One of the most prominent locations in Walgett, on the corner of Fox and Wee Waa Streets has, it seems, always been associated with distributing beer. The Gateway Hotel and Bottle Shop is no longer a pub, but was once the location of the ‘first’ and ‘second’ Imperial Hotels.
You can’t miss the ‘big blue box’ on the corner near the statuesque war memorial, and it might look a little hard to find your way in. But if you’re looking to restock the fridge or esky while you’re on The Pub Route, we recommend you take a look inside. There’s a fantastic array of all kinds of drinks and snacks for the road, and the local staff are friendly and knowledgable.
Proprietor Michael, is obviously a little disappointed that he hasn’t been able to re-open the Fox Wine Bar since Covid closed his doors – he runs a few businesses in town and just can’t secure the staff – but it’s still worth a visit if you need to top up, and well worth remembering as the site of the grand old Imperial Hotel, versions one and two.
The Gateway is a Pub Stop along these adjoining Pub Routes. Discover more routes and pub history.
Pub Stories
Discover the history of the Imperial Hotel & The Pubs & Breweries of Walgett
Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel has been through several incarnations in its lifetime, always dominating the crucial location on the corner of Fox and Wee Waa Streets.
Pubs and Breweries of Walgett
While there is no substantive hotel currently operating in Walgett, the village on the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers is a major hub of pastoralism and cropping, as well as a place of great significance for Aboriginal people. During its history, there were at least eight separate hotels in Walgett at different times – and a brewery.