50 Aussie country pubs you have to visit

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Curated selection of points

Embark on the mother of all pub crawls to explore 50 of Australia’s best boozers.

From remote country watering holes to pubs within cooee of the major towns, you’ll never be caught short of a drop again.
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1
The Sir George

Jugiong, New South Wales, Australia

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Old Hume Highway, Jugiong, NSW, Australia, 2726
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Having originally been built in 1845 before being washed away by the flood waters of the Murrumbidgee River and then rebuilt in 1852, The Sir George in Jugiong knows a thing or two about reinvention. After two years’ worth of renovations, the pub reopened in 2016 boasting a road-trip worthy restaurant, boutique accommodation, an artisan bakery, convivial bar and plenty of buzz.
2
The Loaded Dog hotel

Tarago, New South Wales, Australia

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1 Wallace Street, Tarago, NSW, Australia, 2580
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Located 69 kilometres from Canberra in the town of Tarago and named for Henry Lawson’s celebrated story, The Loaded Dog (built in 1848) has earned a reputation for its live country music gigs staged on the third Saturday of the month, with a parade of big names appearing over the years.
3
The Family Hotel

30 Briscoe St, Tibooburra NSW 2880, Australia

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30 Briscoe St, Tibooburra, NSW, Australia, 2880
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Located in Corner Country (where the states of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet), The Family Hotel was built in 1882 but was put on the map in the 1960s when artists including Clifton Pugh and Russell Drysdale visited to paint the surrounding outback scenes and left works of art on the walls of the pub.
4
The Commercial Long ReachCommercial Hotel Longreach

102 Eagle St, Longreach QLD 4730, Australia

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102 Eagle St, Longreach, QLD, Australia, 4730
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Hosts a classic outdoor BBQ on Sunday nights, cooked by publican and local legend Roly Gooding, as well as loads of comfy accommodation. Also shirks a jukebox and TVs in favour of good old-fashioned yarns at the bar.
5
Nindigully Pub (The Gully)Nindigully Pub Queensland

Weengallon, Queensland, Australia

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Nindigully, QLD, Australia
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With a town population of six, you’d wonder where the other drinkers come from. But they do! Especially for New Year’s Eve. Queensland’s oldest hotel, on the banks of the Moonie River (fishing allowed), has been dealing with thirst since 1864. Check out the collection of donated Akubras and try to spot the police hat.
6
The Pub with No Beer HotelTaylors Arm Road

Taylors Arm, New South Wales, Australia

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Taylors Arm Road, New South Wales, Australia
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The stunningly scenic “back road” to Macksville passes this Aussie icon immortalised in the song that was written by Slim Dusty. Now it’s Murray Brewing Company’s base and those sweeping views are certainly worth toasting with a beer out on the veranda.
7
Tumbulgum TavernRiverside Drive

124/136 Riverside Dr, Tumbulgum NSW 2490, Australia

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Riverside Drive, Tumbulgum, New South Wales, Australia
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The “Tumby Pub” just off the highway on the banks of the Tweed River is a family pub. It was the first here, licensed in 1887 and now has a fine bistro that makes the most of the location.
8
Family Hotel

30 Briscoe St, Tibooburra NSW 2880, Australia

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New South Wales, Australia
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There’s a touch of bush culture in this circa 1883 pub way out in Corner Country. The walls inside are covered with priceless sketches. In 1960 Clifton Pugh befriended the publican and did some high-class graffiti for him. Other artists include Richard Armor, Russell Drysdale and Eric Minchen.
9
Robertson Inn

NSW, Southern Highlands

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Robertson, New South Wales, Australia
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Sometimes goes by the name “the Country Inn”, but don’t be fooled; it’s the same place. Ask about the story behind all the money pinned to ceiling at this circa 1887 NSW Southern Highlands inn. They’ll tell you – but our guess is that it’ll be for a price! This is also Babe territory, as if you could forget.
10
Harrigan's Irish PubsHunter Valley Gardens

Pokolbin, New South Wales, Australia

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New South Wales, Australia
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Who says pubs have to be heritage? These two new NSW hotels bring a touch of the Blarney to the Hunter and Taree regions. At Harrington Waters, don’t blame the drink; those really could be dolphins you’re seeing frolicking in the river.
11
The Newport2 Kalinya Street

New South Wales, Australia

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2, Kalinya Street, Newport, New South Wales, Australia, 2106
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Since being taken over by Justin Hemmes and given a ‘Merivale makeover’, this place looks a little different. Still with remnants of The Newport Arms you remember and love, downstairs, The Newport has turned into a food market of sorts, complete with burger shack, pizzeria, cafe and Japanese seafood offering.
12
Billinudgel Pub1 Wilfred Street

