The Family Hotel, Tibooburra

Few pubs in Australia are more iconic than the Family Hotel in Tibooburra, and few places are more welcoming than the Corner Country town of Tibooburra.

The hotel, run by Melissa and William Thomson, who have owned it since 2013, was built in 1882 by Francis Bladon. Initially, it was known as the Tattersall’s Hotel, but its name changed to Downie's Family Hotel in 1887. Despite having eighteen owners in its 128-year history, it has always retained ‘Family’ in its title.

The Cobb & Co network once had the hotel as a base; some of the original horse stables remain today.

Constructed of locally quarried sandstone with a veranda along the front, the hotel has become famous as the outback pub with murals on the walls. During the 1960s, Australian artists Clifton Pugh, Russell Drysdale, and others spent several weeks painting in the outback. Using the Family Hotel as a base and the outback as their inspiration, they added their style of art to the walls within the hotel.

Over the years, other artists have contributed their works, making the walls a 'living' art gallery. For a gold-coin donation, proceeds go to the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service). You are welcome to have your photograph taken in front of the mural.

The Family Hotel kitchen is open for breakfast by request, counter lunches available from 12-2 pm and then for home-cooked evening meals from 6-9 pm.