Pubs in Australia’s remote outback tend to offer many things – characters with stories to tell, a setting very different to suburban life, friendly faces and the all important clincher – ice cold beer.
Most of the regulars who pop into either The Club In The Scrub, the Glengarry Hilton or the Sheepyard Inn in north-western NSW for a cleansing ale or two at ‘knock off time’ have usually earned a drink.
The heat is often relentless all year round, and the comforts of air conditioning may as well be a lifetime away in the ‘big smoke’.
The iconic Club In The Scrub (pictured) also has a golf course which has proven to be popular for those who round with a difference
The Sheepyard Inn (pictured) offers a completely unique outback experience for intrigued visitors and locals alike
But before you start packing your bags for a new life adventure, it must be pointed out – mining work in the opal fields isn’t for the faint-hearted. In fact, it is straight out brutal.
A nine-hour drive from Sydney, the hours are long and physically taxing. People tend to come and go, the work isn’t for everyone.
But for those prepared to stick it out, the financial return at nearby Lightning Ridge, famous for its black opals, can be extremely lucrative.
Don’t expect to see marble floors and fancy doors here – old school doors and bar stools (pictured) are the norm for patrons
Mining in the area officially began in the late 1880s, with the first shaft being put down around 1901 or 1902 by Jack Murray, a legendary local boundary rider who lived on a nearby property.
The financial appeal is obvious – unlike ordinary opals, the black opal contains carbon and iron oxide trace elements, making it the most sought-after opal in the world.
Roughly 768km from Sydney, Lightning Ridge is home to an estimated permanent population of about 3000 people.
Employment typically comes in two forms – servicing the miners or digging for the stones – particularly the rare black opals, viewed as the true treasures of the district.
Once work is done for the day, the watering holes are quickly filled by thirsty drinkers.
Some opt for The Club In The Scrub, some 60km away from Lightning Ridge. It also boasts a golf course, for those keen to enjoy a round with a difference.
Free camping is also available, although visitors are warned to be on the lookout for wildlife who aren’t always friendly.
Bill Bruen, the affable licensee at The Club In The Scrub, told Daily Mail Australia there is rarely a dull moment in his popular venue.
‘We cater to anyone really, as long as you come in with a smile on your face and are happy to have a yarn with the locals, we will look after you,’ he said.
‘Some of the workers..they have some very interesting stories to tell, they have lived colourful lives.
‘Our most popular beers tend to be Great Northern, Tooheys New and XXXX Gold….we sell them in bottles or cans for about $5.60 each, it depends when happy hour is on.
‘I’m really happy with our food as well….the guys working in the mines want to be also eating vegies as often as they can. They asked for them, so we are always stocked up.’
The male and female toilets (pictured) are different to city life – in these bush areas, rusted sheds are the norm
Blokes seeking a bit of ‘time out’ from the wife (pictured) can but themselves an hour or two to knock back a few more schooners – but it comes at a price
Bruen went onto state running a pub in outback Australia comes with its challenges.
‘The drought conditions have made life tough on everyone, and recently the phone connection (with Telstra) started playing up in the area, so we are relying on wi-fi. It isn’t like in Sydney where you can just call someone in to come and fix it. We are very isolated,’ he said.
‘Our aim is to provide a venue where the miners can relax and have a laugh when knocking back a few drinks.’
Down the road, the Glengarry Hilton is nothing like its counterpart in Sydney sharing the same famous last name – with backpacker accommodation on site, it is often full of an eclectic mix of people.
The nearby Sheepyard Inn is located approximately 70km west of Lightning Ridge. Pool is free for patrons and good times are always had in this truly unique bush pub.
But don’t expect marble floors, fancy urinals, poker machines or even a TAB – these establishments are old school in every sense of the world, with decade old bar stools and tables the norm.
‘It is a great lifestyle, everyone tends to get on,’ Bruen said. ‘I’ve been here a few years now, I’m 54 now, I reckon I’ll hang around with my wife for a while yet.
‘I just can’t see myself anywhere else.’
Locals having a yarn and enjoying a few beers – the pubs (pictured) are also dog friendly, unlike most watering holes in major Australian capital cities
Locals of all ages (pictured) bonding over one of man’s best friends – beer – the dress code is casual, with beers served by the bottle
The smoking section was clearly defined by this sign (pictured) which points eat food isn’t to be eaten within four metres of those puffing on a cigarette
This local (pictured) was happy to pose for a photograph, but names are mere details – if visitors are friendly, they won’t encounter any problems
Another local (pictured) also was fine to be photographed – the locals tend to be friendly, if you buy them a beer and ask the right questions