Exploring six iconic pubs in North West Queensland
Join us as we journey through six of North West Queensland’s most iconic pubs, ideal detours or destinations for anyone with a van or camper in tow.
North West Queensland is a treasure trove of iconic experiences, and makes for a great road trip destination. Whether you’re traversing the Savannah or Matilda Way, or heading towards Australia’s Dinosaur Capital or the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda
So, join us as we pull up a stool and shine a spotlight on these great destinations where you can enjoy not only a nice cold beer but also the warm hospitality of the locals.
1. North Gregory Hotel, Winton
(Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
Established in 1879, the North Gregory Hotel is known as ‘Australia’s Queen of the Outback’. While the original pub burnt down in 1899, it was quickly rebuilt and the one that stands is a living time capsule of all thing’s outback Australia. Banjo Patterson wrote Waltzing Matilda at the nearby Dagworth Station and reportedly gave the first ever public performance of the song at the hotel in 1895. The Gregory was also the place where locals met to form the small airline now known as QANTAS in the 1920s.
One of the Gregory’s other claims to fame is that Lyndon B. Johnson, who later became a US President, stayed overnight in the hotel during WWII after his aircraft was forced to land at the nearby Carisbrooke Station due to mechanical problems.
The Gregory has a warm and lively atmosphere — although locals do tell of a friendly ghostly resident, Edgar Peters, who apparently enjoys a bottle of port.
Every evening from May-September at the North Gregory , bush poet Gregory North (yes, that’s really his name!) entertains with prose and the history of Waltzing Matilda and Winton.
There is accommodation available, including 15 unpowered van sites that are found behind the hotel. Visitors will have easy access to the attractions in the heart of Winton, as well as use of the Gregory’s laundromat, wi-fi, showers and other facilities. Make sure you don’t miss the open-air Artesian Spa found on site! Accommodation bookings can be made here.
And while you’re in the area, check out the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, which is part of the Queensland Dinosaur Trail. Winton, Hughenden and Richmond all offer unique attractions as part of this trail and offer great all-ages experiences.
2. Blue Heeler Hotel, Kynuna
(Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
If you’re heading along the Matilda Way, the Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna is well worth a visit. The hotel was first established in 1889 and proudly boasts its links to the creation of Waltzing Matilda. According to local legend both the swagman and the squatter from the famous song enjoyed their final drinks at the pub, and this story was recounted to Banjo Paterson himself.
Sit back and soak up the outback pub atmosphere, which includes a fireplace that was built by legendary bushman and outfitter, R.M. Williams.
(Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
There are unpowered and powered sites (a limited number of the latter) available behind the pub, with basic amenities visitors can use.
And while you’re in the area, don’t miss visiting Combo Waterhole Conservation Park, a short 16km drive east of Kynuna. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of this location that is also linked to the famous song Waltzing Matilda and check out the monument at the entrance to the park. If you’ve got your walking shoes handy, enjoy the 2.5km return circuit to the waterhole along the Diamantina River and sit down for a picnic ‘under the shade of a Coolibah tree’. Please note, camping is not allowed at Combo Waterhole.
3. Walkabout Creek Hotel, McKinlay
While exploring Julia Creek, take a detour to McKinlay (approximately 101km south) to visit the iconic Walkabout Creek Hotel. This particular destination might already be on many of your bucket lists as it was featured in the movie Crocodile Dundee.
There’s a little bit of pub-ception at this location, as the movie set bar was constructed behind the real pub (so McKinlay residents didn’t lose their local watering hold during filming) – so make sure you take a wander out back and check it out.
Walkabout Creek Hotel is a treasure trove of memorabilia from Paul Hogan’s days as Mick Dundee, and while you might not spot the famous knife on your first walk through, if you ask the staff, they might just get it out for a photo opportunity.
Apart from the movie memorabilia, you can enjoy a hearty pub meal and plenty of country hospitality at Walkabout Creek Hotel, and there’s plenty to keep your eyes and feet wandering.
