They’re as Australian as meat pies and didgeridoos. Often in the middle of nowhere, roadhouses provide fuel, food, friendly faces and somewhere to lay your head for the night.
They’re cultural icons and lifesavers, too – just when you need a break from the long, straight road, there they are. So put on your blinker, pull off the highway and call in on some of the best. Here they are, in no particular order:
Nullarbor Roadhouse, SA
If you find yourself having a beer with Aussie music legends Angus Young and Kylie Minogue at the end of a long day behind the wheel, don’t worry; you’re not delirious. You’re in the bar of the Nullarbor Roadhouse, looking at one of the many murals at this iconic stopover on an iconic drive.
www.nullarborroadhouse.com.au
Shell Roadhouse, Coober Pedy, SA
The Outback Bar and Grill, part of the Shell Roadhouse at Coober Pedy, does a terrific job of feeding hungry travellers who’ve pulled in off the Stuart Highway. You’ll find plenty of locals here too, which is always a good sign. Try the kangaroo yiros.
Shell Coober Pedy on Facebook
Dunmarra Wayside Inn, NT
Not far from the junction of the Stuart and Buchanan highways south of Katherine is the colourful Dunmarra Wayside Inn, best known for its hospitality and great roadhouse food. Some say the meat pies are worth the trip alone.
Dunmarra Wayside on Facebook
Madura Roadhouse, WA
About halfway between Adelaide and Perth, the Madura Roadhouse is a key stop for travellers needing a break on the long haul across the Nullarbor. It’s home to the Madura Pass Oasis Motel, a caravan park and campsite, as well as good food in the restaurant and cold beer in the bar.
Madura Roadhouse on Facebook
Erldunda Roadhouse, NT
A couple of hours south of Alice Springs and three hours east of Uluru, Erldunda Roadhouse claims to be not just located somewhere in central Australia, but ‘The Centre of the Centre’ (and it doesn’t get much more central than that). It also has resident emus, a pool and tennis court, and a sunset viewing platform, as well as classic roadhouse hospitality in the restaurant and bar.
www.erldundaroadhouse.com
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