The Corroboree Tavern and Bark Hut Inn promises visitors an iconic experience in the Northern Territory. Acting as a roadhouse, restaurant, and traveller’s rest stop, it hosts a whole load of fun activities for you to get stuck into.
These days, the Bark Hut Inn gives a hat tip to the region’s fascinating past, where buffalo and crocodile hunting were rife. Today, it offers deluxe cabins, a campsite, and a rustic bar to enjoy a drink or two in.
The History of Corroboree Tavern and Bark Hut Inn
The Tavern and Inn was built by Terry Baldwin, the former owner of Annaburroo Station, in 1963. After arriving from New Zealand in 1950 on the hunt for adventure, Baldwin travelled through the outback in New South Wales. At the time, a devastating drought had wiped out thousands of sheep. The locals wouldn’t touch them, so Baldwin began to take the wool from their backs. This was quite the lucrative endeavour, as wool prices began to skyrocket after the Korean War.
Baldwin used this money to buy the Annaburroo Station, which was slap-bang in the centre of frontier country. Known for its crocodiles, Barramundi, and buffalo, the country was sparse.
He built the pub by hand, using ironwood and materials he could get his hands on in the local vicinity. Using the help of the local Aboriginal people, he created a strong bond with them. When Kakadu National Park was opened in the 1980s, the Arnhem Highway was built right outside the Inn. The highway was important in boosting tourism and bringing an influx of curious travellers with it.
Today, whether you’re a traveller, a fisherman, or a local resident, the Bark Hut Inn provides a whole host of things to do.
Things to do at Bark Hut Inn
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Memorabilia
The bar itself is full of old memorabilia, which keeps the eyes busy while enjoying a pint or two.
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Grab a Bite
The in-house restaurant serves up hearty Australian dishes seven days a week to keep you refuelled on your travels.
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Accommodation
The Inn offers a range of comfortable accommodation options, including deluxe cabins, fisherman cabins, and a campsite.
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Pet the Animals
The Bark Hut Inn is home to a range of furry and feathered friends, which all welcome guests with open arms (or paws).
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Take a Dip
The on-site pool is the perfect place to unwind after a long day driving. Cool off in the refreshing water, or simply relax around its vicinity with a drink in hand.
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Enjoy the Views
Walk up the hill outside the Bark Hut Inn and soak up the majestic views across the surrounding hills, mountains, and wetlands. The view is particularly good at sunset.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.