Daly Waters Pub

In the middle of nowhere, Daly Waters Pub is a legendary outback institution that has been slaking the thirst of travellers since the 1930s. This iconic pub, with its walls plastered in currency, business cards, and bras from around the world, is as much a museum of road-trip culture as it is a place for a cold beer. Located about 260 km south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway, it’s a must-stop for anyone driving the Northern Territory’s red centre. The pub’s quirky, irreverent vibe and hearty Aussie tucker make it an unforgettable detour, offering a genuine taste of outback hospitality.

Highlights & What to See

• Outback Pub Atmosphere: Step inside and you’re greeted by a riot of memorabilia – from signed dollar bills to cricket bats and lingerie. Grab a seat on the verandah and soak up the dusty, sunburnt character of the place.
• Cold Beer & Pub Grub: The pub serves ice-cold beers and classic Australian pub meals, including a legendary barramundi burger and massive steaks. Don’t miss the nightly ritual of the “pub dog” feeding.
• Camping & Accommodation: Stay overnight in the adjacent caravan park or one of the quirky cabins, including the “Billionaire’s Hut”. Wake up to the red dirt and a classic outback sunrise.
• Live Music & Events: On many nights, the pub hosts live country music or bush poetry sessions, often around the campfire – a true outback experience.
• Daly Waters Historic Village: A short walk from the pub, the old Daly Waters settlement includes a reconstructed police station, post office, and airstrip from the 1930s, when it was a refuelling stop for Qantas flying boats.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours stopping for a meal and a beer, but if you can, plan an overnight stay. Arrive in the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset beer on the verandah, have dinner, and then wake up early to continue your journey. This allows you to soak up the pub’s character and the outback atmosphere without rushing. For self-drive itineraries, it’s a perfect break between Katherine and the Devil’s Marbles or Tennant Creek.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park: 260 km north – explore Katherine Gorge and the hot springs.
• Mataranka Hot Springs: 180 km north – thermal pools set in palm-fringed waterholes.
• Larrimah: 100 km north – tiny outback town with the famous “Pink Panther” pub and bizarre pink panther statues.
• Newcastle Waters: 140 km south – historic droving town with a classic outback pub and the Junction Hotel.
• Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve: 430 km south – stunning granite boulders, a sacred site to the Warumungu people.
• Tennant Creek: 500 km south – gold-mining history and the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre.

Please check official sources for current details.