When Jayd and Mitchell Ryall took over as managers of the Heartbreak Hotel in the Northern Territory last April, they vowed to look after truck drivers.
And it looks like it’s working, as in the past month several drivers have contacted Spy singing the praises of the pub which doubles as a roadhouse.
It is located along the Carpentaria Highway.
Spy spoke to Jayd to get an insight on how many truckies stop there on average weekly.
“During the busy and dry season it would be at least 10 a day and when rain is around during the wet season that drops to about four daily,” Jayd said.
She added that she couldn’t nominate a favourite food for drivers as what they ordered varied. “Some like steaks or chicken schnitzel and lots of other stuff.”
A lot of drivers also take advantage of the clean showers especially considering it is very hot most times in the area.
“They can park out front and there is a pull off place nearby,” Jayd said.
The establishment has three employees at the current time and is the only business there.
“We have lots of cattle stations in the vicinity,” she added.
Heartbreak Hotel is open between 6am and 11pm during busy times and from 8am until 8pm at other periods.
Driver Paul Williams told Spy it was a welcome stop for tired and hungry truckies.
“I was there the other day and loved it. The staff were friendly and the food tasty,” he said.
It also has motel style accommodation, a restaurant, a rustic outback bar, its own pool and a caravan park and camping area.