Barkly Homestead, NT: Barkly Highway roadhouse accommodation

Barkly Homestead in the Northern Territory’s remote Barkly Tablelands offers the only fuel and accommodation for miles around. This Barkly Highway roadhouse is a near-essential stop between the NT and Queensland.

Barkly Homestead is one of those classic Australian roadhouses that it’s almost impossible to drive past. In the Northern Territory’s remote Barkly Tablelands, the nearest alternative fuel stops are a long way away.

Distances to Barkly Homestead, NT

It’s a 260km drive east from Barkly Homestead to Camooweal in Queensland. And, going west, it’s 187km to the Threeways Roadhouse on the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek. Frankly, good luck to you if you’re planning to go from Camooweal to Threeways without stopping.

For the mere mortals among us, the Barkly Homestead becomes an essential stop on most drives between Queensland and the Northern Territory. Going from Townsville or Cairns to Darwin? Or Brisbane to Darwin? Or Mount Isa to Katherine? You’re going to be stopping at Barkly Homestead.

Barkly Homestead is largely seen as a food and refreshment stop. It is open from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week. It is also home to a Bar and Grill, which bills itself as the first and last pub in the Northern Territory.

Barkly Homestead accommodation

However, it’s also possible to stay the night at the Barkly Homestead. And given that there’s so little competition in the region, it’s pleasantly surprising that the motel rooms and cabins are of a decent quality. Barkly Homestead accommodation rates start at $150 per night.

The other reason you’ll stop by Barkly Homestead is if you’re coming south from Borroloola along the Tablelands Highway. This sealed, single lane highway meets the Barkly Highway by the roadhouse. It’s the long way round if you don’t fancy tackling the unsealed stretch of National Highway 1 from Borroloola to Normanton.

For more information, visit the roadhouse website.