownies, cookies, and banana bread (among more). This is a cafe on par with any offerings you’d find in a metropolis down south.

Ridgee Didge Cafe, Barcaldine

Coffee lovers making their way along the Landsborough and Capricorn Highways can’t miss out on a chance to visit Ridgee Didge Cafe in Barcaldine en route for a decent latte. Owner Cheryl Thompson is devoted to caffeine, so much so that she created her own Indigenous (and fairtrade) coffee blend with artisan coffee roaster Dimitrios Pillouras that she believes blends ‘aboriginality’ and a taste of Outback Queensland into each cup.

The Lodge on Hawthorn, Blackall

Treat yourself to a sweet treat at quaint The Lodge on Hawthorn. Housed in a restored masonic lodge in the central Queensland town of Blackall sits this historic tea room with a contemporary take on the traditional menu. Drop by for morning tea and indulge in decadent caramel brownies and delicate sandwiches joined by an iced coffee before you browse the aisles of the adjoining antiques centre and boutique.

Best seafood in Outback Queensland

Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, Kurumba

Outback Queensland isn’t just red dirt and beef, but fishing fans will know that the Gulf of Carpentaria is well-regarded as one of Australia’s most prosperous fishing spots. While salmon, jewel fish and mud crabs are common it’s the barramundi that tends to attract the most attention. Acquaint yourself better with the local favourite at the $11 million Barramundi Centre in Karumba, along the  Matilda or Savannah Way. Built with barramundi stock sustainability in mind, you can sample the district’s specialty for yourself at the in-house restaurant.

While you’re here, be sure to stop in at Sunset Tavern. The sunsets might be its biggest drawcard, but the cold beer and fresh seafood goes down a treat.  

Best pub meals in Outback Queensland

North Gregory Hotel, Winton

Enjoy your pub grub served with a hefty side of history at the North Gregory Hotel. The Winton landmark is intertwined with some key historic events - it was where Banjo Paterson wrote Waltzing Matilda, and the first meeting room for QANTAS among others. The Art Deco building still welcomes guests to its 29-room hotel, but it's the main bar and dining room that tempts most travellers. Tuck into a hearty portion of local produce, from meat reared in Channel Country, to seafood wrangled from the Gulf of Carpentaria. Or keep it casual in neighbouring Banjo’s Beer Garden, where your steak will be slow-cooked over 100-year-old gidgee wood.

The Noccundra Hotel, Nockatunga

En route to the illustrious Dig Tree or Cameron Corner? Drop in to the Noccundra Hotel on the way. It’s not hard to find - the historic hotel is quite the statement structure courtesy of its quarried sandstone exterior, transported to the build site in the 1800s by camel train. Licensed since 1886, the drinking hole continues to serve up icy cold pints, today alongside some fairly reputable burgers for weary travellers. You can also guarantee you’ll be able to enjoy your meal in peace and quiet, after all the surrounding population of the town is just four people.

Royal Carrangarra Hotel, Tambo

Welcome to the oldest licensed site in Central Western Outback Queensland, the Royal Carrangarra Hotel. This Tambo resident doesn’t shy away from its country roots - the chicken races are a regular form of entertainment and the pub dog has become somewhat of a celebrity. Aside from its animal-friendly ethos, the Carrangarra Hotel runs as a traditional pub - expect the customary pub grub and plenty of beer on tap.