18 quirky, charming outback pubs

Outback pubs are a big part of the charm and character of Australia’s outback. From unusual décor and signage to colorful locals and true-blue bar staff; a visit to the outback isn’t complete without enjoying a cold beer at a traditional Aussie pub.

The Golden Outback is home to so many quirky outback pubs, so here are some of our favourites to add to your to-do list on your next adventure. Cheers!

Grand Hotel, Kookynie

Located on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Grand Hotel is known best for its resident horse, Willie, who turns up at 4pm every day for a drink!

Broad Arrow, Kalgoorlie

Grab a cold beer, a Broady Burger, and a sharpie and sign your name anywhere you can find a space on this iconic Goldfields pub!

Palace Hotel, Kalgoorlie

This pub is an icon in Kalgoorlie and the perfect place for dinner. Book a spot on the balcony and watch the sun set over the main street.

The York Hotel, Kalgoorlie

Built in 1901, this Edwardian style pub has a gorgeous frontage right onto Hannan Street. Take a seat on the balcony and watch the world go by, or in Winter grab a spot in front of the fire.

Cuballing Hotel

Bult in 1891, this historic pub is full of charm. You can also enjoy the newly extended outdoor area and beer garden, perfect for those sunny days.

The Woolshed Hotel, Nungarin

This beautiful old pub has a gorgeous outdoor area with a huge, green garden. Inside you can pull up a stool at the long bar, or enjoy a sunset view from the upstairs veranda.

Cunderdin Pub / Ettamogah Pub, Cunderdin

The Cunderdin Pub is a traditional country pub designed on the 'Etamogah' cartoons by the infamous Ken Maynard. Etamogah means 'Place of a good drink' and the Cunderdin pub certainly doesn't disappoint!

Exchange Tavern, Pingelly

The Exchange Tavern combines historic elegance and modern style, with quirky décor and amazing colour combinations! Enjoy a drink in the dining room or at the long traditional bar.

Grande Olde Dumbleyung Inn, Dumbleyung

Choose from a seat at the corrugated-tin bar, a perfect view from the balcony or dine alfresco in their beautiful beer garden. This country pub is the perfect place to relax after a day enjoying the nearby Lake Dumbleyung.

Moorine Rock Motel, Moorine Rock

Cute and quaint, the Moorine Rock Motel, 22km south of Southern Cross is a quintessential country pub with delicious meals available in the pub and a gorgeous garden bar, perfect for the summer months.

The Junction Pub, Gascoyne Junction

The original Junction Pub washed away in a storm in 2010, but the newly renovated version is even better! As well as a great pub, they also have a state-of-the-art camp kitchen, a playground for kids and a brand-new swimming pool!

The Recreation Hotel, Boulder

This gorgeous outback pub has sprawling gardens out the back to enjoy a perfect Goldfields sundowner. Inside, the Front Bar has been refurbished and is the perfect place to indulge in a classic pub meal.

The Pier Hotel, Esperance

Ocean views and wood-fired pizza, need we say more? This pub is the heart of the Esperance community and it’s the perfect place to chill out after a day exploring the gorgeous nearby beaches.

The Port Hotel, Hopetoun

If you like your schooner with a side of ocean views, the Port Hotel is the one for you! This 2-storey building stands at the edge of Hopetoun, providing amazing views of the Southern Ocean.

Lake Grace Hotel

Country charm, friendly service, and good food. That’s what you can expect from the traditional and cosy Lake Grace Hotel.

Palace Hotel, Southern Cross

The Palace Hotel is a substantial two-storey corner hotel built in 1911 in Federation Filigree style to a design by architect Christian Frederick Mouritzen. Modernised in 2018, the pub is now a fascinating landmark and a great place to have a drink, a meal or stay for the night.

Mukinbudin Hotel

Enjoy the ambience of a traditional, cosy country pub at The Mukinbudin Hotel. There's a welcoming bar, counter meals available and a cozy fireplace perfect in Winter!

Norseman Hotel

If you're heading down from the Goldfields to Esperance, or about to tackle the Nullarbor, the Norseman Hotel is a great place to stop for a meal or to rest your head for the night. Be sure to check out the Norseman Statue and Gallery of Splendid Isolation when you visit, do one of the walk trails or play a hole on the famous Nullarbor Links - the longest golf course in the world!