Discover the soul of outback Queensland at The Old Empire Café, a historic corner of Quilpie serving locals and travellers for nearly a century. Opening its doors in the 1920s as part of the grand Empire Theatre, the café helped define the early hospitality scene in Quilpie—a town built on the pioneering spirit and famous for its opal fields, resilient community, and unique outback events like the annual Birdsville Races and Kangaranga Do Street Party.

The Old Empire Café has adapted as the region changed, evolving from a classic milk bar to a thriving service station when the local cinema closed in the 1980s. Since then, it’s remained a steadfast “servo” in the heart of the bush, keeping locals fuelled and visitors fed through floods, flower blooms, and all the rhythms of outback life.

Today, this much-loved institution opens seven days a week from 6am to 6pm, offering more than just petrol for your journey—you’ll find hearty Aussie breakfasts all day, golden fried chicken, hot box meals, epic burgers, wraps, and slices, plus fresh-brewed coffee. With indoor and outdoor seating, The Old Empire Café welcomes everyone, whether you’re gearing up for a big day, winding down after a country event, or simply soaking in the spirit of Quilpie.

For up-to-date trading hours, menu specials, or updates about road closures and community happenings, check their Facebook page for daily news. Whether you’re an outback adventurer, a local worker, or a family road-tripping through full-bloom wildflower country, The Old Empire Café is your essential stop—steeped in local history and always a taste of Australia’s true heart.

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