From yabby races to bush poetry nights, these rural pubs are turning up the volume in 2025.
Why Pub Events Matter
For travellers on the road, pub events offer more than just a good time:
- A chance to meet locals and fellow nomads
- A window into regional culture and traditions
- Free or low-cost entertainment
- A great excuse to stay the night — or the weekend
With more pubs investing in live entertainment, quirky competitions, and community festivals, road-trippers are planning entire routes around the best country pub events.
10 Legendary Pub Events Worth the Detour
1. Birdsville Hotel – Birdsville Races Afterparty (QLD)
Iconic races by day, rowdy pub party by night. Happens every September.
2. The Daly Waters Pub – Bush Ballad Karaoke Night (NT)
Dust off your Akubra and belt out Slim Dusty with strangers turned mates.
3. The Bull & Barley Inn, Cambooya – Bush Poetry and Parmy Night (QLD)
Country hospitality, killer schnitzels, and verse under the stars.
4. Tibooburra Family Hotel – Desert Jam Sessions (NSW)
Outback acoustic performances every weekend, weather permitting.
5. Wandering Tavern – Camp Oven Cook-Off Weekend (WA)
Bring your best stew and cooking banter — this annual showdown gets competitive.
6. Silverton Hotel – Ghost Town Film Nights (NSW)
Free screenings of movies shot in Silverton (like Mad Max), outdoors under the stars.
7. Royal Mail Hotel, Birregurra – Craft Beer & Folk Fest (VIC)
Live folk bands, tap takeovers, and lawn games in spring.
8. The Top Pub, Uralla – Gold Rush Dress-Up Day (NSW)
Victorian costume pub crawl? Say no more.
9. White Cliffs Hotel – Opal Country Trivia & Talent Night (NSW)
Prizes include cold beer and bragging rights.
10. The Pub With No Beer – Slim Dusty Tribute Day (NSW)
Annual celebration of the legendary song, with beer this time.
Plan Your Route Around the Best Pubs
Travelling Australia in 2025? Consider building your road trip around pub events. Many are free or donation-based, and almost all welcome campers — especially if you support the bar and kitchen.
Bonus Tip:
Use WikiPubs.com.au to find pub stays with events listed on their profile — and add your own reviews or photos after you go.
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