At first glance, Nindigully might be easy to miss. With just nine residents, the town is small by any measure, and its locality, Thallon, is home to only 231 people. This sparsely populated region, primarily known for its grain-growing farms, might seem like just another stop on a long road trip. But there’s one unexpected landmark that has made Nindigully a name known far beyond its borders: the local pub.
Nestled on the banks of the Moonie River, the Nindigully Pub has been an enduring presence for nearly two centuries. Step inside, and the walls come alive with memorabilia—drover’s hats, framed news articles, and photographs—each piece telling a part of the pub's storied past. Not a single poker machine disrupts the nostalgic atmosphere; instead, a lone TV flickers occasionally, adding to the pub's rustic charm.
It’s hard to overlook the fact that this historic pub has not only survived but thrived in a town so small, where only nine people call home. Its survival and success are nothing short of remarkable in a place where vastness often equals isolation. Yet, against all odds, the Nindigully Pub has carved a special place in Australian history.
The Nindigully Pub’s roots trace back to 1864, when publican Thomas Bradford was granted a license, transforming the establishment from shearer’s accommodation for the Nindigully Station into a pub. By the late 1800s, it became a Cobb and Co coach changeover station, where people and goods would be dropped off, making it a vital stop on the region's transportation network. This boom in trade, alongside a flourishing wool industry, elevated Nindigully’s status, and by the early 1900s, the town was home to around 50 residents and 15 houses. A hotel, post office, general store, and even a school were established.
However, the decline came swiftly. By the mid-1900s, the town had begun to empty due to a combination of factors, including the downturn of the wool industry, the closure of key services like the local school in 1941, and changing transportation routes that made the town less of a stopover point. As families migrated to larger regional centres in search of better opportunities, Nindigully’s population dwindled. Despite this, the Nindigully Pub endured, becoming a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
In an unexpected twist of fate, the pub gained international fame when it was chosen by writer and director Antony J Bowman as the location for his romantic comedy Paperback Hero, starring Hugh Jackman and Claudia Karvan. While scouting for the perfect filming location in New South Wales and Queensland, Bowman stumbled upon the Nindigully Pub and immediately saw its potential as the fictitious “Lucktown Pub.”
The filming brought an influx of movie stars, film crews, and temporary sets, including "The Boomerang Café," a diner featured in the movie. The café, adorned with towering 3-metre-high boomerangs designed by Jon Dowding in 1989, was later preserved as a permanent display outside the pub. These boomerangs have since become a distinctive landmark, drawing curious travelers and film enthusiasts alike.
In August 2002, the Burns family, led by Steve Burns, took over the Nindigully Pub, ushering in a new chapter for this historic establishment. Steve saw the pub's potential to thrive through accommodation, so the Burns family revamped the original end of the pub to offer five air-conditioned rooms, alongside free camping between the pub and the Moonie River.
The Burns' focus on food was another key to the pub’s revival. They hired a professional chef to elevate the dining experience, serving chef-prepared meals made from the best locally sourced produce. Additionally, they brewed their own beers, with popular options like Gully Gold and Moonie Mud served on tap.
This pivot towards food proved to be a winning formula. In 2021, the pub made international headlines with the creation of Australia’s largest burger—the “Road Train Burger.” Weighing a staggering 5.5kg, this colossal creation featured a 1.5kg meat patty, a 1.5kg bun, and a side of 1kg curly fries and onion rings. The burger became a major draw for travelers, prompting many to veer off the highway for a memorable stop at the Nindigully Pub.
Beyond the Hollywood connections and world-record-breaking burgers, the true heart of Nindigully lies in its people. The pub remains a gathering place where locals and travelers alike are welcomed with open arms. It's a place where stories are shared, laughter fills the air, and the spirit of community continues to thrive, just as it has for over two centuries.
The Nindigully Pub’s history is not just about surviving in a small town but about sustaining the connections that bind people together. It’s a testament to the resilience of a community and the enduring appeal of a place where everyone is invited to pull up a chair, enjoy a cold drink, and share in the outback’s enduring legacy. The Nindigully Pub isn’t just a historic landmark; it’s a living, breathing symbol of the power of community, a place where the past and present come together to create something truly special.
The Outback Trail
April 26
The Nindigully Pub