Grey nomads have become accustomed to hear about another memory-filled Outback pub closing down, so it’s a pleasure to report on one actually re-opening … especially one as iconic as Queensland’s ‘Wild West Pub’.
The Kalkadoon Hotel, located at Kajabbi, 120 kilometres north of Mount Isa, has been shut for nearly two decades but the beer is flowing again now.
Kajabbi is located near the famous Battle Mountain where the Kalkadoons made their last stand against white invaders in 1884 – which is how the iconic outback pub got its name.
Jeff and Lynette Bambrick bought the hotel in 2014 and have spent the last five years fully renovating it, while trying to stay true to the building’s original character and charm.
“We’ve pretty much rebuilt the existing buildings that were there and refurbished them,” Mr Bambrick told the North West Star. “We used steel instead of wool because the white ants are pretty savage out here, except for the deck, which is timber.”
Camping is available on the grounds though Mr Bambrick says he is considering other accommodation ‘down the track’.
The Kalkadoon Hotel had a resident donkey named Jenny. PIC: Facebook / Big Rigs
“The pub will be great for the town of Kajabbi and the surrounding districts,” he said. “It will be somewhere to come together.”
The Big Rigs publication reports that Kajabbi had a population of 60 but, when the pub was previously open, it was a place where many road train drivers would stop and enjoy a cold soft drink and a meal and listen to the-then publican ‘Trevor’ singing and playing his guitar. Apparently, there was also a pet donkey named Jenny which would join patrons for a cold beer.
The reopening of the Kalkadoon Hotel comes as the nearby abandoned Quamby pub has also gained new owners and has plans to re-open in the coming months.
With many rural economies struggling, a growing number of country pubs have begun offering camping and trying to attract more grey nomads … and it’s paying off.
• Have you visited the Kalkadoon Hotel in the past? Will you give it a look next time you are ‘out that way’? Comment below
Yes,we visited the Kalkadoon Hotel in the mid 80s. It was just a tiny pub,very quirky but welcoming, and while there we shared a beer and were introduced to all 9 of the Kajabbi town residents !! We camped on the river bed,and next morning received a toot and a cheery wave from the railway workers on their way across the bridge to work. A real gem of a find back then..!!
we used to ride our dirt bikes from mt isa to kajibbi pub get smashed that night and ride back next day with massive hangover the people who owned it them days had about 10 kids there son married a mates daughter he was killed in a chopper crash we had a lot of good times at the pub
I worked all through that area in the early 1980’s. Both pubs were a welcome rest stop and a little bit of a break from roughing it on the rigs and living in bush camps. The publican of the Quamby Pub even invited us to a dinner with the surrounding teachers and jillaroos for a great night out.
Looking forward to revisiting Kajabbi and the iconic Kalkadoon Hotel in the very near future after serving as School Principal there way back in 1962…. some 60 years ago ! Certainly Kajabbi then was vastly different with some 30 children in attendance at the local school, a thriving Cattle Rail Trucking Centre, Henry & Irene Vinson’s General Store, Keith Lister’s Police Station & Charlie Brown’s “Kalkadoon Hotel”. No School no more/no Railway/ no Store/No Police BUT HOW GREAT TO LEARN THAT “THE PUB” lives on! I wish Jeff & Lynette all the very best in their efforts to keep this magical little township on the map….. Will meet you all in the months ahead.
Am keen to receive any information regarding the condition of the “River Road” that serves the properties between Kajabbi & Burketown. Could anyone please assist.
Checked out the River Road only to find it was open only from Kajabbi to Gleeson Station. From there I needed to backtrack to the Gulf Development Road in order to reach Burketown
We visited there a few days ago Jeff has done a fantastic job in bringing the old pub back to life. Bar a couple of old walls the pub is all new and bigger than before. Camping out the back was great and we will definitely being going back there again. Special mention of the showers which are among the best I have ever been in. No shiny white tiles and glass door, but plenty of room, 2 metre long bench, non slip floor, hot water galore, many hooks for clothes etc. With a bar 30 metres from your campsite, it does not get any better than that. Well done Jeff and Lynette.
Spent three great days at Kajabbi, and this great outback pub. Jeff and Netty were great hosts, beer was cold, good atmosphere, and best hamburgers we have had in Queensland!
Roads In from Isa and Cloncurry were fine and scenery spectacular, esp the Isa road.
Will be going back again next time north for sure. Jan and Richard