Larrimah

Larrimah is a tiny, sun-baked outpost on the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory, famous for its quirky characters and the mysterious disappearance of local man Paddy Moriarty. This former railway town now lures travellers with a blend of larrikin charm, rust-red landscapes, and genuine outback hospitality. Stop for a cold beer at the Larrimah Hotel (the ‘Pub with No Beer’ made famous by Slim Dusty) and soak up the eccentric spirit that makes this one of Australia’s most unusual road-trip stops.

Highlights & What to See

• Larrimah Hotel (The Pub with No Beer) – A classic outback pub with a colourful history, cold drinks, and hearty pub meals. Chat with locals and see the memorabilia from the famous Slim Dusty song.
• Pink Panther – The resident pink-painted caravan and its eccentric owner ‘Pink Panther’ are a beloved roadside attraction. Say g’day and snap a photo.
• Larrimah Railway Station & Museum – Explore the old station and a small museum that tells the story of the town’s railway and pioneering past.
• Mystery of Paddy Moriarty – The unsolved disappearance of a local man in 2017 has put Larrimah on the map. Visit the sites featured in the documentary and podcast Last Call at the Hotel.
• Stuart Highway Roadhouse – Fuel up and grab supplies at this classic roadhouse, a lifeline for travellers crossing the Top End.

Suggested Time to Spend

Larrimah is a quick stop rather than a destination itself. Allow 1–2 hours to stretch your legs, have a drink, and explore the quirky sights. If you’re a fan of true crime, you might linger for a self-guided walk around the town’s key locations. Most travellers pass through as part of a day’s drive between Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Daly Waters – 30 km south, home to the historic Daly Waters Pub, a legendary outback watering hole with a beer garden and airstrip.
• Katherine – 180 km north, gateway to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and the Katherine Hot Springs.
• Mataranka – 100 km north, famous for the thermal pools of Mataranka Hot Springs and Elsey National Park.
• Tennant Creek – 250 km south, a historic gold-mining town with the Battery Hill Mining Centre and the Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu).
• Dunmarra – 70 km south, a roadhouse stop with a quirky collection of rusted vehicles and a friendly pub.

Please check official sources for current details.