Daly Waters Pub

Daly Waters Pub is an iconic outback pub in the Northern Territory, famous for its quirky decor, cold beer, and rich history as a former staging post for drovers and aviators. It’s a must-stop for travellers exploring the Stuart Highway, offering a genuine taste of outback hospitality.

Highlights & What to See

• Step inside the historic pub: Walls are plastered with banknotes, bras, and memorabilia left by travellers over decades – a living, eccentric museum of the outback.
• Enjoy a cold beer in the beer garden: Swap stories with locals and fellow road-trippers under the shade of old trees, with live music often on weekends.
• Check out the historic airstrip: Once a refuelling stop for Qantas and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the original runway is still visible and marked with information panels.
• Browse the old stockyards and homestead ruins: Wander the grounds to see where cattle drovers once camped, and imagine life in this remote outpost.
• Sample the pub’s famous beef pie or a hearty steak: The kitchen serves classic Aussie pub grub, perfect after a long day on the road.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers stop for 1–2 hours to soak up the atmosphere, have a meal, and photograph the quirky interior. If you’re planning to camp overnight (powered and unpowered sites are available), allow a full afternoon and evening to enjoy the sunset and live music. It’s a great break on a long drive between Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Daly Waters: The tiny settlement itself has a few historic buildings and a caravan park, perfect for an overnight stay.
• Dunmarra: A roadhouse 80 km south, offering fuel and a basic meal – another classic outback stop.
• Mataranka: Famous for its thermal pools and Elsey National Park, about 130 km north – a refreshing swim stop.
• Katherine: The gateway to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, about 200 km north, with superb hiking and canoeing.
• Larrimah: A quirky ghost town 60 km south, with the famous Larrimah Pub and the Pink Panther statue – a fun detour.

Please check official sources for current details.