Stay Longer at these Classic Victorian Country Pubs

Even better, you can rest assured that there’s a G’day Parks location near most of them, because to fully enjoy the region’s best classic pub fare and drink, why wouldn’t you stay a little longer?

Enjoy this list of the Top 5 Country Pubs in Victoria!

Whether you’re in the Grampians to discover new food or wine or just to escape the hustle of the city, this is one country pub you need to make time for.

Wedged into the iconic backdrop of the Dunkeld mountainside, the Royal Mail has earned a reputation for being one of the best country pubs in Australia.

Photo Credit: @royalmailhotel

With an impressive 30,000-bottle cellar, their fine dining restaurant Wickens regularly earns its share of coveted Chefs Hats and will become a life memory.

Executive Chef Robin Wickens places an emphasis on local produce, with multiple menu items sourced from the hotel’s impressive, 1.2-hectare kitchen garden. A seven-course degustation here is a must-do local experience!

Photo Credit: @royalmailhotel

Taking advantage of its location amongst the southern Gariwerd (Grampians National Park), the restaurant offers floor to ceiling vistas of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) and Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt).

For those looking for a more subtle approach to their regional gastronomy, sister restaurant Parker Street Project offers a more casual, à la carte dining experience on the terrace.

The Royal Mail also run kitchen garden tours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings from 10am, or for the wine buffs among us, cellar tours are conducted daily—just ask!

Book G'day Parks Ararat

The King Valley region is bursting with an abundance of adventure and unique places to explore. One of them is the Mountain View Hotel.

Set amongst beautifully established gardens and surrounded by Jessie’s Creek, you’ll struggle to find a spot here that doesn’t recall memories of a spectacular botanic picnic. Even the fairy lights that illuminate the garden at night are nothing short of sublime.

Photo Credit: @mvhwhitfield

It isn’t just the feel-good ambiance of the beer garden that the ‘MV’ hotel has going for it, with good food and wine central to everything they do.

European-inspired, you’ll find plenty of Mediterranean influence here, with Pizzini and Dal Zotto Winery just a seven-minute walk away, reflecting an Italian heritage that comes alive in the Valley.

Photo Credit: @mvhwhitfield

If it’s still on the ever-changing seasonal menu, try the gin-cured kingfish with a glass of Pizzini’s famous Pink Prosecco! Superb.

BOOK MYRTLEFORD HOLIDAY PARK

With stunning views of the ocean and a huge deck to soak up the sunshine, it’s easy to see Wye (pun intended) this gastro pub has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Photo Credit: @wyebeachhotel

A great place for travellers to stop in along the Great Ocean Road, the Wye Beach Hotel is your quintessential Aussie pub pit stop—pub classics, amazing beach views, and a relaxed, shaded environment to enjoy the cool drinks!

Photo Credit: @cockiesbeer

With a focus on providing food and beverages from as many local producers as possible, the Wye Beach Hotel is all about being relaxed, family-friendly, and unique, just like its position above Wye River’s idyllic beachfront!

BOOK APOLLO BAY HOLIDAY PARK

Known as the Spa and Wellness capital of Australia, your next Daylesford escape needs to include the town’s oldest pub, The Farmer’s Arms. Built in 1857, this greenery-clad red brick building is hard to miss!

Photo Credit: @farmersarmsdaylesfordhotel

Once your foot is past the doorstep, within these walls you can expect a sophisticated, contemporary menu with enough for the fussiest of palates. An excellent wine and craft beer list is also a stand-out when it comes to your rehydration needs.

Photo Credit: @farmersarmsdaylesfordhotel

With cosy country charm oozing from every nook of this building, The Farmer’s Arms has built a reputation as one of the most iconic, best pubs in Victoria with a lot of heart.

Don't sleep on this Daylesford gem!

BOOK EUREKA STOCKADE HOLIDAY PARK

If you’re Gippsland-bound on your next road trip, be sure to add the Tinamba Hotel to your list of pubs to visit.

Priding themselves on their passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for great food and warm hospitality, this pub has reinvented their rooms into a world-class, picture-perfect destination dining venue. 

Photo Credit: @tinambahotel

That said, the pub remains as popular as ever with long-term locals who still use it as their go-to watering hole to grab a comfortable bite and catch up with their friend group.

Built in 1870, owners Simon and Tania Johnson have owned the Tinamba since October 2020 and have continued the pub’s proud tradition of serving quality, locally sourced meals for lunch and dinner.

Photo Credit: @tinambahotel

Better yet, they were recently named ‘Best Regional Pub Restaurant’ at the 2021 Victorian AHA Awards for Excellence. What more can we say? Go and check it out!

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