Daly Waters

Daly Waters is a tiny outback settlement in the Northern Territory that packs an outsized punch for travellers on the Stuart Highway. Famous for its historic pub—a riot of memorabilia and character—this is a place where the red dust, the big skies, and the larger-than-life stories of drovers and pioneers converge. It's a classic Australian roadside stop that feels like stepping into a living museum of the outback.

Highlights & What to See

• Daly Waters Pub: This iconic outback pub is a must-see, its walls and ceiling plastered with thousands of banknotes, business cards, and oddities left by travellers. Grab a cold beer, soak up the raucous history, and enjoy live music or a hearty pub meal.
• Daly Waters Airstrip & Historic Site: Once a crucial refuelling stop for Qantas flying boats and early aviators, the airstrip and its small museum tell the story of the region's aviation history. Look for the original Qantas hangar.
• Old Telegraph Station: Visit the ruins of the Overland Telegraph Line station, a key link in Australia's 19th-century communication network. It's a short walk from the pub and offers a glimpse into the hardships of outback life.
• Outback Sunset Views: The flat, endless landscape around Daly Waters produces spectacular sunsets. Find a spot near the pub or the airstrip to watch the sky turn fiery orange and red.

Suggested Time to Spend

Daly Waters is best treated as a short stop of 1–2 hours on a longer road trip. Most travellers pull over for a meal and a photo at the pub, explore the historic sites, and then continue north or south. If you're camping, the pub offers basic accommodation and a caravan park—worth a one-night stay to soak up the atmosphere and join the evening crowd. It's a perfect lunch or late-afternoon break on the drive between Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mataranka: Famous for its thermal pools and the Elsey National Park, about 130 km north—ideal for a swim and a picnic.
• Katherine: The gateway to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, with spectacular canoeing, hiking, and cultural tours, roughly 200 km north.
• Larrimah: A quirky outpost with a giant pink panther statue and a pub, just 70 km south. Good for a quick photo stop.
• Top Springs: A remote roadhouse and turn-off for the Buchanan Highway, about 100 km west—great for those heading into the Victoria River region.
• Dunmarra: Another classic roadhouse with a pub and basic services, 50 km north of Daly Waters.

Please check official sources for current details.