Mt Dare Hotel no longer runs as a cattle station; the property was taken over by National Parks and Wildlife in 1984, when it then became the Witjira National Park. In 1989 the Department for Environment & Heritage (as it is now known) no longer needed the Homestead area and set it up as a lease for tourism. The only service available within the Witjira National Park and the Simpson Desert Conservation Park is at Mt Dare, now known as the Mt Dare Hotel.
David and Melissa Cox have been at Mt Dare since the 3rd
of May 2002, it was very run down. The Pub was the old Station kitchen
and was fast becoming derelict due to the dreaded termite that had been
left unchecked for years causing irreparable damage.
Dave and Mel started out as managers of the Mt Dare Homestead
as it was known then and have since purchased the business. The came
from Ringwood and Chirnside Park in Victoria to live in South
Australia's Outback.
Since that day back in May 2002 they have been married, built the
new Pub and now have 2 beautiful girls, Charlotte and Crystal-Anne.
It
was decided that to build a new Pub from the ground up was the only way
to go. An old machinery shed was the platform from which we started in
January 2004. It wasn’t until the 31st of July 2006 that we could
move in, just in a nick of time as the old Pub had already lost its
roof late the previous year and was only covered by a tarp.
Our ambition
was mocked by many that didn’t believe that the new Pub would have the
character and feel of the old one. Well after being in the new Pub for over 3 years now no one has said they are disappointed with what we have
done. With solid timber furniture, enough for 40 to sit at and the huge
mahogany bar most people are impressed, Mel displays her Paintings as well as over 100 Aboriginal
paintings and artwork on display, souvenirs and travel information is
also plentiful.
The next
projects are to complete an enclosed veranda to the front and side of
the Pub, relocate the power generators away from the Pub and increase
the fuel capacity to cater for the ever growing number of visitors. Our
accommodation will also get an overhaul with 3 more new cabins, new campground ammenities and maybe a kids playground are planed for
the next 2 years.
The Mt Dare Hotel and its staff are committed to helping travellers
enjoy their Outback experience by providing information and services in
a friendly and comfortable environment.
Don't miss out on the South Australian Outback's newest Hotel, come and say hello.
 Mt Dare's old Bar |
 Mt Dare's new Bar, Opened 30th July 06
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The Mt Dare Hotel is just 10km south of the SA/NT border and an easy 70 km north of the Dalhousie Thermal Springs. So even if you are heading (or comming from) south make the short detour to the Mt Dare Hotel via Eringa waterhole, you'll be glad you did. Our friendly staff are here to give you advice on just about anything, but most importantly we know this region and can help you experience as much of it as you can.
 The Tour DeKangaroo-Rally-August-06 |
 Leyland Brothers 40th anniversary tour |
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About Mt Dare Hotel 
