Remote Dargo was thrust into the spotlight when it became central to a gripping murder mystery

It’s Victoria’s most remote town, but Dargo, its pub and colourful locals were thrust into the spotlight courtesy of the gripping investigation into missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

Beautiful Dargo, one of Victoria’s most remote towns, became the centre of the missing campers’ search. Picture: Jason Edwards

It boasts the title of Victoria’s most remote town.

But for a week in late November last year Dargo was the centre of one of the nation’s most high profile murder investigations.

Located 350km east of Melbourne in the state’s high country, the unpretentious town became an unlikely staging ground for a squad of elite detectives and forensic experts involved in the hunt for the remains of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay — as well as the huge media pack tracking every development in the case.

And the iconic Dargo Hotel, with an unmissable red tin roof, was at the heart of it all.

Steven Hall runs the iconic Dargo pub, and doesn’t mind a cold ale himself. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Dargo pub became the heart of the gripping missing campers’ investigation. Picture: Jason Edwards

Established in 1898, the historical hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Dargo High Plains and offers visitors a hearty country experience.

Publicans Steve and Helen Hall knew they were in for a week like no other when their phones rang off the hook after police announced they would commence a search for the remains of Mr Hill and Mrs Clay — just 24km north of the tiny town.

While the flurry of business was welcome after a gruelling 20 months of lost trade due to the pandemic, it wasn’t exactly what traders want Dargo to be known for.

“This story will be talked about for decades,” Mrs Hall said.

“Everyone always asks us about it now when they come in — tourists will ask at the bar about it all, wanting all the insider perspective.

“It was overwhelming to be at the centre of a national murder investigation because usually people come to us for happy times, nothing sombre like this.

“We are just glad in the end, police found what they came here to look for and the families can have some closure.”

Kelpie, Rum, was nonplussed by all the activity in town. Picture: Jason Edwards

Local Harry Hall operated the machinery that ultimately led to the grisly discovery of human remains on December 1. Picture: Jason Edwards

Dargo legend ‘Bullbar’ quenches his thirst, at the front of the town watering hole. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Hall family’s knowledge and experience in the high country became crucial to the investigation — even lending police earthmoving equipment to assist in the dig.

Son Harry Hall operated the machinery which ultimately led to the grisly discovery of human remains on December 1.

While happy to assist with one of Australia’s most talked about criminal investigations, humble hospitality is what the Hall family pride themselves on.

Publican Helen Hall says Dargo people are “down to earth” and the hotel offers “real and raw country hospitality”. Picture: Jason Edwards

The missing campers investigation will be talked about in Dargo for decades, locals say. Picture: Jason Edwards

Publican Steven Hall, Bullbar and Rum relax at the front of the Dargo Hotel. Picture: Jason Edwards

“We offer real and raw country hospitality,” Mrs Hall said.

“It is very down to earth here in Dargo. It is such a remote, small country area..

“We try to go beyond people’s expectations of what remote accommodation is. People don’t expect what they get in terms of hospitality and service. We have a very professional staff environment and I couldn’t be more proud of how they conduct themselves.”