As you venture through the vast expanse of outback Queensland, you’ll encounter dozens of towns scattered along the large stretches of highway. Among them, notable regional centres like Goondiwindi and Charleville stand prominently. Meanwhile, others exist as quaint settlements of no more than a handful of houses.
Then there is Nindigully, a town so small that you’d be forgiven if you missed it. A mere 9 people call Nindigully home, while its wider locality of Thallon has a resident population of 231. Farm families account for most of the population, as the region is prime grain-growing country.
In a town seemingly defined by its sense of vastness, a singular entity emerges from obscurity to claim fame on the silver screen and in international headlines—the local pub.
Nestled on the banks of the Moonie River, the Nindigully Pub has stood as a stalwart presence for the better part of two centuries. Step inside, and every inch of wall space is adorned with memorabilia, ranging from drover’s hats to framed news articles and photographs. Interestingly, not a single poker machine interrupts the nostalgic atmosphere; instead, a lone TV on the wall sporadically flickers, adding an extra touch of authenticity.
Amidst the charm and character of a bygone era, one can’t help but marvel at the remarkable survival of this historic pub in a town with a mere population of nine.