Victoria’s great country pubs and their amazing histories
A few yarns have been spun over a cold one at these amazing country pubs. Check out our guide to some of Victoria’s best watering holes.
Outer East
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If you’re heading out on the road this summer, there’s no shortage of amazing country pubs across the state to drop into for a refreshing ale.
And if you’re looking for advice on where to head, Danny Chapman is your man.
His Facebook page, Pubs of Country Victoria, has more than 11,000 followers.
The Bacchus Marsh man started the page in 2021 to build memories with his now ex-partner, and has continued to visit amazing watering holes around the state, showcasing them on his page, and building a huge following.
“It’s blossomed into something I could have never imagined,” he said.
“I make zero money and in fact don’t even tell pubs I’m coming. I’m like a pub ninja.”
The page has become a space for locals to share their love for their local pub.
“Everyone has their favourite obviously but all country pubs are my favourite,” Mr Chapman said.
Pubs he has loved visiting include: “Royal hotel, Bacchus is one of my locals.
“Pig and Whistle in East Trentham serves character and amazing parma.
“The 1860 in Romsey has just reopened. Gold!
“Yarra Valley Grand Hotel reminds me of something big and impressive out of a movie like Casablanca.
“Briagolong Hotel is old, classic and 1000% country pub.
“Marlo Hotel in East Gippsland has a great location and friendly staff.
“Club Hotel in Orbost has been reopened by some tradies I’m told and it’s goin’ great guns.
“Mickey Bourkes in Koroit has alcoves and Irish bands practising in the beer garden.”
We also put the call out to our readers to get their recommendations.
Here are some of the best they nominated.
Did we miss yours? Tell us in the comments below.
Here’s cheers.
Fish Creek Hotel
No you’re not seeing things – that really is a giant fish atop this picturesque South Gippsland pub.
The 6m art installation, known as the Big Mullet, is just one attraction at this popular watering hole.
Known locally as Fishy Pub, the Fish Creek Hotel in South Gippsland has been a treasured part of the local community for decades.
Owned by Greg and Gabi Willcocks, the pub has been operating for 85 years,
Mr Willcocks said the Hotel was a magnificently imposing art deco building located in the heart of the artistic town of Fish Creek, population 858.
Construction of the pub started in 1939 after a fire destroyed the original timber structure after fires engulfed Victoria.
Within weeks of the fire plans were drawn up for the current hotel structure and despite building materials being of short supply in a country preparing for war, the pub was completed and opened in October of the same year.
Mr Willcocks said the hotel had many accommodation options, two large dining rooms, a well stocked bar and bottle shop and a beer garden for all seasons.
The hotel, located on the edge of Wilsons Promontory National Park, sees an influx of visitors to the area in peak periods.
“During winter time the Fishy Pub is a warm place for the local farming community to meet enjoy a meal, celebrate a birthday or catch up on the bush telegraph,” he said.
Mr Willcocks said the best pubs were about more than just good food and great experiences for their customers.
“Community is such an important foundation for a great hotel. The pub should be seen as the centre of the community. It has a role in supporting in local causes or being a place to meet during challenging times.”
The Werrimul Hotel
If you’re on the way to South Australia, why not drop into Victoria’s most outback pub, The Werrimul Hotel. Located between Mildura and Adelaide, a cool drink of wine or beer awaits travellers who venture off the Sturt Highway.
The Yarck Hotel
If you know where the fark is Yarck, then you’ve probably dropped in for a cold one at the Yarck Hotel.
Punters can enjoy a great country meal made with local produce at the revamped beloved watering hole.
The Dargo Hotel
For more than a century, this iconic High Country pub has been welcoming punters through the doors.
Offering “great country style tucker” and ice cold beers, there’s also lots of memorabilia to explore.
The landmark country pub opened its doors in 1898 and was originally a stop over town for people travelling to find gold in the state’s north.
The Cally Hotel
Our readers also loved The Cally Hotel in Warrnambool, a modern country pub with live music and accommodation.
The Wye Beach Hotel
Offering one of the best views from any pub in the country, a stop at The Wye Beach Hotel is a must for visitors to The Great Ocean Road.
Aireys Pub
Another Great Ocean Rd favourite, known for its live music, great food and awesome outdoor area.
The Invy Espy Inverloch
The Invy-Espy Inverloch has been described by one punter as “hands down the best pub in Gippsland”.
Dating back to 1896, the famous pub has a restaurant and function space, with an alfresco dining area and ocean views.
Hermitage Hotel – Harrow
Set on the banks of the Glenelg River, this historic pub was built in 1848 and is still welcoming visitors today.
Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat
The stunning Gold-rush era pub is a Ballarat icon, hosting many famous guests over its 160 year history.
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