The Iconic Australian Pubs In Every Town

Whether it’s a cosy corner pub or a grand historic hotel, we certainly have some epic watering holes across the country.

There’s not much that is as typically Australian as downing a beer at a local pub. Every town has at least one and there are some you’ll find over and over again. The Royal, The Commercial, The Grand and The Railway, just to name a few.

So we asked you, our readers, what the most iconic pubs you’ll find in every Australian town are. Here are the results.

The Royal

Royal Hotel, Eromanga, Qld

The Old Royal Hotel in Eromanga was built in 1885 and is one of the original buildings in the town. Eromanga is actually famous for being the furthest town from the ocean in Australia.

Exterior shot of the Royal Hotel Eromanga — Eromanga is famous for being the furthest town from the ocean in Australia.

Craig’s Royal Hotel, Ballarat, Vic

In the heart of Ballarat, Craig’s Royal Hotel is a legendary Australian gold-rush-era grand hotel . Built in 1862 on the site of Bath’s Hotel, Ballarat’s first officially licensed pub, Craig’s has been a goldfield icon since Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, slept in its ornately decorated rooms in 1867 and Dame Nellie Melba famously sang from its balcony in 1908.

Host to poets, princes and prime ministers over its 160-year history, the hotel is a true icon of the Victorian period.

The Royal Richmond Hotel, NSW

A local’s favourite for more than 170 years, the iconic Royal Richmond Hotel is keeping its much-loved heritage feel , while adding exciting new features and spaces for locals and visitors to the beautiful New South Wales town of Richmond to enjoy, day and night.

The Royal Richmond Hotel has been a local’s favourite for more than 170 years. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Royal Hotel, Mendooran, NSW

The family-friendly Royal Hotel in Mendooran is located on the corner of the main street – you can’t miss it! Let the history of the pub engulf you as you relax in the beer garden with a cool drink.

Exterior of Mendooran Royal Hotel — The Royal Hotel in Mendooran is a family favourite.

Royal Oak Hotel Penola, South Australia

The Royal Oak is situated on the main street of Penola, in the heart of the Coonawarra region. The Royal Oak Hotel actually gave the town of Penola its name. In the language of the local Pinchunga Aboriginal people, ‘Pena’ meant wood and ‘oorla’ meant house. Consequently, as an early translator recorded: ‘Penola: Pena oorla; wooden house, referring evidently to the original weatherboard “Royal Oak" public house.’

Exterior of the Royal Oak — The Royal Oak Hotel gave the town Penola its name.

Royal Hotel, Hill End NSW

Royal Hotel is a cosy take on a traditional and historic hotel bar bistro. A warm and casual hotel bar and bistro located in the centre of Hill End, experiencing the Royal Hotel Hill End is like taking a step back in time. It has been a must-see site in Hill End since opening to the public in 1872.

Exterior of the Royal Hotel in Hill End — Experiencing the Royal Hotel Hill End is like taking a step back in time.

The Royal Hotel Harrisville, Qld

In 1875, The Royal Hotel Harrisville was originally established as the Harrisville Inn by Margaret Wholey Dunn, who was one of Australia’s first female licensees. The original hotel serviced the local cotton and beef industries. It was one of the region’s earliest hotels before burning down in 1916. After being rebuilt in 1920, the hotel has since been the source of many paranormal stories.

Exterior of the Royal Hotel Harrisville — The Royal Hotel Harrisville was one of the region’s earliest hotels before burning down in 1916.

The Commercial

Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel, Beechworth, Vic

Tanswell purchased the Commercial Hotel in 1870 and renamed it Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel . In 1873 he rebuilt the former humble timber pub into the grand, double-storey brick hotel you see now. The Tanswell family sold the Hotel in 1967 after almost a century in their ownership, but the name remained.

Exterior of Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel. — Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel is iconic to Beechworth.

The Commercial Boutique Hotel, Tenterfield, NSW

A unique experience in the High Country of Tenterfield, visitors will enjoy eating, drinking and just relaxing by the fire in The Commercial Boutique Hotel’s beautifully restored Art Deco building .

Whether you are escaping Brisbane on a weekend getaway or travelling the inland route from Brisbane to Sydney, they offer craft and mainstream beer on tap, and an extensive local and broader Australian wine list.

The bar at The Commercial Boutique Hotel — Relax by the fire at The Commercial Boutique Hotel.