1 Wilfred St, Billinudgel NSW 2483, Australia

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1, Wilfred Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2483
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Near Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, this is the real deal – a traditional pub, beside the former rail track. Ma (short for Margaret) Ring was Australia’s oldest publican, having served here for 53 years until her death aged 101 in 1983. The place is still full of old things and pub-obilia.
13
Mount Warning Hotel

Mount Warning Hotel, 1497 Kyogle Rd, Uki NSW 2484, Australia

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Uki, New South Wales, Australia
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Most locals call it the “Uki Pub”. It’s out the back of Murwillumbah and you step back in time at this place – just a classic pub in the breathtaking foothills of Mount Warning
14
Hotel Gearin

1 Goldsmith Pl, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

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Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia
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Actor Jack Thompson is a true-blue Aussie bloke, so who better to rehabilitate this Art Deco beauty, built in the Blue Mountains in 1910? Quite rightly, the centrepiece of the hotel is its classic Australian “Long Bar”.
15
Binalong Hotel34 Fitzroy Street

34 Fitzroy St, Binalong NSW 2584, Australia

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34, Fitzroy Street, Binalong, New South Wales, Australia, 2584
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Lots of historical photos in the bar of this bushranger-country pub. But many people come just for the food. It’s been said that the chef here cooks the best steaks in Australia.
16
Silverton Hotel

12 Layard St, Silverton NSW 2880, Australia

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Layard Street, New South Wales, Australia
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See what has attracted so many producers and filmmakers to this remote spot beyond Broken Hill. The old pub’s walls are packed with photos taken during the various shoots, and most of the locals have had their moment of fame as walk-ons or extras.
17
Commercial Boutique Hotel102 Eagle Street

288 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Australia

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102, Eagle Street, Longreach, Queensland, Australia, 4730
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Hosts a classic outdoor BBQ on Sunday nights, cooked by publican and local legend Roly Gooding, as well as loads of comfy accommodation. Also shirks a jukebox and TVs in favour of good old-fashioned yarns at the bar.
18
Nindigully HotelNindigully Pub

35 klms north of, Thallon QLD 4497, Australia

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Queensland, Australia
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With a town population of six, you’d wonder where the other drinkers come from. But they do! Especially for New Year’s Eve. Queensland’s oldest hotel, on the banks of the Moonie River (fishing allowed), has been dealing with thirst since 1864.
19
Toompine Hotel

1 Stanley St, Quilpie QLD 4480, Australia

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Queensland, Australia
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You’ve heard of the pub with no beer. Well, this outfit in far southwest Qld bills itself as the “pub without a town”. There’s more dry outback humour at the bar. Drink with the opal miners and farmers or play nine holes on the sandy golf course.
20
The Criterion Hotel

150 Quay St, Rockhampton QLD 4700, Australia

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Quay Street, Rockhampton City, Queensland, Australia, 4700
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Queen Elizabeth II has stayed here, as well as the English cricket team, Rod Laver, Lew Hoad and Ken Rosewall. During WWII it was HQ for the generals planning Australia’s defence in the Pacific.Check the website for the fascinating story of the beginnings of this imposing place.
21
Babinda State Hotel

73 Munro St, Babinda QLD 4861, Australia

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Babinda, Queensland, Australia
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In Queensland’s far north, it would be hard to find a more beautifully restored Federation hotel, built by the Queensland Government in 1917. Grand colonial verandas are ideal for relaxing with a drink before the rainforest and mountain views.
22
Maryvale Crown Hotel

47 Taylor St, Maryvale QLD 4370, Australia

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Queensland, Australia
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Big signs on the highway heading towards the NSW border announce “Historic Hotel”. The Californian who built this a century ago believed (wrongly) the area was volcanic, so he chose steel and concrete. Recently revamped, it has new life in it, and really buzzes.
23
North Gregory Hotel

67 Elderslie St, Winton QLD 4735, Australia

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Winton, Queensland, Australia
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This pub is believed by most to be the place where Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda was first performed in public in 1895. Local sculptor Daphne Mayo has sand-etched the song’s chorus and a picture of the swagman on the hotel’s glass doors.
24
Blue Heeler HotelBlue Heeler Hotel and Motel

Kynuna QLD 4823, Australia

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Queensland, Australia
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Toast the hotel’s namesake, the legendary Australian working dog, and search for famous signatures on the walls. The “champagne window” immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem “Goldenwater” is here too. And Waltzing Matilda’s famous billabong is nearby.
25
Walkabout Creek Hotel

