Hebel Pub: A Historic Outback Stopover with Meals & Camping

The Hebel Pub – officially the Hebel Hotel & General Store – has been a fixture of the remote Queensland outback since the 1890s, when it opened as a Cobb & Co staging post. Today it operates as a combined pub, general store and accommodation stop for road trippers and campers. This article draws on the pub’s own website, regional tourism materials, and published histories to cover its location, timeline, menu, and practical travel logistics.

Last checked: 2026-09-01

Location: Southwest Queensland, near the border with New South Wales · Amenities: Pub, general store, accommodation (cabins), meals, cold beer · Notable feature: Colourful artwork by John Murray adorns the front of the pub · Operating hours: Open 7 days a week

Where is the Hebel pub located?

The Hebel Hotel sits at 30–34 William Street in the tiny town of Hebel, in southwest Queensland just a few kilometres from the New South Wales border. The town was originally a customs post called Kelly’s Point, established in 1889, and was renamed Hebel in the early 1890s — reportedly after a German family who settled nearby.

Address and region

Hebel lies within the Balonne Shire, about halfway between St George (to the north) and Walgett (to the south). The pub and attached general store are the only commercial buildings in the settlement, alongside a small church and a handful of houses. The district population is roughly 70 people, which means the pub functions as the local social hub as well as a tourist stop.

Distance from St George to Hebel

The drive from St George covers about 76 km of sealed road and takes roughly one hour. Travellers head south on the Castlereagh Highway (State Route 55) – the same route that continues down to Walgett, a further 100 km south.

How to travel from Hebel to Walgett

From Hebel, you continue south on the Castlereagh Highway for about 100 km to reach Walgett. The road is sealed and generally in good condition, though outback drivers should watch for livestock and road trains. There is no public transport; a private vehicle is essential.

What is the history of the Hebel Hotel?

The Hebel Hotel is one of the oldest continuously licensed pubs in southwest Queensland. Its timeline is dotted with closures and reopenings, and at least one persistent bushranger legend.

Who owns the Hebel pub?

Since March 2021, the pub and general store have been owned by local grazier Frank Deshon, who bought the property after it had sat closed for months. Deshon reinstated publican Mervin Pullen and his partner Kim, who run daily operations. The first XXXX Gold tap was pulled in late March 2021.

How old is the Hebel pub?

The building that houses the pub dates back to 1894, when it was opened as a Cobb & Co changing station for the coaching service that connected remote outposts. It later obtained a hotel licence sometime in the 1890s, though the exact licensing date is not formally recorded. The structure — a single‑storey timber weatherboard with a corrugated iron roof and wide veranda — has stood in the same roadside spot for more than 130 years.

History of Hebel, Queensland

Before the pub, the settlement was a customs post on the border route. The shift from Kelly’s Point to Hebel occurred within a year of the town’s founding. In the decades that followed, local folklore grew around the idea that bushrangers Dan Kelly and Steve Hart (of Ned Kelly Gang fame) survived the Glenrowan fire and hid out in the Hebel area under assumed names, drinking at the pub. Outback Magazine and regional tourism sites report this as an unverified rumour, not documented history.

What is there to do in Hebel?

The pub itself is the main attraction. With a population of about 70, Hebel has no developed tourist sites, no visitor centre, and only a handful of buildings. Activities revolve around the hotel’s bar, its general store, and the surrounding outback landscape.

Free camping in Hebel

According to travel blogs and online forums, free camping is sometimes permitted on vacant land near the pub, though official confirmation from the council or the pub itself is limited. Road‑trippers usually park their vans or pitch tents on the grassy areas. The pub’s cabins provide a more comfortable alternative for those who prefer a roof.

Sights and attractions in Hebel QLD

There are no formal museums or galleries. The chief draw is the pub’s exterior – featuring colourful murals by outback artist John Murray – and its authentic horse hitching rails out front. Visitors often photograph the facade, have a beer on the veranda, and chat with locals. The surrounding flat plains and red dirt roads appeal to photographers and off‑grid explorers.

Population of Hebel

The Statistical Area Level 1 covering Hebel reports a population of about 70 people. This tiny resident base makes the pub’s survival reliant on passing travellers, caravanners, and campers.

What is the Hebel pub known for?

The Hebel Hotel is most famous for its layered history – a Cobb & Co changeover, a “pub with no beer”, and a living museum of outback memorabilia. It also stands out for its visual character.

Hebel pub menu and prices

The pub serves classic counter meals: steaks, burgers, schnitzels, and salads, alongside ice‑cold beer and basic wine. Prices are in line with other remote Queensland pubs – expect to pay roughly AUD $15–$25 for a main meal – though no official price list is published online. The general store attached to the pub stocks essential groceries, ice, and basic camping supplies.

Opening hours

Based on the TripAdvisor listing, the pub is open seven days a week: Sunday 10:00–20:00, Monday–Thursday 10:00–22:00, and Friday–Saturday 10:00–midnight. Hours may vary seasonally; it’s advisable to call ahead if arriving late.

Photos and reviews

Reviewers consistently mention the John Murray artwork on the facade, the friendly banter of the publicans, and the unusual mix of retro furniture made from recycled bush materials. Most describe the atmosphere as relaxed and unpretentious.