Take a short detour off the famed Great Ocean Road and you’ll find yourself in the flourishing Mount Gambier, South Australia’s second-largest city that sits halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Smack bang in the middle of the Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier is frequented by those keen on discovering the spectacular natural landscapes the region is known for, such as the Blue Lake, the Umpherston Sinkhole and the many caves dotted around the once-volcanic area that are open to exploring.
Along with the spectacular natural attractions, you’ll find plenty of top-shelf country pubs. So during your visit to Mount Gambier stop into one after a long day of adventuring and get stuck into some pub grub with a couple of glasses of the amber nectar and enjoy the local hospitality.
Check out the best pubs in Mount Gambier below.
Federal Hotel
Drive down the main strip in Mount Gambier and you’ll pass the always chockers Federal Hotel. Drop into the sports bar and enjoy a wide selection of brews on tap while watching the big game on multiple screens or play a round of pool and have a yarn with the regulars.
There are TAB facilities for those who like a punt and if you get hungry, make your way into the adjacent bistro bar for pub favourites like fish and chips and chicken parmis.
Seniors get good discounts on selected items while there are everyday drink and meal specials, with Rump and Red Wednesdays popular with the after work crowd.
Find out more about the Federal Hotel here.
The Western Tavern
Whether you’re after a good feed, a few froths with the lads or a poke, The Western Tavern has you covered.
You’ll struggle to find better value than the daily Pint & Parmi offer that’ll set you back just $23.50, while Locals Night on a Tuesday gets you any pub classic on the menu for a redback.
The Western Tavern also hosts a weekly poker night and karaoke every second weekend where the locals really let loose.
Find out more about The Western Tavern here.
Mount Gambier Hotel
What separates this 19th-century public house from other pubs in the region is not only its size but the fantastic range of accommodation options available, with the Mount Gambier Hotel featuring 16 luxurious rooms reminiscent of boutique hotels you find in SA hotspots like McLaren Vale or the Adelaide Hills.
The Mount Gambier Hotel is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway with your favourite person. Along with the exquisite rooms, the kitchen serves Instagram-worthy meals using locally sourced ingredients with a mix of pub classics, grilled goodies and wood oven pizzas.
If just passing through, grab a cold pint in the front bar or take a seat outside under the front veranda and watch the world go by on a pleasant Saturday arvo.
Find out more about the Mount Gambier Hotel here.
Macs Hotel
Named after its first publican John MacDonald, Macs Hotel has been a favourite of locals since opening way back in 1864. Retaining its heritage exterior, inside you’ll find a modern fit-out that includes a garden bar, bistro, pokies room and accommodation for travellers who’ve had a few too many and need a place to rest their weary heads.
What keeps punters coming back is the range of great menu deals and drink specials on offer. Grab two tacos and a margarita on Taco Thursday for $26.90 or pop in Monday to Wednesday for $19.90 schnittys.
There’s also a cheap Happy Hour that runs Monday to Friday while the bar staff slings two for one cocktail on the weekend.
Find out more about Macs Hotel here.
The South Eastern Hotel
When you think about family-friendly pubs, The South Eastern Hotel is the type of establishment that ticks all the boxes.
There’s an enclosed play area where the kids can mess around while the adults sip on a few alcoholic beverages and feast on pub grub in the spacious bistro that comes with a self-serve salad bar. How Aussie.
Play a game of pool or watch whatever live sport is on the big screen in the front bar. And if you’re that way inclined, lose your money in the pokies room next door.
Find out more about The South Eastern Hotel here.
Jens Town Hall Hotel
If there’s one thing most of the pubs in Mount Gambier have in common, it’s the architecture. Jens Town Hall Hotel is another free house with a beautiful 19th-century design featuring a huge chandelier and a striking central staircase.
The large sports bar has TVs everywhere you look and leads to the newly established beer garden that holds 100 patrons.
Often hosting weddings and large functions, the food at Jens never fails to hit the spot. Known around town for its burgers, you can also chow down on delicious gastropub fare. The Yiros salad is our top pick.
Find out more about Jens Town Hall Hotel here.
The Park Hotel
The Park Hotel is one of three Mount Gambier venues owned by Matthews Hospitality. With over 80 years of experience and four generations behind the business, it’s fair to say they know what they’re doing when it comes to running a successful pub.
As far as what to expect from The Park Hotel, it falls somewhere between the heady luxury of the Mount Gambier Hotel and the country pub feel of The South Eastern, the two other Mount Gambier venues owned by Matthews Hospitality.
There’s a great 2 course lunch meal for twenty bones, a kid’s menu with all the favourites that doesn’t cost a fortune and a great selection of South Australian wines.
The Park Hotel also offers takeaway meals and has a bottle shop next door so you can grab a few cans to go with your dinner.
Find out more about The Park Hotel here.
South Australian Hotel
After undergoing an extensive year-long renovation throughout 2023, the South Australian Hotel has reopened to rave reviews from locals.
Built over 160 years ago, the sleek modern interior offsets the rustic facade of this delightful pub that offers an a la carte menu rivalling the top restaurants in Adelaide.
If it’s a romantic evening for the two you’re after, book a booth in The Blue Room, or if beers with the boys is more your scene, take a pew at the outdoor Sundeck that also includes an undercover area for those wet winter sessions.
Find out more about the South Australian Hotel here.
The Commercial Hotel
Live music, comedy nights and meat tray raffles are the norm at The Commercial Hotel.
This colonial pub acts as a bar, bistro and hotel, with cheap accommodation and a drive-through bottle shop that gets a workout on the weekend.
The food is above-average pub grub, with the watering hole’s selection of 14 different schnitzel toppings and sauces making it a must-visit for parmi lovers.
Find out more about The Commercial Hotel here.