30 Wylde St, Mckinlay QLD 4823, Australia

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Kirby Street, Queensland, Australia
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Once called the Gidgee Bug, and after that the Federal, this is now one of Australia’s most famous watering holes. It’s Mick Dundee’s pub, having featured in all the Crocodile Dundee flicks. Sold soon after the first movie, the heritage-listed boozer still has that authentic Dundee feel to it.
26
The Birdsville HotelBirdsville Hotel

Adelaide St, Birdsville QLD 4482, Australia

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Queensland, Australia
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Everyone has heard of the Birdsville Track but not everyone gets out this far, near the Qld, SA and NT borders. If you do, check out this 1884-built pub that has seen it all. To fast track your visit, there’s an airstrip right out back of the pub.
27
Royal Hotel

Deacon St, Eromanga QLD 4480, Australia

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Queensland, Australia
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Want to get away from it all? Then this is the place, the pub – and town – that’s officially furthest from the sea in Australia. Appropriately, Eromanga means “hot, dusty plain”, and the pub was built on one in 1885 from locally made mud bricks.
28
The Daly Waters PubDaly Waters Pub

16 Stuart St, Daly Waters NT 0852, Australia

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Northern Territory, Australia
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This tiny iconic pub, the oldest in the Territory, has been welcoming travellers since 1893. Famous as a break for drovers moving cattle between Alice Springs and Darwin, it’s now also a bank, post office and police station. An absolute classic.
29
Humpty Doo HotelArnhem Highway

3 Arnhem Hwy, Humpty Doo NT 0836, Australia

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Arnhem Highway, Humpty Doo, Northern Territory, Australia
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The word from sports nut Matt Cleary, is that “dress rules at the Humpty Doo Hotel are pretty much ‘Must Wear Pants’. Has arguably the best Sunday Session in the Top End. And is near a good little golf course.” Also has the largest set of buffalo horns in Australia up on its wall. Good enough for us.
30
Adelaide River Inn

12 Dogherty St, Adelaide River NT 0846, Australia

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Stuart Highway, Adelaide River, Northern Territory, Australia, 0846
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With the best beer garden outside of Darwin, you’ll be dying for a drink by the time you reach this oasis on the banks of the Adelaide River. Not just a shrine to Charlie the Buffalo from Crocodile Dundee, you can also order up tasty buffalo steaks at the counter – and the Barra ‘n’ chips is also worth the drive.
31
Prairie HotelParachilna

Parachilna SA 5730, Australia

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Parachilna, South Australia, Australia
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Prairie Hotel, home of the famous Flinders Feral Food range. Short on people (local population is around seven) but big on hospitality, you may find yourself downing a coldie beside a film crew – the area has featured in many ads and films – or someone who’s driven in one of the utes parked out front.
32
Wallaroo Marina HotelWallaroo Marina Apartments & Hotel

11 Heritage Dr, Wallaroo SA 5556, Australia

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Wallaroo, South Australia, Australia
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This hotel on the Yorke Peninsula, where the ferry crosses to the Eyre Peninsula, is just what the locals ordered. The Coopers Ale House is especially popular and you can eat or drink with great views of the beach or cove. Better still, you can snack on the local seafood.
33
The Victory HotelVictory Hotel

Old Sellicks Hill Rd, Sellicks Hill SA 5174, Australia

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South Australia, Australia
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As well as beer, Th Victory Hotel is said to have one of SA’s best cellars. People who have heard about this place have heard that the food as well as the wine list are two very convincing reasons to visit this lovely beachside location.
34
Mungerannie Hotel

Birdsville Track, Mungerannie SA 5733, Australia

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South Australia, Australia
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Relax, you’re at the Mungerannie Hotel! Out here in the middle of nowhere, Phil’s your man. He can pull a beer, change a tyre or yarn about anything. And if you’ve come this far, be prepared to stay a while. The traffic light will give you time to decide.
35
William Creek Hotel

LOT 1 Oodnadatta Track, William Creek SA 5710, Australia

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South Australia, Australia
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Around 1000km northwest of Adelaide, the William Creek Hotel is pretty much the whole town. Part garage, part landing strip, part hotel, part campground but definitely all Australian, its walls and ceilings are covered in all manner of pub-obilia left by travellers.
36
Pub in the Paddock

250 St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana TAS 7216, Australia

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St Columba Falls Road, Tasmania, Australia, 7216
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The name gives a hint. This is a pub where you’d least expect one. “Come and see our Beer Drinking Pig” says a sign when you’re almost there. And yes, there is a pig. And yes, it drinks beer.
37
Mole Creek Hotel90 Pioneer Drive

