Burke & Wills Roadhouse: Reviews, Menu & Outback Oasis Info!
Ever found yourself traversing the vast Australian outback, miles from civilization, and desperately in need of a friendly face, a cold drink, and a decent meal? The Burke & Wills Roadhouse, a beacon of respite in the heart of Queensland, offers precisely that, and so much more, making it a crucial stopover for countless travelers.
Nestled at "The Three Ways," a crossroads of sorts, where the journeys from Julia Creek and Burketown converge, the Burke & Wills Roadhouse stands as a testament to resilience and hospitality. It is more than just a place to refuel; its a vital lifeline for those exploring the remote corners of the continent. It's a welcome sight, a promise of basic amenities, and a chance to connect with the spirit of the outback.
For those unfamiliar, the roadhouse takes its name from the legendary explorers Burke and Wills, whose ill-fated expedition remains a poignant chapter in Australian history. The roadhouse itself sits on the very route they once traversed, a fitting tribute to their ambitious, if ultimately tragic, endeavor. Its location, approximately halfway between Normanton and Cloncurry on the Burke Development Road, positions it perfectly as a strategic point for travelers.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Name | Burke & Wills Roadhouse |
Location | Four Ways, Queensland, Australia |
Coordinates | State Route 84, Four Ways QLD 4824, Australia |
Type | Roadhouse, Caravan Park, Campground |
Services | Fuel, Food, Accommodation (Dongas, Tent Sites), Caravan Sites (Powered & Unpowered), Clean Water, Clean Toilets, Grassed Areas, General Store, ATM |
Roads to Burketown | Fully sealed mostly single lane road via Bourke and Wills Roadhouse. |
Roads to Normanton | Sealed for the first 70k to Leichardt Falls then a gravel road the rest of the way. |
Reviews & Ratings | Rated 3.5/5 on TripAdvisor (Normanton) and 3.6/5 on Restaurant Guru (Four Ways) |
Reference Website | TripAdvisor |
The road to Burketown, now mostly a sealed single-lane road, makes the journey a bit more comfortable. However, the vast distances and the scarcity of services still make careful planning a must. The roadhouse, then, becomes an essential oasis, a place where weary travelers can recharge and gather themselves before pressing on.
For those on the move, the Burke & Wills Roadhouse provides a range of essential services. It offers accommodation, primarily in the form of "dongas" (basic, functional cabins) and tent sites, ensuring there's a place to rest one's head after a long day on the road. Clean water and toilets are available, making the roadhouse a far cry from the rough camping experiences of old. Moreover, there are grassed areas shaded by trees a welcome sight in the often-relentless sun of the outback. Burke & Wills Roadhouse unpowered camping starts from $10 per person per night.
The roadhouse's appeal extends beyond basic necessities. It has a general store stocked with a variety of supplies. It boasts a restaurant offering hearty meals and cold drinkscomfort food after hours on the road. It also provides fuel, and an ATM, making it an all-in-one stop for many of the needs that can arise during an outback journey.
The roadhouse experience, at its best, is a celebration of the outback spirit. It is characterized by a laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and the kind of genuine camaraderie that only comes from shared experiences. Travelers often find themselves sharing stories with locals, swapping tips, and forging bonds over a cold beer or a hot meal. You can often expect interesting characters to be there, as it is the heart of the Outback.
The Burke & Wills Roadhouse is not just a stopover; its also part of the community. This was evident on Saturday, April 13, 2024, when the roadhouse hosted the Burke & Wills Meet & Greet Cricket Day. The event, a testament to the spirit of the region, brought together locals and travelers for a day of sports, camaraderie, and celebration. MMG (sponsor), MC Tonka, Entertainment Outback DJ, and event partners Burke & Wills Roadhouse and Cloncurry Shire Council all contributed to the day's success.
The food at the Burke & Wills Roadhouse is well-regarded. Those who have visited rate it well. On Restaurant Guru, the establishment in Four Ways has garnered a rating of 3.6 out of 5. TripAdvisor provides a slightly different perspective, with the Normanton location rated at 3.2 to 3.5 out of 5, depending on the source. These ratings, however, are just numbers. The true value lies in the practical experience: a hearty meal, a cool drink, and a comfortable place to rest. You will see that the Roadhouse provides all of these things in abundance.
For travellers who need some inspiration for their next journey, they also provided some pamphlets about tourists sites and events nearby.
The Burke & Wills Roadhouse is also a vital part of the local economy. In recent years, the business has seen changes, with ownership changing hands. A recent sale saw Owen Rankine handing over the keys to Ben and Cheri Stanger, demonstrating the continuing significance of this business. It is a remote business in north west queensland will experience a new lease of life with the sale of the burke and wills roadhouse.
The roadhouse is exactly what you would expect from an outback roadhouse; complete with cold beer, tasty burgers, interesting characters, country charm and a road train or two parked out front.
For those planning a journey through this remote region of Queensland, the Burke & Wills Roadhouse is more than just a dot on a map. It's a symbol of hope, a place of refuge, and a reminder that even in the most isolated corners of the world, hospitality and community thrive. Whether you're a seasoned outback traveler or a first-time explorer, a stop at the Burke & Wills Roadhouse is an experience you won't soon forget.
If you're looking to make your journey a little more comfortable, and to avoid the gravel, then the Burke & Wills Roadhouse is a clear choice, and a very welcome respite. If you do want to stay on the bitumen, add 2 hours to the trip by dipping down to burke & wills roadhouse at four ways for a refuel and refreshment, before continuing for a further three hours through gregory downs to burketown.
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