Where to Find the Best Country Pubs in New South Wales

If you’re travelling around the state of New South Wales, there’s no doubt at some point you’re going to need to make a stop for a rock-solid parma, or a pot of the coldest beer available—and for that, you’re going to need the best country pubs in NSW.

We’ve set out to find the best country pubs in New South Wales, a place for you to fill your belly, to have a chat with some locals that know what’s what, or just to take a load off. These country pubs are the meeting place of their town.

Here are the best country pubs in New South Wales.

Hotel Brunswick

Brunswick Heads
Byron Bay cops all the hype up in the Northern Rivers, but Brunswick Heads is an excellent spot, and the Hotel Brunswick is one of the best pubs in Australia.

Live music goes off at this pub, and the front beer garden is absolutely jam-packed when a big name hits town. But, if you’re just after a cold beer on a warm afternoon, Hotel Brunswick is the perfect spot to watch the sunset roll in.

There’s accommodation at the pub also, you can book it here.

Knickerbocker Hotel

Bathurst
Interestingly enough Bathurst exists outside of the rev-head froth-fest that is the Bathurst 1000.

The Knickerbocker Hotel is a classic pub right in the centre of town in a beautiful art deco building. The bistro menu has all the classics you’d expect like Mixed Grill, Chicken Parmigiana, Lambs Fry and Bacon, and some Chef’s Selection dishes which class it up a notch like Texas T-Bone, or the Crumbed Lamb Cutlets.

Book yourself a night at the Knickerbocker Hotel here.

Pretty Pine Hotel

Deniliquin
Pretty Pine doesn’t have many people living in it, but it definitely boasts one of the best pubs in New South Wales.

You’ll find the Pretty Pine Pub not far from Deniliquin. So, you can imagine a few beers pour there around the time of the Deni Ute Muster.

The pub opened in 1875 and was initially a Cobb & Co station, on the former Lond Paddock route which connected Echuca – Moama and Broken Hill. Lunch and dinner are served at the pub 7 days a week.

Pacific Hotel

Yamba
The Pacific Hotel in Yamba has views that are unrivalled anywhere in Australia, possibly even the world.

The deck looks over the ocean with an unspoiled view right out to where whales breach.

The restaurant serves up lunch from 12pm until 2:30pm, and dinner 6pm until 8:30pm, and you’ll find accommodation at the hotel as well. You can book here.

Burrawang Village Hotel

Burrawang
Set in the picturesque southern highlands, the Burrawang Hotel is a beautiful country pub with views over the surrounding area.

The restaurant menu features classic country pub fare like chicken parmigiana, meatloaf, roast of the day, and a range of pizzas.

The hotel also has spa suites, and standard hotel rooms so you don’t have to go too far from the book. Book here.

Bangalow Hotel

Bangalow
It’s hard to go past the northern rivers when you’re looking for a great pub, and the Bangalow Hotel is just another to add to your list.

With massive verandahs to watch the world go by, to a sports bar, pool tables and the obligatory TAB. Bangalow Hotel has a bit for everyone holidaying or stopping through the region.

Get stuck into the Newrybar Farm deconstructed passionfruit cheesecake on the dessert menu. The best way to polish off a good meal.

The Surveyor General Inn

Berrima
Built in 1834, The Surveyor General Inn is one of the best country pubs in NSW.

The pub was built by convict labour using local sandstone, rendered sandstone brick, with a shingle roof. The basement of the pub was used to hold convicts before the gaol was built in Berrima.

The original taproom is now the main bar of the pub, and features stone walls, an open fire, pressed metal ceilings, and its 80-year-old carved cedar bar.

The Bush Ranger’s Bistro is big enough to fit 160 people and serves local steaks, pub classics, burgers, desserts, kids meals, and a range of specials.

Rooms are available for rent at The Surveyor General Inn for $80 a night. Book here.

More of the best country pubs in New South Wales worth checking out:

• Royal Hotel | Queanbeyan
• Albion Hotel | Newcastle
• Jack Duggans Irish Pub | Bathurst
• Lennox Hotel | Lennox Head
• Sutton Forest Inn | Sutton Forest
• The Boat House Hotel | Patonga
• Snowy Vineyard & Microbrewery | Dalgety
• Empire Bay Tavern | Empire Bay
• Royal Hotel | Moree

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Image credit: Ben Tyers