Tasmania. The Apple Isle. Or, if you’re 150 years old, Van Diemen’s Land. It’s a place known for its natural beauty, bountiful produce, and laid back locals. And, of course, the state is full of magnificent pubs.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, fill up on food, or beer, then you’re going to need the best country pubs in Tasmania. For this one, we’ve steered clear of Hobart and Launceston and covered all of the pubs in between.
Here are the best country pubs in Tasmania.
The Pub In The Paddock
Pyengana
The Pub in the Paddock has been licenced since 1880, making it one of the oldest pubs in Australia. It’s famous for a couple of reasons, one; it’s literally in the middle of a paddock, and two; it has its own resident beer-drinking pig, Priscilla. Pyengana is home for The Pub in the Paddock and has seen many Tasmanians and those from elsewhere through its very old doors. The pub has a restaurant, and accommodation available.
Priscilla the ‘beer drinking pig’ is a major drawcard for the pub, with travellers coming from all around to give Priscilla a “specially water-down beer” and watch on in amazement as she downs it in record time.
For more on The Pub In The Paddock, head to its website.
Great Lake Hotel
Miena
Situated in the heart of Tasmania’s central highlands, the Great Lake Hotel well and truly holds it place on any discussion about the best pubs in Tasmania. We could start off by saying what the pub is near, but it’s not really near anywhere, other than Great Lake that is. The pub provides meals, accommodation, fuel, and supplies for those on an adventure through the guts of Tasmania.
The land surrounding the Great Lake Hotel will soon be developed into what will become known as Miena Village, and the hotel will be relocated to take in some more impressive views of the lake. Thankfully, it’ll still be known as the Great Lake Hotel.
For more on the Great Lake Hotel, head to its website.
The Bischoff Hotel
Waratah
Waratah’s Bischoff Hotel was built in 1909 by Boags Brewery for licensees Ikin, and Harold Illingworth. More than 100 years later, The Bischoff Hotel is still serving up delicious beer, food, and accommodation just as it did to tin miners and those travelling through Waratah in the 20th century.
The bistro menu features a cavalcade of pub classics including fisherman’s basket, chicken parmigiana, and many more dishes that’ll fill that hole.
For more on The Bischoff Hotel, head to its website.
The Royal Oak
Launceston
If you’re after the best pubs in Tasmania and you want a bit of history—actually that covers pretty much all of these pubs—then The Royal Oak in Launceston has you covered, it’s been pouring the good stuff since the 1850s. Known for its live music and great food, The Royal Oak has everything you need to kick off a great stay in Tasmania’s second-largest city.
For more on The Royal Oak, head to its website.
Clarendon Arms Hotel
Evandale
Another history pub? Yes, you have definitely come to the right place. The Clarendon Arms Hotel in Evandale is more than 160 years old, having been established in 1847 with its beer garden walls constructed using convict labour. The pub is also somewhat notorious given that it’s the venue where Mark ‘Chopper’ Reader was drinking before he allegedly murdered bikie boss Sidney Collins.
These days you can find a range of local beers on tap, great food, and you can also hire out The Claredon Arms for a wedding.
For more on the Clarendon Arms Hotel, head to its website.
Rosevears Hotel
Rosevears
North of Launceston on the Tamar River you’ll find the Rosevears Hotel, a magnificent waterfront hotel. The Rosevears has accommodation with views overlooking the river, along with a restaurant that is serving up traditional pub fare, along with a great range of seafood.
For more on the Rosevears Hotel, head to its website.
The Ross Hotel (Man O’ Ross)
Ross
The Ross Hotel, or Man O’ Ross, can be found in Tasmania’s capital of scallop pies, Ross. The Ross Hotel was first opened back in 1835, and has recently been put under new management. The menu has great pub fare with mains such as the chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, or the beef & Guinness pie. Any pub that has a cheese & bacon cob loaf on the menu gets a tick from us.
For more on the Man O’ Ross Hotel, head to its website.
Bushrangers Hotel
Wynyard
Known as ‘the top pub’, the Bushrangers Hotel in Wynyard follows a theme of iconic Australian bushrangers. It’s even got a life-sized Ned Kelly statue. The pub’s menu features solid pub far, with an extensive burger menu as well. There is also on-site accommodation options, book here.
For more on Bushrangers Hotel, head to its website.
Hotel Bruny
Allonah
The only pub on Tasmania’s Bruny Island, Hotel Bruny is open 364 days a year. Given its location, it’s no surprise that Hotel Bruny’s menu is teaming with fresh local produce.
“Here at Hotel Bruny, we believe in real food, locally sourced and produced here in our kitchen…and yes everything goes through a rigorous taste-testing process”
Dave Gunton, Hotel Bruny owner.
You won’t find another pub in Australia with a selection of oysters like Hotel Bruny. The team serve oyster six ways, including nude, Kilpatrick, and even beer-battered and served with tartare. The hotel also has accommodation options, book here.
For more on Hotel Bruny, head to its website.