90 Pioneer Dr, Mole Creek TAS 7304, Australia

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90, Pioneer Drive, Mole Creek, Tasmania, Australia, 7304
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What else would you expect to see on the walls of the public bar in the remote north of Tasmania? Tassie tigers, of course, cavorting around while you read the collection of newspaper clippings about tiger sightings in valley.
38
Man O'Ross Hotel35 Church Street

35 Church St, Ross TAS 7209, Australia

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35, Church Street, Ross, Tasmania, Australia, 7209
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Halfway between Hobart and Launceston, the circa 1835 Man O’Ross hotel is plonked right on the famous “Four Corners of Ross”. Built from local sandstone a year prior to the old Ross Bridge, it’s a classic Tasmanian heritage boozer in the old style.
39
Craig's Royal Hotel

10 Lydiard St S, Ballarat East VIC 3350, Australia

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Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia, 3350
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This was one of the first grand hotels in Victoria, born from the gold rush, so it’s hardly a “pub”. Established in 1853, its hospitality and service made it the venue for poets, princes and prime ministers.
40
Sawyers Arms Tavern

2 Noble St, Newtown VIC 3220, Australia

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Noble Street, Newtown (Greater Geelong), Victoria, Australia
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This place on the outskirts of Geelong has long been a popular meeting place for young country people. And it is now forging a reputation for its restaurant food in a country pub atmosphere.
41
The Flying HorseWarrnambool

10691 Princes Hwy, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia

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Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
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They’re saying this fun and funky spot is the best new thing for Warrnambool, and owner Matt Monk, a local ex-radio DJ, would agree. There’s a microbrewery on site, with the award-winning Dirty Angel so far the standout beer.
42
Pig and Whistle

365 Purves Rd, Main Ridge VIC 3928, Australia

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Victoria, Australia
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More like an English pub with a steak and seafood restaurant and a microbrewery. No chance of boredom here on the Mornington Peninsula with an extensive collection of anything and everything to do with pubs – including more than 100 different beers.
43
Yarra Glen Grand Hotel19 Bell Street

19 Bell St Service Rd, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia

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19, Bell Street, Yarra Glen, Victoria, Australia, 3775
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Actors Alison Whyte and Fred Whitlock used to own the Terminus Hotel in Abbotsford but a business tree-change saw them taking over this circa 1888 heritage-listed hotel in the Yarra Valley.
44
The StanleyStanley

6-12 Myrtleford-Stanley Rd, Stanley VIC 3747, Australia

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Stanley, Victoria, Australia
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Rustic, charming and draped with wisteria, this is northeast Victoria’s answer to Provence, just up the road from Beechworth. There are open fires to combat the chilly winter nights and a leafy garden for summer. All this and local handcrafted beers on tap.
45
Timboon HotelTimboon Hotel Motel

Timboon, VIC, Australia

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Timboon, Victoria, Australia
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This is the pub that almost died. Late in 2008 hundreds of people joined a Facebook campaign to save the cute century-old pub north of Port Campbell when it closed unexpectedly. Good news is, the beer is flowing again.
46
Palace HotelPalace Hotel Kalgoorlie

137 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430, Australia

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Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
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Before he was US President, Herbert Hoover was a regular guest of this grand gold rush hotel. His mirror and a poem he wrote to the barmaid he loved remains. Meanwhile, the vibe of this mining town lives on.
47
Freemasons HotelDurlacher Street

79 Marine Terrace, Geraldton WA 6530, Australia

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Durlacher Street, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
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“The Freo”, with its iconic spire, is an institution. Popular with everyone – surfers, fishermen, miners and visitors – there are 16 beers on tap and excellent seafood to be had.
48
Caves House

18 Yallingup Beach Rd, Yallingup WA 6282, Australia

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Western Australia, Australia
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The Long Bar of this renovated heritage-listed hotel near Margaret River somehow manages to blend Art Deco with surf-chic. The classic polished bar pays homage to the local long board surfers.
49
Dwellingup Community Hotel

Newton St, Dwellingup WA 6213, Australia

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Dwellingup, Western Australia, Australia
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After this timber-cutters’ pub deep in jarrah forests 100km south of Perth was the only building to survive the town’s devastating bushfire in 1961, it was bought by the community, and remains the only community-owned pub in WA.
50
Whim Creek Pub

LOT 58 N W Coastal Hwy, Whim Creek WA 6718, Australia

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Western Australia, Australia
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In the Pilbara region, northwest of WA, this century-old shocking pink corrugated iron pub has survived cyclones, white ants and much more. Once it even had a camel that loved drinking beer, and a python that lived in the rafters and nicked food. Excellent Barra Burgers too.

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