Taste of Ireland in the Queensland Highlands

Nestled in the fertile valley of Springsure, surrounded by rugged ranges and some of Central Queensland's most spectacular scenery, Dooleys Tavern is a welcoming country pub with a distinctly Irish flavour.

Located right in the centre of town, Dooleys offers travellers and riders a great place to stop, enjoy a hearty meal, have a cold drink and settle in for the night.

The Dooley family has been welcoming locals and travellers to their hotels for more than 75 years, building a reputation for warm hospitality and making visitors feel like part of the family.

Today, Dooleys Springsure combines that traditional country-pub atmosphere with modern motel accommodation, making it an ideal base for exploring the Central Highlands.

Springsure – Where the Outback Meets the Highlands

Springsure takes its name from the Springsure pastoral run, which was established in the early 1860s and named for the permanent springs found in the area.

The town sits beneath the impressive Mount Zamia and Virgin Rock, with the surrounding ranges creating a spectacular backdrop.

Springsure has long been an important service centre for the surrounding farming and pastoral communities, and today it provides an excellent base for travellers wanting to explore some of Central Queensland's great roads, national parks and natural attractions.

For motorcycle riders, the combination of open country roads, mountain scenery and plenty of destinations to explore makes Springsure a worthwhile stop on a Queensland touring adventure.

🍀 A Little Piece of Ireland in Queensland

Step inside Dooleys Bar & Bistro and you'll find yourself transported from Central Queensland to something resembling County Kilkenny.

The traditional Irish-pub atmosphere is complemented by hearty meals, cold drinks and a friendly, family-oriented environment.

The bistro serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with everything from steaks and schnitzels to burgers and the pub's popular sticky pork ribs.

There is also alfresco dining, a pool table, kids' playground, TAB, Keno and a drive-through bottle shop.

And for riders who want to make Springsure more than just a quick stop, Dooleys offers motel accommodation, including pet-friendly options and plenty of parking for trailers and larger vehicles.

Things to See & Do

🏍️ Explore the Central Highlands

Springsure is a great base for exploring the roads and landscapes of Central Queensland.

Head out through the surrounding farming country, follow the Dawson and Gregory Highway routes or make Springsure part of a longer Central Queensland touring loop.

The scenery changes dramatically as you leave town and head towards the surrounding ranges and national parks.

🌄 Minerva Hills National Park

Just outside Springsure, Minerva Hills National Park provides some spectacular views over the town and surrounding countryside.

The park's network of lookouts includes views towards the rugged peaks and valleys around Springsure, with Fred's Gorge providing one of the area's memorable viewpoints.

It's an easy way to add some spectacular scenery to your ride without travelling a long way from town.

🪨 Virgin Rock & Mount Zamia

Dominating the landscape around Springsure is Mount Zamia, with its distinctive Virgin Rock formation.

The mountain is an important local landmark and forms one of the defining features of the Springsure landscape.

🏞️ Lake Maraboon

Head north-west towards Lake Maraboon, one of Queensland's largest inland lakes.

The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and enjoying the Central Queensland countryside.

It's also a popular destination for anyone wanting to spend a little more time exploring the region.

🥾 Carnarvon Gorge

Springsure is also a great starting point for a trip towards the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge.

Located within Carnarvon National Park, the gorge is renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, walking tracks, diverse wildlife and Aboriginal rock art.

It's a destination worthy of spending a few days exploring, making Dooleys a handy stop before or after the journey.

🏚️ Old Rainworth Fort

History buffs should make the trip to Old Rainworth Fort, around 10 kilometres from Springsure.

Built in 1862, the stone fort originally served as a storehouse for Rainworth Station, a huge cattle property. It later became the town's first post office and a magistrate's office.

Today it provides a fascinating glimpse into the difficult conditions faced by early settlers in this part of Queensland.

🧱 Staircase Range Cutting

Another interesting piece of local history is the Staircase Range Cutting, constructed in 1905 by Chinese immigrants.

The cutting helped early wagon teams travelling through the region and remains a reminder of the people and work that helped connect Springsure with the wider Queensland interior.

Did You Know?

Springsure's name comes from the permanent springs that were found in the creek and gullies when Europeans first settled the district.

Those springs helped make the area attractive for pastoral settlement — and more than 160 years later, the town remains an important hub for travellers exploring Central Queensland.

📖 Add Dooleys Tavern to Your Great Aussie Pub Feed Passport

Whether Springsure is a destination in itself or a stop along a longer Queensland adventure, Dooleys Tavern deserves a place on your Great Aussie Pub Feed route.

Pull in, enjoy some genuine country hospitality, grab a hearty meal, explore the incredible scenery around Springsure and, of course, get your Great Aussie Pub Feed Passport stamped.

It's exactly the sort of country pub stop that the Great Aussie Pub Feed is all about — good food, good people, local history and another great road to explore.

Every pub has a story. Every ride creates a memory.

🏍️ Ride • Eat • Explore • Support