Imagine a cold beer and a meal at the end of a long day driving as well as chat with a local, this pub crawl is one not to be missed. Don’t forget the designated driver.
Forget fine dining and vineyard valleys – there’s no place more iconic to sip a cold beer than a classic country pub.
Yep, we’re talking about the historical watering holes across the Western Downs that pack more character than the latest show you’ve been binge-watching on Netflix.
They’re sprinkled nicely across the region, and you can bet your bottom dollar they’re one of the most popular places in town, especially if you time your visit for a Friday or Saturday night.
Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst after a long day of exploring, down a few bevvies with the locals, or simply kick back and enjoy the view, check out this epic pub crawl through the Western Downs.
The Queensland Hotel
A: 29 Murilla Street, Miles
The only thing more golden than a schooner of XXXX is the beer garden at The Queensland Hotel in Miles.
It’s one of three pubs in town, but seriously hard to miss. The Queensland Hotel shines bright in the main street with the entire length of the hotel covered in twinkle lights.
Make a beeline to the back of the pub to find the beer garden which brings city vibes to the country.
Twinkle lights adorn the walls, dangling into the lush garden beds which complement dark wooden tables, chairs, and barrel counter tops – giving the bar ambience with a capital A.
Both food and beverages can be ordered from the bar – enjoy a classic counter menu with the likes of steak, fish, and schnitzels.
Dulacca Hotel
A: Warrego Highway, Dulacca
Affectionately known as the ‘Pink Pub on the Hill’, the Dulacca Hotel has stood the test of time (est. 1908) and still serves the best coldies in town.
Although its moniker might be more of an exaggeration than a reality, you’ll find Dulacca Hotel on more of a slight incline rather than a hill in the centre of town.
Head out to the beer garden for a game of lawn bowls or pickle ball or take a seat in a comfy leather stool and listen to the stories of the bartenders – this is what country hospitality is all about.
Club Hotel
A: 131 Heeney Street, Chinchilla
According to Club Hotel Chinchilla, there’s no strangers, just friends you haven’t met. Are you ready to test their theory?
The restored hotel sits grandly on the corner of the main drag, Heeney Street, with polished wooden steps and railings framing the light-yellow timber palings of this two-storey Queenslander.
With a range of beers on tap, traditional pub favourite meals and sports and gaming options for everyone there’s lots on offer at The Club. Be sure to visit this local favourite on a Saturday night, when live music and events take over and the joint is pumping.
Condamine Bell Hotel
A: 1 Wambo Street, Condamine
For a quiet drink in countryside charmer, Condamine, take to a stool in the Condamine Bell Hotel.
Resembling a log cabin (with actual log cabins attached), a one-story pub is a rare sighting in the Western Downs.
This small hotel focuses on offering quality bar-time where locals and visitors can enjoy a drink or two together.
If you’re not from around here, expect to be asked ‘where are you from’ closely followed by ‘where are you going’ – it’s just the local’s way of being friendly.
You’ll be sure to bump into fellow travellers too though as folks from all around meet at The Condamine.
A: 35 Day Street, Tara
You know you’re in for a good time (and maybe a long time) when a pub is plastered with camel cartoons to supplement its paintwork.
A pub visit in the camel capital is quite the outdoor affair, with the main bar outside, undercover, and filled with all the games.
Pop on a tune at the jukebox, play a round of pool, darts, or ping pong while the rest of your mates kick back at a nearby table and watch you take a win or two.
Inside you’ll find the Tar-Vegas Gaming Lounge as well as the bar, which is covered with camel cartoons and pictures that will have you keen for the iconic Tara Camel Races all year round.
The Bun Hotel
A: 72 Moffat Street, Kaimkillenbun
A: 72 Moffat Street, KaimkillenbunAdd a bit of history to your afternoon coldie with a visit to The Bun Hotel, Kaimkillenbun.
The Bun Hotel is a pub, cafe and restaurant all in one in the heart of ‘The Bun’ and has welcomed generations after generations through its doors.
Established in 1911, The Bun Pub is over one hundred years old and holds many stories with fingers in all kinds of historical pies.
The town of Kaimkillenbun was the setting of a television mini-series starring Nicole Kidman in the early 1980’s, which you can read about in the pub’s dedicated history room.
If you’re a wartime buff, take a look at the Hidden Signatures display, which contains the signatures of 18 diggers from World War I, found on the inside of a linen cupboard in the pub.
Once you’ve finished your tour, reward yourself with a coldie at the bar where you can take in classic country paraphernalia from street signs, posters, and hanging quotes.
We can assure you, if you’re big on beer, wine or cider, The Bun Pub is the place for you as publicans Stephen and Jaimee have a wide range of drinks on the menu.
Exchange Hotel
A: 41 High street, Jandowae
The folks at Exchange Hotel in Jandowae mean business with a bar not only at the front but also the back of the pub, with seating available for everyone.
Relax out the front as you watch the hustle and bustle of the town or take advantage of the air-conditioning (and the close proximity to round two and three) inside at the bar.
Shackleton’s Whiskey Bar
A: 1 Bunya Avenue, Bunya Mountains
Switch your amber ale for a beverage of darker proportions at Shackleton’s, the bar inside Lyrics Restaurant atop the Bunya Mountains.
Perched approximately 1,000m above sea level, Shackleton’s takes the title as Australia’s highest whiskey bar, serving over 116 different types of peaty goodness from all corners of the world … at least, until proven otherwise.
Be sure to ask the bartender the story behind the bar’s name – it’s an edge-of-seat tale that involves the man who discovered Antarctica, his whiskey bottles, and the expedition to discover lost whiskey ingredients.
Conveniently the story takes a couple of nips to get through… something we’re sure you’ll be happy to oblige with.