Daly Waters: Quirky Charm and Rich History
Daly Waters welcomed us with its unique blend of history and charm. We set up camp in the Daly Waters Pub’s campground, right in the heart of the action. Staying there meant we could fully soak up the pub’s famously quirky personality. A place patched together with stories, jokes, and the odd bra dangling from the ceiling. Travellers from around the world have left behind mementos, and we spent a good while wandering the walls, reading names, notes, and the kind of cheeky messages you only find in the outback. Dinner was classic pub fare, hearty and delicious, washed down with a cold drink and plenty of laughter drifting across the courtyard.
The next morning, we visited Stuart’s Tree, a quiet and reflective place tied to explorer John McDouall Stuart’s epic overland journey in the 1860s. The “S” carved into the trunk is a simple mark with a big story. A reminder of the grit it took to cross this country long before highways and air-conditioning made it possible for the rest of us.
Our final stop was the historic Daly Waters Airport, once one of Australia’s earliest international airfields and a key military base during World War II. The small museum is packed with old photos, maps, and artefacts from its wartime role. Standing on the tarmac, it’s easy to imagine the buzz of aircraft and crews moving through this once-critical hub.
Daly Waters gave us more than a fun night at the pub. It mixed humour with history in a way that only the NT can…a little quirky, a little dusty, but full of stories.
Want more outback gems like Daly Waters? Our Travel Dispatches have the stories that never make it into the guidebooks.
Daly Waters
A tiny, colourful outback settlement famous for its offbeat pub, pioneering history, and its role in early Australian aviation. It sits along the Stuart Highway and has been a welcome travellers’ stop for generations.
How to Get There
Daly Waters is about 600 km south of Darwin and 400 km north of Tennant Creek, just off the Stuart Highway. Access is fully sealed and suitable for all vehicles.
What to See & Do
What we did:
Camped at the Daly Waters Pub.
Enjoyed dinner, drinks, and the uniquely decorated walls.
Live entertainment at the pub during peak season.
Visited Stuart’s Tree.
Explored the historic Daly Waters Airport and museum.
Other highlights worth returning for:
Daly Waters Aviation Complex Trail.
The old Post Office and Telegraph Station remnants.
Sunset walks around the outback plains.
When to Visit
Dry season (May to September) is ideal, with cooler evenings and plenty of travellers passing through. The pub’s busiest and liveliest months are during this time.
Final Thoughts
Daly Waters is more than a novelty pub stop. It’s a snapshot of NT spirit, wrapped in history, humour, and that unmistakable outback hospitality—a small place with a big personality.
What’s Nearby
Heading north leads to Mataranka and Katherine, while south takes you toward Elliott and Tennant Creek. The highway is long and quiet, perfect for easing back into the rhythm of the road.
If you’d like a few detours that don’t make the main blog, join our Top Secret Travel Dispatches.
Fast Facts
Location: Daly Waters, NT
Distance: 600 km south of Darwin
Traditional Owners: Jingili People
Access: Fully sealed, short detour from the Stuart Highway
Facilities: Pub, campground, fuel, meals, small museum
Walking Track: Short historic walks around town
Dog Friendly: Yes at the pub and campground (on lead)
Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Heat: Hydration is your religion here.
Pub Shenanigans: Too many cold drinks = poor decisions.
Outback Wildlife: Mostly harmless… unless you step on something spiky.
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