The Blue Heeler Hotel, KYNUNA, QLD

AT NIGHT, the skyline of Kynuna features a neon sign in the shape of man’s best friend.

And although neon signs usually make you think of cities, the surrounding wide open spaces will ensure that there’s no way you’ll be able to convince yourself that you’re anywhere else but in outback Queensland when you see the blue and pink neon shape of a dog beckoning you to a famous little pub, the Blue Heeler Hotel.

Come and drink to man’s best friend when you pull in to the historic little timber building which can trace its existence back to the 1880s. It was once a Cobb and Co post where the horses and coaches would rattle in to a dusty stop. Nowadays, it’s a favourite stopping spot with travellers who arrive in air-conditioned vehicles straight off the bitumen of the Matilda Highway. And whether you’re looking for a meal, fuel, accommodation (hotel or motel style) or just a taste of outback history you’ll find it at the Blue Heeler.

The hotel is named after the famous Australian working dog which was bred from a number of other breeds for the work it was required to do in harsh Australian conditions. And the first time you see the Blue Heeler Hotel’s souvenir range, you won’t be able to hold back a grin. There are doggy paw prints everywhere - on a broad range of clothing (even on knickers!) and caps. These souvenirs have been bought by people throughout Australia and overseas. That mutt certainly gets around!

The hotel saw some of the actual action that has become part of the “Waltzing Matilda” legend. Australia’s unofficial national song was sung at the hotel soon after it was penned by Banjo Paterson when he was staying at Dagworth Station not far away during the shearers’ strike. People can see a replica of the “champagne window” and learn the story of the gesture of good will that it represents.

The little pub turned 100 in 1989 and was renovated for the milestone, including a big fireplace built by the late R.M. Williams. But it has kept its outback charm and character. Inside, you’ll find the ceiling covered with surf T-shirts and the walls festooned with hundreds of signatures of people who have stopped by for a drink over the years. Most visitors enjoy picking out some of the more famous names - Banjo Paterson, Slim Dusty, Rolf Harris, Graham Connors, Ian McNamara, Roger Woodward, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, James Blundell, Troy Cassar-Daly and Adam Brand.