Noccundra Hotel

The Noccundra Hotel is an historic outback hotel, built of coursed sandstone blocks. It is located adjacent to the Noccundra Waterhole on the Wilson River, 140 km west of Thargomindah. The hotel appears to date to 1886; however, it could have been in operation considerably earlier to serve the nearby Nockatunga Station, taken-up in 1868. The sandstone was likely sourced from New South Wales. The building is similar in style to others constructed near the South Australian border, highlighting South-West Queensland’s access and trade relationship with southern Australia during the late 1800s. By 1889, the hotel was run by James Gardiner and operated in conjunction with a store, owned by James McColl. Both establishments were well-placed along stock and trading routes to South Australia and New South Wales, serving travellers and nearby pastoral stations. The closure of the store in 1933 and the police station in 1959, led to the township’s decline. The hotel continued as a meeting place for the local community, including the Flying Doctor Service’s monthly medical and dental clinics. In 2016, the Noccundra Hotel is a popular destination for travellers en-route to Innamincka, Thargomindah and Cameron Corner, offering overnight accommodation seven days a week, including free bush camping.