NT's famed Daly Waters Pub changes hands

NT's famed Daly Waters Pub changes hands
Staff ReporterDecember 7, 2020

The Daly Waters Pub, an iconic outback pub in the Northern Territory, has sold for an undisclosed sum.

It was listed with expectations of more than $4 million, hotel news website The Shout reported.

Located 600 km south of Darwin, The Daly Waters Pub off Stuart Highway, is a favourite with passers-by. 

It has received AHA NT’s Best Wayside Inn award eight times since 2005.

The pub was built in 1930 by Bill and Henrietta Pierce, its website says. In its long, colourful history, the pub has witnessed murders, shoot outs in the main street, cattle stampeding through town and drunken brawls. 

Publicans Lindsay Carmichael and Robyne Webster, who owned and operated the pub for 18 years, decided to retire and move to Darwin. 

The pub is known for its collection of memorabilia from visitors, who in the late 80s started a tradition of leaving something at the pub to commemorate their visit. The knick knacks that adorn the walls include artificial limbs, surfboards, lingerie and an Irish hurling stick, to name a few among hundreds. There’s even a helicopter sitting atop the shed of the pub, though it’s not in use anymore.

“We endeavour to keep it in an orderly fashion, a bit like a department store. As we have no windows the maintenance is crucial – daily dusting and de-cobwebbing are essential. All is taken down every six months and laundered. Whatever survives goes back up. Most male employees volunteer to wash the lingerie,” Webster was cited as saying by The Shout.

The freehold going concern included the pub with its bistro, a caravan park, cabin park, motel and service station. The total land area is 19,930 sqm.

The selling agent was Steve Liebelt of Ruralco Property.

The buyer is believed to be a businessman from South Australia.

While remote, the pub enjoys plenty of patronage, both from Daly Waters locals and from tourists who have heard of its legendary reputation. 

“While some may consider the pub being remote this is one of its strengths and with a major service and population centre at Katherine only some two hours’ drive away, nobody is ever far from all services,” said Liebelt.

      

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