Review: Western Star Hotel & Motel in Windorah

When you roll into a tiny Outback town like Windorah, with just over 100 people, you don’t expect much when it comes to accommodation. In fact, the Western Star Hotel & Motel is the only real option in town if you’re after a bed for the night.

But, here’s the twist: what we found wasn’t just “good for the Outback,” it was genuinely impressive, and far exceeded our expectations. During our trip, Matt and I stayed for three nights at the Western Star.

What stood out was not only the accommodation but also the pub itself, a spot well worth a drink or a meal, even if you’re just passing through. In this review, I’ll share my honest take on the rooms, facilities, and overall experience, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you arrive in Windorah.

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Review: Western Star Hotel & Motel in Windorah

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Western Star Hotel & Motel in Windorah, and I would definitely stay there again. However, even if I camped off-grid or at the Caravan Park next time, I will still be visiting for drinks and a meal for their all-round country hospitality.

We made our booking directly over the phone, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the process was. The staff were warm and accommodating, even when I needed to adjust our dates, nothing was too much trouble.

When we first arrived, I’ll admit I was a little unsure about how the check-in worked. There’s no traditional reception desk like you’d expect at larger hotels. Instead, you simply head to the bar, where the staff handle everything from check-in to handing over your room keys.

It’s straightforward, no fuss, and very much in line with the laid-back Outback vibe.

To be honest, I usually keep my expectations low when it comes to remote or Outback accommodation. But the Western Star Hotel exceeded them all. From the ease of booking to the friendly service and surprisingly comfortable facilities, it felt like a real win and I was genuinely glad this option was available for our stay in Windorah.

Where is it located?

The Western Star Hotel hotel is conveniently located on the main street (please see map HERE). It’s straight across the road from the Fuel station and the Outback Shop grocery store.

There is limited parking available out the front, but accommodation parking is right outside your room. However, between the Tourist Information centre and the Caravan Park, you’re able to walk everywhere in Windorah.

What is the Accommodation like?

Bedrooms

There was a block of 4 or 5 motel rooms situated on the street behind the actual Pub.

The room available to us had a three-person capacity with a Queen & a single bed. The beds were clean, comfortable, and love it when there are extra pillows.

Kitchen

I try to eat out as much as I can, to try the local food. However, I do like to save a penny or two as well by bringing my own.

I was happy that the kitchen they had available, contained a Toaster and Kettle, but more so, with a Microwave. We tend to bring along a few frozen, pre-made dishes and a Microwave helps to reheat.

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Bathroom

With all the hiking and exploring I like to do, there is nothing I like more than coming home to a nice hot shower. The water pressure was also great, room for personal items on the sink and very clean.

It was perfect to come home to after walking around the Welford National Park and the Sand Dunes all day.

What Facilities are available?

Apart from the standard public Bar and the good ol’ country hospitality, we had everything we needed here.

The facilities include a Café/restaurant, beer garden, fire pit, and accommodation. However, when you book pub rooms, you do run the risk of noisy, sleepless nights.

Lucky for us, the rooms are located towards the back of the building, and noise wasn’t even an issue for us.

Tip – Fly’s and bugs can be a big issue when travelling through the Outback Queensland, or Central Australia. While, I didn’t experience this too much in Windorah, it can happen intermittently and especially during warmer weather. I find carrying a fly net and a wide-brim hat will help in supporting a tolerance them.

Car Parking

I do like big accommodation blocks, but I find it annoying when your car is so far away. So, when you leave things in the car, going back and forth to get them is inconvenient.

Lucky for us, the car parking for this motel was right outside the rooms and easy enough to pack and unpack the car.

The downside is, if you’re leaving early, you wake everyone else up in the block.

Things to do in Windorah

Windorah has so many things to see and is not just a stopover town. Check out some of these highlights we found:

• Windorah Solar Farm
• The Windorah Sand Hills ( Some of the deepest red sand around)

• Painted Water Tower
• Art installation walk
• Welford National Park
• Tourist Information Centre
• The Old Court House

The town of Windorah is pretty much your last stop before checking out what to do in Birdsville. Due to the distance between them, I highly recommend stopping for at least night night here.

However, we changed it up for the return journey and stopped at Quilpie, which is an increased distance away.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog post today on our review and information about the Western Star Hotel & Motel in Windorah. I hope you found what you were looking for.

If you’re still planning your road trip, please check out my other Outback Queensland Blog Posts to help with inspiration and planning.

• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• Best Things to see in Outback Queensland
• Risks of Night Driving in Outback Queensland
• How to Get to Rainbow Falls in the Blackdown Tablelands National Park
• Is Cobbold Gorge Worth Visiting & Things to do
• Is Porcupine Gorge National Park worth Visiting
• Best Carnarvon Gorge Walks & Sites in the National Park
• Things to do in Longreach!
• Best Things to do in Winton that are worth visiting!