Originally licensed in 1882 to C.J. Thompson, it was run by Charles Phipps in 1888. Around 1890, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Brown, also known as Mrs. Wilby-Wilby, took over operations. Lizzie was known for her fiery nature and had several sly grog offences to her name during this period. She also owned the Grawin Inn, although she sublet it.
The shanty was part of a chain of coach change stations along the Walgett to Goodooga Road, including the Barwon Inn, Cumborah (later known as the Federal), Grawin Inn, Wilby Wilby, and Glendon. Unlike today’s routes, Wilby Wilby was located well off the main road.
In 1906, Charles Phipps is recorded as being back in charge of Wilby Wilby. Explorers of the site have discovered relics like bottle dumps, bed knobs, and rusty artifacts. They also found the remnants of pylons from a walking bridge that once crossed the Narran River to the Barooma manager’s homestead, along with the remains of horse corrals. These relics were still visible as recently as 2003, providing a tangible link to the area’s colorful past and its role in the history of outback hospitality.
Pub Stories
Discover the history of the Pubs of Grawin
The Pubs of Grawin
Wherever there were changing stations, hotels soon followed, and the Wilby Wilby Hotel on the Narran, and the Grawin Hotel soon established themselves as watering holes, followed closely by the Comborah Hotel and the township of Cumborah.