If walls could talk, some of Australia’s most iconic pubs would have to be the storytellers of our time. You see, the old-school watering holes of Australia have played an essential role in shaping our glorious country to what it is today. They’ve witnessed the harsh realities of the bushranger era, stood-fast during the gold rush times, and served as lifesavers for weary travellers since the dawn of their conception. Yep, the walls of a true-blue Aussie pub have seen it all and still being able to visit these shining examples of living history is something special for us touring enthusiasts. So, here’s our pick of the best pubs in Australia that welcome campers with open arms!

1. DARGO HOTEL, VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY

Nestled in the foothills of the legendary Dargo High Plains, lies the little town of Dargo. With a population of approximately 150, it’s an entry point for the Alpine National Park, Avon Wilderness Park and Mitchell River National Park. It’s also the home of the infamous “Dargo Hotel”, which was established in 1898 and has been the place of legend ever since.
With plenty of With plenty of accommodation options including local camping grounds, an overload of entertainment available and the entirety of the Victorian High Country to explore, this is most definitely bucket-list worthy!

2. PUB WITH NO BEER, NSW

An Aussie icon, the “Pub with No Beer” was immortalised in the song that was written here, which was later sung by none other than country music legend, Slim Dusty. Located in Taylors Arm with no shortage of breathtaking views throughout the region, you’ll find there is a free campsite directly across the road. Plus, when it comes to good old fashioned “pub grub”, we can highly recommend the “Bangers and Mash”.
Taylors Arm Rd, Taylors Arm, (02) 6564 2100

3. BLUE HEELER HOTEL, KYNUNA

Set in the middle of absolutely nowhere, the Blue Heeler Hotel is one of those places everybody just stops at for a refreshing coldie during their north Australia adventures. Established in 1889 as the Kynuna Hotel, The Blue Heeler Hotel & Pub, the hotel was named after the legendary tough Australian working dog. While you’re there, you can search for famous signatures on the walls. The “champagne window” immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem Golden Water is here, and Waltzing Matilda’s famous billabong can be found nearby too. In fact, the song was first played live in this very pub!
Matilda Highway, Kynuna, (07) 4746 8650

4. WALKABOUT CREEK HOTEL, MCKINLAY

This place is up there with the most famous of pubs, as featured in the Crocodile Dundee films. It was once called the Gidgee Bug, and the Federal, this is now one of Australia’s most famous watering holes.
You see, this is Mick Dundee’s pub, having featured in all the Crocodile Dundee flicks. With campsites out the back, an old movie prop out the front and that classic country charm throughout, this is most definitely a must-stop pub!
Kirby St, McKinlay, (07) 4746 8424

5. THE BIRDSVILLE HOTEL

Perched on the eastern edge of the notorious Simpson Desert, the Birdsville Hotel is a true outback pub. Built in 1884, this is a place that has seen it all, and if you want to “see it all” too, there is even an airstrip out the back in which you are able to take scenic flights over the desert. While you’re there, take the drive out to the “Big Red” sand dune to test your nerve, and watch the sunset from up top. The Birdsville Tourist park is a few minutes’ walk to the pub. In fact, if you’re here during the annual “Big Red Bash” concert, you’ll share the town with thousands of other campers, too!
Adelaide St, Birdsville, (07) 4656 3244

6. THE DALY WATERS

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the oldest pub in the Territory. Yep, this iconic gem has been welcoming travellers since 1893 and was a famous break for drovers moving cattle between Alice Springs and Darwin in the earlier years. It also has one of the first airports in Australia, which once serviced planes on the London-Singapore leg. During WWII it was used by the Australian and American air forces. These days, it still puts on a great feed, plenty of entertainment and heaps of caravan and camper trailer sites in the paddocks next door.
Stuart Hwy, Daly Waters, (08) 8975 9927

7. ADELAIDE RIVER INN

An oasis of country charm on the banks of the Adelaide River, this little gem sports one of the best beer gardens outside of Darwin, with a tasty menu including Buffalo steaks and some good old fashion Barra “n” chips! Oh, and it’s a tourist park too, making it the perfect place to stop in and flip out some canvas!
Stuart Hwy, Adelaide River, (08) 8976 7047

8. PRAIRIE HOTEL, PARACHILNA

A pub that’s known for its uniquely feral cuisine, the Prairie Hotel offers tasty meals, hospitality at its finest and the allure of the Flinders Ranges scenery. Not bad for a town with a population of roughly 10 people, eh? While you’re there, take a joy flight over the Flinders Ranges, north to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. You can also experience a guided tour to the Ediacara Fossil Field, which is a proposed site for a World Heritage listing and where Sir David Attenborough tells the story of the first mobile animals on earth in his documentary First Life.
Cnr High Street & West Terrace, Parachilna, (08) 8648 4844

9. PUB IN THE PADDOCK, PYENGANA

As one of the oldest pubs in Tassie, this is the perfect place to enjoy a beer with the locals, and a pig. Yes, you read that right! There is a pig, and it drinks beer! The pub in the paddock is quite literally a pub in the middle of a paddock, and the entire region is full of lush green paddocks with some brilliant natural attractions nearby.
St Columba Falls Road, Pyengana, (03) 6373 6121

10. THE LION’S DEN HOTEL

Pubs just don’t get more iconic than the Lion’s Den Hotel. Situated just 28km south of Cooktown in Far North Queensland, this historic pub has been the go-to watering holes for locals and travellers for a long, long time. The pub walls are littered with photos and messages of tribute to the adventures of those who have passed through on route to Cape York, entertainment is assured. Rumoured to have the best pizzas in Qld, add this little gem to your bucket list!

Words by: Michael Borg