20 of Victoria’s best country pubs
A PUB with no beer might be lonesome and drear, according to the great Slim Dusty song.
But imagine a town with no pub.
The tiny community of Buchan is rallying to rebuild its pub, which was razed in a fire (we’ll reveal more about that in tomorrow’s Herald Sun Weekend liftout).
In the meantime, it got us to thinking about the great pubs we have on offer in country Victoria.
Here are some of our favourite places to bend an elbow (in no particular order).
What’s your favourite country pub in Victoria? Tell us below.
ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, Birregurra
WHILE it’s Dan Hunter’s Brae that’s put this sleepy little town on the world food map, man can’t live on degustations alone and that’s where the Royal Mail steps in. The beer is cold, the wines are local, the steaks excellent and the chips some of the best you’ll find in the state.
The fireplace at Aireys pub.
AIREYS PUB, Aireys Inlet
CRAFT beers and wines, including local, great food, staff always friendly, huge emphasis on children (bring their food out first and quickly, outdoor sandpit and play equipment, indoor playroom and huge field to run around on with circus trapeze) and amazing sunset in the evening. Pool table and TV’s tucked away from main bar. And just a chilled out relaxed atmosphere.
The historic Tanswells is a perfect winter warmer. Picture: Visions of Victoria
TANSWELLS COMMERCIAL HOTEL, Beechworth
GRAB a beer in the front bar of this gorgeous pub, which dates to 1853 and has a roaring fireplace in winter, delicious ciders and ales, and posh nosh such as crab tortellini and pork belly.
The infamous Ned Kelly gang reportedly drank here.
Inside the old stables at the Cosmopolitan Hotel Trentham.
THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL, Trentham
THIS classic pub has been given a facelift to cater to Trentham’s foodie scene. It is set in 0.4ha of gardens, and the original stables have been converted to a bar and elegant dining area.
Royal George Hotel in Kyneton.
ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL, Kyneton
RENOWNED for 16 kinds of craft beer and cider on tap, this attractive mid-19th century pub features a menu of spice pork neck, confit duck leg and an 18-hour slow roast lamb.
Sommelier Deniz Hardman is responsible for the largest wine cellar in the southern hemisphere at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld.
ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, Dunkeld.
WELL-priced pub grub by the open fire or a more refined dining experience in the hotel restaurant, the Royal Mail is a great option for visitors on their way to Halls Gap. Also boasts a beer garden for summer drinks, a cellar door across the road and accommodation options for anybody who decides to stay.
The Stump manager Brendan Lenehan in 2009.
CALEDONIAN INN HOTEL MOTEL (THE STUMP), Port Fairy
BUILT in 1844, The Stump, as it is known to locals, has avoided most concessions to modernity. There are 12 motel units, and decent pub grub (seafood, steaks and, yep, a chicken parmigiana), but the joy is the cosy inn-like atmosphere on a cool autumn evening.
The Stump is the oldest continuously licensed pub in Victoria.
A good traditional pub in high country.
CORRYONG COURTHOUSE HOTEL, Corryong
A LIST of country pubs is not complete without mention of the Corryong Courthouse Hotel, in the heart of Man from Snowy River country, as immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem. Enjoy a beer (nothing pretentious) with locals in the modern front bar, or take a seat at the back of the hotel in front of an original fireplace.
Thoona Pub near Lake Mokoan.
THOONA PUB, Thoona
THE Thoona Pub, in Victoria’s northeast, offers classic country pub hospitality. Customers can even park a motorhome in the block behind the pub.
The Healesville Hotel is just a skip, hop and jump out of town.
HEALESVILLE HOTEL,Healesville
THE beautiful old building has been restored, but, crucially, has lost none of its considerable charms. Most people go for the contemporary food from Yarra Valley producers and the owners’ harvest farm and kitchen garden.
The American Hotel in Creswick.
AMERICAN HOTEL, Creswick
WHETHER you’re after a bar snack during the footy or a game of pool, or a hearty pub meal, the American is worth a pit stop. As well as the bar and more formal (but family friendly) dining room it has an al fresco area and garden for the sunnier days. And 14 beer and cider taps. Bonus: kids can draw on the table cloths.
The Wandi pub is a top pit stop for cyclists in the Bright region.
WANDI PUB, Wandiligong
MANY a tourist has cycled the gently rising 5km road from Bright to Wandiligong, with one destination in mind: The Wandi pub. The iconic watering hole, officially named the Mountain View Hotel, is a classic country pub with traditional fare, a big beer garden, live music and old-style service.
The Shamrock in Bendigo is a picture of beauty.
HOTEL SHAMROCK, Bendigo
ARGUABLY the best looking pub in Victoria, Hotel Shamrock is an icon in Bendigo.
A meal at the Farmers Arms in Daylesford. 524820913 Picture-Nicole Cleary
FARMERS ARMS HOTEL, Daylesford
The Farmers Arms has all the warmth and cosiness of a country local; with meals fit for any fine dining restaurant. It has a lot of competition in Daylesford and surrounds - but this is definitely a standout.
A popular place for a pint in the Otways.
FORREST BREWING COMPANY, Forrest
NOT so much a pub as a microbrewery, but a great pit stop in the Otways.
Great for adults and kids.
FLYING BRICK CIDER COMPANY, Wallington
AGAIN, not strictly a pub, but this cider house is the perfect spot to while away a few relaxing hours and sample some of the Flying Bricks crisp and tasty ciders. Family friendly too! Take a seat on an upturned potato box while the kids wear themselves out rolling down the hill.
A local favourite - the Good Table in Castlemaine.
THE GOOD TABLE, Castlemaine
THE Good Table in Castlemaine has a glorious balcony where DJs spin vinyl and you can watch the sleepy town come to life at night as everyone returns from the big smoke.
Ocean View Hotel has views to die for. Picture: Facebook
OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, Kilcunda
THE Killy looks down from Kilcunda Beach along the surf to Cape Patterson. It would just about have to be the only pub with a view like that in Victoria.
Barney's Bistro Bar in Pomonal.
BARNEY’S BISTRO BAR, Pomonal
NESTLED at the foot of the Grampians, Barney’s has a nice country feel with plenty of room outdoors and good food.
Marlo hotel has picturesque views. Picture: Facebook
Source : Herald Sun Johanna Leggett and staff writers 25th June 2015
