For many grey nomads, stopping at various Outback pubs is a great way of soaking up the rural atmosphere and getting a feel for the local community. However, the country pub is facing tough challenges in a changing world.
One of the more iconic rural watering holes that will be familiar to many travellers – the Hawker Hotel on the doorstep of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges National Park – closed its doors this week and uncertainty surrounds its long-term future.
The Adelaide Advertiser reports that Consumer and Business Services has been notified that the pub has gone into administration and has had its licence suspended. It will not trade until a new licensee is found by the administrators.
However, on its Facebook page, the pub’s owners insists the closure was simply due to ‘clerical errors’ and that it will re-open in 30 days.
Whatever the future holds for the 134-year-old hostelry, the facilities it offered are certainly being sorely missed at the moment by Hawker’s 200 residents and many visitors as temperatures in the region soar.
The closest ‘open’ pub is the Cradock Hotel, 27 kilometres to the south.
“The pubs are generally the heart and soul of these small communities,” Cradock Hotel publican Richard Anderson told the Advertiser. “They are where everyone meets for district meetings and goes to catch up on a Friday night so it’s a shame to hear of any facilities in small towns struggling in tough times.”
Back in September, the Carrieton Hotel, 72km south of Hawker, closed its doors for the last time, having opened them for the first time way back in 1879.
· Where is your favourite Outback pub? Comment below.
All outback pubs are favourites of mine. Each one has its individual charm. I have actually visited 76 in my Aussie travels.
Agree totally with Greg. Each has it’s uniqueness. We always plan to make stopovers at outback pubs, as many cater for the nomads offering van site facilities in exchange for having a coldie and sensational meals.
Can’t go wrong.
Just stayed behind the Cobargo Pub in NSW for 4 days, free. All of the free campers spent money in the pub. Obviously that is the way to go.
That sounds like a great idea.
On a recent trip to NSW we came across a pub in a small town which had been a similar situation to Hawker Pub. New owners refurbished it and added a small coffee shop/clothes boutique on the side. It is now flourishing and a meeting place for locals, tourists and people visiting for afternoon tea from other towns.
Dianne agreed. With the DD laws we very seldom have a beer at a pub but are always in the market for a coffee and scone.
I love the atmosphere of the outback pubs and never thought I would see the day when we would go into a pub for a coffee and to look at the old photos.
Cheers
Would it be a good idea for the caravan associations around Australia to contact the country pubs and suggest “free camping” options ? I am sure most would be willing to give it a try to get more people into there pubs. Is there an association of “country pubs” ? If so a blanket letter may suffice. Col P
There is a Facebook page for country pubs offering camping and it is great!
Colin I spoke to a well known ex International footballer who tried that with his country hotel. A lot of Southerners
took advantage of the free camping without patronising the pub.
They supplied their own beer and food and just used his amenities.
He didn’t take long to wake up and stopped the free camping.