The Marree Hotel isn’t just part of the outback, it is the outback. Sitting where the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks cross, the grand old pub has seen it all, from dust storms to explorers, film crews and travellers chasing red dirt horizons. Now, after 142 years, she’s getting a little facelift.
Work has started on rebuilding her verandah, the iron and timber structure that has wrapped the building since the 1880s is now being removed ready for restoration.
“It was just becoming unstable,” says Hotel Manager Simon Johnson.
“We’d been patching it over the years but it was never really done properly.”
Rather than stripping things away, the project is about keeping what’s original.
“All the iron has been taken down and has been sent to Adelaide. It’s being dipped and powder coated so we can use it again,” Simon says.
“We’re not putting in new stuff, we’re restoring it. There are a few timber braces that’ll need replacing, but we don’t want anything fake up there.”
“Everything is being done by the book to embrace her historical importance and integrity.”
Old photos from the pub’s early days have helped guide the design.
“It looks like it was white or cream back then, so we’re going back that way,” he says.
“It’s about getting her back to her magnificent glory.”
The upstairs verandah hasn’t been open for years, though it once linked directly to the accommodation.
“There are twelve rooms up there,” Simon says.
“When it’s finished, everyone will be able to enjoy it, not just guests.”
“The view from the balcony is pretty spectacular. You get the sunrise, the stars, the desert, everything great about the outback. It’ll be the perfect spot for a glass of wine or a cheese platter while you relax.”
Inside, the hotel’s personality and character is interesting.
“Previous publicans made museum rooms out of the dining areas,” Simon says.
“We’ve got the Tom Kruse Museum (no not that Tom Cruz) that tells the life story of the Birdsville Track legend and includes photographs, objects from the Kruse home, the McDouall Stuart Room with original lithographs, and a Lake Eyre Room covered in photos.”
“We’re not a pub flogging stubby holders at the bar. We are a proper traditional pub with extraordinary history.”
“We’re proper outback. We are the last stop from the bitumen roads,” Simon says.
“From here on, you’re on the dirt tracks. People come up here for their desert adventures.”
“What always surprises people is how massive this place is compared to most outback pubs. We were doing about 175 meals a night.”
“For me this restoration of the old verandah, is fantastic,” Simon says.
“To see the old girl being brought back properly, the way she deserves — that’s what it’s all about.”
Marree Hotel
Where: Lot 200, Railway Terrace, Marree
When: Monday to Sunday: 10am – late
For more information, click here.
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