Marree Hotel

The Marree Hotel is a historic outback hotel on Railway Terrace South in Marree, Far North South Australia, at the junction of the Oodnadatta Track and Birdsville Track. Established in 1883 to serve the Central Australia Railway, pastoral stations and Afghan cameleers, it remains a working hotel, pub and accommodation. It is notable as an iconic gateway stop for Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) travellers and for its association with outback mailman Tom Kruse.

Visitors can expect a classic single-storey outback pub with stone and corrugated-iron buildings, a front bar, bistro dining room, beer garden and motel-style accommodation. Inside are historic photographs, memorabilia related to the Old Ghan railway and Tom Kruse's Birdsville mail run. The setting is the small desert township of Marree surrounded by arid plains. Visitors can have meals and drinks, stay overnight, view heritage displays and use the hotel as a base for exploring the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks.

Built in 1883 as the Marree Hotel (originally serving the terminus of the Central Australia Railway at Hergott Springs, later renamed Marree), it served railway workers, pastoralists, Afghan cameleers and travellers. It is closely associated with the Old Ghan railway era and with legendary outback mail contractor Tom Kruse who operated the Birdsville mail run from Marree. The building reflects the development of Far North South Australia as a pastoral and transport hub.

An iconic outback meeting place and social hub for travellers, pastoral communities and visitors to the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks. It represents outback Australian pub culture and the multicultural heritage of the region, including Afghan cameleer history linked to the nearby Marree Mosque site, and remains a landmark for contemporary desert tourism.