For a true outback experience, you can set up camp in the camping ground behind the pub — although, as you might expect, it can get busy so make sure you plan ahead. The sites are quite standard, and there is a limited number available. If you don’t have a van or camper in tow, there are 14 air-conditioned rooms available, with shared amenities. The Walkabout Creek Hotel is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companions along for the experience!
4. Sunset Tavern, Karumba
(Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
Located in Karumba on North West Queensland’s stunning Gulf of Carpentaria, the Sunset Tavern is a stunning destination where the outback meets the sea. It is an idyllic spot to sit back and relax after travelling along the Savannah Way or the bumpier Matilda Way. Enjoy the freshest prawns in town at the bistro which serves lunch and dinner, or head to the outdoor beer garden to watch the sun set over the ocean in a glorious display of colour.
(Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
The tavern is open 11am–late seven days a week. Please note, as of May 2023 the tavern has changed its policy regarding dogs at the tavern, and four-legged friends will no longer be able to accompany you.
There aren’t any accommodation facilities at the tavern, but Karumba has plenty on offer nearby that cater to travellers of all kinds:
- Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park
- Karumba Lodge Hotel
- End of the Road Motel
- Karumba Point Tourist Park
- Ash’s Holiday Units
Karumba itself is found on the mouth of the Norman River and is an angler’s paradise —bring your fishing gear along and try your hand at catching some of the best barramundi in the country. Or head over to the Barramundi Discovery Centre and partake in a guided tour of the hatchery and breeding centre.
5. Quamby Pub, Quamby
(Image Quamby Pub)
Quamby Pub is an amazing success story to add to your bucket list of outback pubs. Quamby was once a thriving railway village that connected Cloncurry and Normanton, but is now a smaller and quieter town with a crowning jewel: the Quamby Pub. The pub is a historic road stop dating back to 1860 and has seen its ups and downs. After being abandoned a decade ago, the pub was revived in 2021 by Gold Coast mates, Karen and Nigel Sheiles and Greg and Wendy White. In April 2022 the pub was reopened, proudly revealing fresh renovations that included new ablution blocks, accommodation buildings and a campsite for travellers.
(Image Quamby Pub)
Park yourself at the bar and enjoy a cold beer or a classic country pub meal and revel in the fact that you are helping ensure the legacy of Quamby Pub lives on in outback Australia. And if you luck out you might get to enjoy some live music — or even give a performance of your own. Keep an eye on the pub’s socials for more information about any special events or raffles.
The camping facilities behind the newly reopened pub includes an undercover camp kitchen, plus a pool and a playground for guests to enjoy. There are no powered sites and only bore water is available if necessary. Payment can be organised in the pub before entering the campsite.
If visiting in July, make sure you check out the annual Quamby Rodeo.
6. The Purple Pub, Normanton
(Image The Purple Pub)
As the name would suggest, The Purple Pub is an unmissable pop of purple along Normanton’s main street. It’s bright and colourful exterior has made it one of the most photographed pubs in Queensland’s western regions, so be sure to get a snap before you head inside.
A local favourite for many Normanton residents, you’ll get to enjoy the true warm hospitality of the town as you sit down for a refreshing drink and meal.
(Image The Purple Pub)
This iconic pub doesn’t have camping sites available, but there are a few options nearby that can cater to all kinds of travellers.
- Central Hotel Normanton
- Normanton Tourist Park
- Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park
If the caravan parks are full, there are a couple of free camping locations in and around Normanton.
The Normanton SC RV Camp is available for caravans and big rigs only. It does require a permit (which is free and organised through the information centre), and is only open during certain seasons, so be sure to check with the staff at the info centre first.
Alternatively, the Flinders River Bush Camp can be found approximately 60km south of Normanton. This free campsite has spots for large and small rigs and offers a lovely spot to set up camp surrounded by nature. But be aware — there are saltwater crocs in the area, so keep clear of the waters edge and always be croc wise.
If you have any questions about the campsites or local caravan parks, the information centre will be able to point you in the right direction.
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