Five to Try: South Australia’s best country pubs

There’s nothing quite like a cold one and a hearty meal at a country pub. Here are four of the best in SA – and one just over the border.

The Uraidla Hotel.

There’s nothing quite like a cold one at a country pub. Here’s four of the best in SA – and one just over the border.

Hotel Augusta

Hotel Augusta, in Port Augusta. Picture: Charlie Dadds

Hotel Augusta, in Port Augusta. Picture: Charlie Dadds

Nestled on the edge of Port Augusta’s picturesque coastline, the Hotel Augusta is a go-to destination for anyone venturing to the Upper Spencer Gulf region.

The waterfront pub boasts scenic views of neighbouring mountain ranges and flora and is the perfect place for a meal with the family or if you’re a solo traveller.

The wagyu burger is a must for hungry travellers – filled to the brim with bacon, onion, tomato, lettuce and of course a juicy patty.

For city slickers, venturing away from favourite Adelaide pubs can be a daunting prospect but you’ll want to return to the Hotel Augusta for a pint of Stone & Wood in a heartbeat.

It’s well worth the four-hour drive.

1 Loudon Rd, Port Augusta West

Silverton Hotel

The Silverton Hotel.

Visiting Broken Hill? Be sure to take a drive out to satellite town Silverton, 25km northwest of the Silver City.

The red desert watering hole has featured in films such as Mad Max, A Town Like Alice and Razorback and if you’re thinking ‘if only these walls could talk’ – they do, almost.

The inside of the pub is decorated with behind-the-scenes photos and stills from the movies as well as snapshots of famous visitors like late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence and his bandmates.

While the menu’s rock star is the Silverton Hotel hotdog, the steak sandwich and rissoles with mash and peas are also up there with the best Aussie traditional pub grub.

12 Layard St, Silverton

Loxton Hotel

Loxton Community Hotel. Pics: Darren Morrison

Rounded ceilings reflecting the old tin Nissen huts built locally during the 1940s in this WWII soldier settlement town are all part of the Loxton pub’s charm.

This community-owned hotel has received an elegant makeover over the past five years and its bustling bistro, 1908 cafe and beer garden reflect its popularity.

South Australian produce features in meals ranging from traditional pub fare to more gourmet offerings, and you can find live music on weekends and a strong selection of Riverland wines.

Pick a more private booth inside to dine, relax at the attractive new outdoor tables or find a seat on the outside balcony with views down the town’s main street.

Inside the Loxton Community Hotel. Pics: Darren Morrison

45 East Terrace, Loxton

Uraidla Hotel

The Uraidla Hotel.

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, the Uraidla Hotel is a favourite with locals and a must-try for visitors.

The menu boasts all the classic dishes as well as flavours from the Orient, a to-die-for Reuben doorstop and plenty of Indigenous ingredients.

They also have their own brewery and bakery located a few doors down providing foodies with the perfect day out.

The building is overflowing with rustic charm. The light-filled dining area proves to be the perfect place to enjoy a summer’s day or watch a Hills storm roll in.

For wine lovers, the hotel’s dedicated wine room “The Tank” houses an expensive wine collection with drops from local, national and global producers.

1198 B26, Uraidla

Stanley Bridge Tavern

Beer garden at the Stanley Bridge Tavern.

Nestled under the tall leafy trees in Verdun is one of the Adelaide Hills’ best beer gardens and oldest pubs.

The delightful old Stanley Bridge Tavern first served bullock drivers on their way to Adelaide from the Mallee when it was built in 1853.

Now it has a modern, welcoming feel with its lovely fireplace in the front bar and the picturesque garden out the back.

This establishment has a long wine list boasting some of the hill’s finest drops and the food is top notch.

Its kitchen showcases South Australian ingredients, with its menu offering 18-hour wagyu brisket, handmade gnocchi or a slow-cooked duck leg.

41 Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Verdun