Big Stubby

The Big Stubby celebrates the legendary NT Draught 'Darwin Stubby', a 2.27-litre beer bottle that became an icon of Northern Territory drinking culture. The Darwin Stubby was produced by Carlton & United Breweries, who faced stiff competition from Swan Breweries that commanded a larger market share in the NT beer market. The massive bottle - six times bigger than a standard 375ml stubby - captured the Territory's larger-than-life attitude. The Larrimah Hotel, where the Big Stubby resides, has its own rich history dating back to the early development of the region. The original pub was located in Birdum but was relocated to Larrimah in 1952 when the North Australia Railway terminus moved there. Larrimah itself was officially established in 1940 as the rail terminus, becoming an important Army transit camp during World War II. The town's WWII heritage is preserved in the Larrimah Museum, housed in the heritage-listed 1942 Telephone Repeater Station and Powerhouse buildings that served as a vital road-rail transhipment depot and military staging camp. The pink panther companions that sit alongside the Big Stubby have their own story: the original was a soft, lightweight mobile toy, but because it was easily portable and at risk of being stolen, it was replaced with the current heavier, permanent pink panther sculptures that include one seated with a beer and another piloting a gyrocopter. While Carlton & United Breweries ended regular production of NT Draught in 2015, they described it as one of their 'heritage beers' and have considered reviving it for special production runs.

More Fun Facts

• •The NT Draught 'Darwin Stubby' holds 2.27 litres (2270ml) - at least six times bigger than a standard Australian stubby (375ml)
• •The Big Stubby is accompanied by not one but two pink panther sculptures - one seated in a chair with a beer, another piloting a gyrocopter
• •The original pink panther was replaced because it was lightweight and kept getting stolen
• •Larrimah Hotel bills itself as 'The Highest Bar in the NT'
• •Carlton & United Breweries ended regular production of NT Draught in 2015 but considered it a 'heritage beer'
• •Larrimah was established in 1940 as the North Australia Railway terminus from Darwin
• •The town served as an important Army transit camp during World War II
• •The Larrimah Hotel was originally located in Birdum before being moved to Larrimah in 1952
• •Larrimah is 534km south of Darwin and 177km south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway
• •The Larrimah Museum occupies heritage-listed WWII buildings completed in 1942
• •Despite ending production, NT Draught remains a symbol of Territory culture and the Big Stubby keeps the legend alive

Visiting Tips

• 💡Stop at the Larrimah Hotel for refreshments, meals, and accommodation - it's known as 'The Highest Bar in the NT'
• 💡Don't miss photographing both pink panther sculptures - the seated one with a beer and the pilot in the gyrocopter
• 💡Visit the nearby Larrimah Museum to learn about the town's WWII history and heritage
• 💡Larrimah is a good fuel and rest stop when traveling the Stuart Highway between Katherine and Tennant Creek
• 💡The remote location makes it an authentic outback experience - bring supplies and plan accordingly
• 💡Ask locals about the famous 'pie lady' Paddy Moriarty mystery - Larrimah's most talked-about unsolved case
• 💡The town is tiny but full of character - take time to explore beyond just the Big Stubby
• 💡Check road conditions before traveling during wet season as the Stuart Highway can be affected by flooding