If you’re travelling around the state of Victoria, 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 a pub. And why not get one at one of the best country pubs in Victoria?
We’ve set out to find the best country pubs in Victoria, 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.
Also Read: The Best Pubs In Ballarat
So, let’s get straight into it. These are the best country pubs in Victoria.
Cosmopolitan Hotel
Trentham
I’d say no best pubs list is complete without mentioning the Cosmopolitan Hotel, but that would be understating things. For mine, the Cosmo is probably the best pub in Victoria.
The historic hotel dates back to 1866, and managed to stay in good shape until a fire ravaged the original structure in 2005. The pub rose from the ashes and reopened in 2012.
The Cosmopolitan Hotel has a magnificent menu, the best beer garden in Victoria, and its roaring fires will keep you warm in a typical Trentham winter.
Healesville Hotel
Healesville
If you happen to be having a conversation about the best country pubs in Victoria, no doubt eventually you’ll end up having a yarn about the Healesville Hotel.
Situated in picturesque Healesville in the Yarra Valley, the Healesville Hotel dates back to the late 1800s and has many stories to tell. The hotel had a huge renovation and reopened in 2023.
There’s also accommodation on site, you can book a night in one of the seven rooms here.
Ocean View Hotel
Kilcunda
If you’re looking for the best view from a country pub in Victoria, you can’t go past the Ocean View Hotel in Kilcunda.
Looking out over Bass Strait, the Ocean View Hotel can be found right on Bass Highway and has been keeping the locals, and many holidaymakers lubricated for years.
When you’re there, try the La Pampas—Argentinian BBQ Chicken. It’s the chef’s recipe and is sure to keep you going for a while.
Find out more about the Ocean View Hotel here.
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Thoona Pub
Thoona
Thoona is a town of just 127 people (according to the 2016 Census) so the Thoona Pub holds a fair bit of significance when it comes to the town.
You’re definitely going to find a throwback at this country pub. “Country hospitality in a relaxed, laid back family-friendly environment” is what you can expect, alongside a selection of wines from nearby.
There’s plenty of grog on tap, and there’s also space behind the pub where you can set up camp either with your tent, campervan, or caravan.
Meals are available at lunch Tuesday to Sunday at 12pm until 2pm, and dinner is Tuesday to Saturday between 6pm and 8pm.
Find out more about the Thoona Pub here.
Patchewollock Hotel
Patchewollock
Another from the small town files, is definitely home to one of the best country pubs in Victoria.
The Patchewollock Hotel serves a population of just 133 and has been serving thirsty locals since it opened in 1940.
The pub is most famous for the ‘Wyperfield steak’, named after the nearby. The Wyperfield steak consists of a juice scotch fillet, which has two fried eggs thrown on top. Ideal.
Find out more about the Patechewollock Hotel here.
Buffalo Hotel
Myrtleford
You’ll find the Buffalo Hotel just off the Great Alpine Road on the way through the high country to Bright.
The pub has a recently renovated bistro, and friendly staff who are keen to get your hunger and thirst sorted as soon as possible.
Seniors get a free banana split apparently. Seems like as good a reason to take Nan as any.
Find out more about the Buffalo Hotel here.
More of the best country pubs in Victoria worth checking out:
- Fish Creek Hotel | Fish Creek
- Terminus Hotel | Forrest
- American Hotel | Echuca
- Laurel Hotel | Mitta Mitta
- Daylesford Hotel | Daylesford
- Royal Mail Hotel | Yea
- Greendale Pub | Greendale
- Grapes Hotel | Ballarat
- Rifle Brigade Hotel | Bendigo
- Traveller’s Rest Hotel | Thorpdale
- Bridge Hotel | Castlemaine
- Holgate Brewhouse | Woodend
- Hunt Club Hotel | Merrijig
- Aireys Pub | Aireys Inlet
- Commun Na Feine | Geelong
Image credit: Visit Victoria
