Top-5 Outback roadhouses

Sometimes Outback roadhouses are the only civilization for hundreds of kilometres so they come with food, maybe a bar and sometimes accommodation. But they can often be destinations in themselves, offering plenty of atmosphere, history as well as colourful characters...

Stopping at one is mandatory to break a long drive, so here’s a handful of top selections.

Nullarbor Roadhouse, South Australia
This Nullarbor Plain institution is almost a town in itself.

More than just a fuel stop, the roadhouse has motel rooms, a comprehensive shop, a caravan park and a restaurant for something more substantial than takeaways.

It's also colourfully decked out with murals depicting the area’s history and you’re only 20 minutes from the sea with the Head of the Bight look-out providing the chance to see some whales at play.

There’s also an airstrip that does joy flights for an aerial perspective of the vast desert and seascapes.

Hell’s Gate Roadhouse, Queensland

When you’re 1300km from Darwin and still the same distance from Cairns you know it’s a remote location.

Thankfully, Hell’s Gate Roadhouse has all you need to complete the trip: fuel, food, accommodation and plenty of local characters to discuss road conditions.

Despite the daunting name – Hell’s Gate is a gap in the nearby rocky escarpment – there’s lots of cooling tropical greenery. Chances are you won’t just stop: many backpackers and travellers stay for longer than they’d planned.

Hattah Roadhouse, Victoria

Northerners might think Victoria is all green hills and Snowy Mountains, but out in the Mallee, places like Melbourne are a long way off...

About 480km, in fact, and if you’re heading for Mildura you’ll find the Hattah Roadhouse nestled between the sand dunes and scrub just off the Calder Highway.

What was once a fairly run down fuel stop has new owners and it’s now got the lot: a shop, campsites, excellent burgers, coffee, showers and much more.

It’s right next to the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park so check out the lakes and you may even spot the elusive mallee fowl.

Emerald Springs Roadhouse, Northern Territory

Two hours out of Darwin and a similar distance from Katherine you’d expect Emerald Springs to be as lonely and dusty a stopover as its Top End remoteness suggests.

But don’t you believe it: this roadhouse is a vibrant oasis for the weary traveller. Set in lovely tropical gardens, Emerald Springs has everything from a bar, restaurant, caravan park and cabins. And of course if you just want the steak sandwich or scones, they can do that too.

The only thing missing is fuel pumps, but they’re at nearby Pine Creek.

Cameron Corner Store, NSW

If you’re heading for Birdsville from Sydney you’re bound to hit “The Corner” where the NSW, South Australia and Queensland borders meet.

There you’ll find the Corner Store, which is part pub, part shop and campsite. It's a chance to fuel the 4WD and enjoy some home-cooked tucker and at about half way between Tibooburra and Innamincka on the dog-proof fence, so delightfully isolated. Nonetheless, the welcome is as warm as the beer is cold.