The Commercial Hotel, Walcha, NSW

The Commercial Hotel in Walcha is a beautiful country hotel with a friendly atmosphere, where families and children are welcome. The restaurant is cosy with an open fire adding ambience and warmth for those chilly evenings in winter.

Exterior of the Commercial Hotel in Walcha — The Commercial Hotel in Walcha is the perfect cosy spot.

The Grand

Yarra Valley Grand Hotel, Yarra Glen, Vic

The Yarra Valley Grand Hotel was built in 1888 and is a landmark historical hotel located in the heart of the Yarra Valley. With great pub food, a kid’s playground and live entertainment every weekend, there is so much to love here.

The Yarra Valley Grand Hotel is a landmark historical hotel

The Grand Hotel Kookynie, WA

The Grand Hotel in Kookynie is a classic, iconic outback pub that provides accommodation and camping, food, fuel, and of course icy cold beer and refreshments.

The Grand Hotel in Kookynie exterior — The Grand Hotel in Kookynie is a classic, iconic outback pub.

The Railway

Railway Hotel, Castlemaine, Vic

The Railway Hotel is a long-standing, family-owned and operated pub located in the historic township of Castlemaine within the goldfields area in central Victoria. The pub dates back to the mid-1800s and is one of a few surviving hotels from the bustling gold boom era.

The exterior of the Railway Hotel Castlemaine. — The Railway Hotel in Castlemaine dates back to the mid-1800s.

Railway Hotel, South Melbourne, Vic

This historic gem has been in operation since 1856 and still holds plenty of the original charm. The Railway Hotel in South Melbourne is a perfect example of how a classic Australian Pub should be and sits proudly like a shrine to the original pubs that shaped Melbourne.

Exterior of the Railway Hotel in South Melbourne. — The Railway Hotel in South Melbourne still holds much of its original charm.

The Victoria

The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst, NSW

The Victoria Bathurst is an old pub , with old pub features, yet with a modern touch, that’s not hell-bent on being a smug hipster hangout. In either of the dining rooms and in the front bar, the walls are adorned with imagery conjured up by local artists.

Exterior of the Victoria in Bathurst. — The Victoria in Bathurst welcomes hipsters but not Karen’s. (Image: Nicola Bailey)

The Vic on the Park, Marrickville, NSW

This list wouldn’t be complete without Sydney’s favourite Vic – the Vic on the Park ! Located in the heart of Marrickville, The Vic is a home away from home for locals and their pups alike. The iconic inner west local will put classic pub food on your plate, so save a table on the deck for beers, or catch a gig by your favourite local band.

The Vic on the Park beer garden. — The Vic on the Park is an inner west icon.

Victoria Hotel, O’Halloran Hill, SA

Whether it’s a more relaxed and comfortable drink at any time of the week, the Victoria Hotel bar is just the place for you. With open fires, brilliant views and the friendliest staff around, you are guaranteed a good time at The Vic.

The Victoria's Grillhouse sign in O'Halloran Hill — The Victoria Hotel in O’Halloran Hill is full of friendly staff.

The Exchange

Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie, WA

The Exchange Hotel is Western Australia’s most iconic and photographed hotel, with walls that speak of a Gold Rush that put Kalgoorlie on the world stage. The Exchange is the town’s longest operating license, established in the early 1890s, and encompasses Paddy’s Restaurant and the Wild West Saloon.

The exterior of the Exchange Hotel in Kalgoorlie. — The Exchange Hotel in Kalgoorlie is Western Australia’s most iconic and photographed hotel.

Exchange Hotel, Gawler, SA

The Exchange Hotel in Gawler , South Australia was first licensed in 1868 and was originally a single-story building, whereas today, the original facade of The Exchange remains but with a fresh and modern hotel on the inside.

The Imperial

The Imperial Hotel, Ravenswood, QLD

Imperial Hotel in Ravenswood is a heritage-listed hotel in the Charters Towers Region of Queensland, Australia. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

The Imperial Hotel not only has an impressive exterior but also a magnificent red cedar public bar area with stained glass, and the dining room is set with antique tables, chairs and original silverware.

Exterior of the Imperial Hotel in Ravenswood — The Imperial Hotel in Ravenswood is heritage-listed.

The Imperial Hotel, Erskineville, NSW

The Imperial has been the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community in the inner west since the 80s and was revamped in 2018 with new owners and a new look. The Imperial Erskineville has always been Sydney’s mainstay of equality and inclusiveness. Unique in style, diverse in culture – home of self-expression, creative individualists, performance and drag. Celebration is in the DNA of this iconic space, and we’re all about making those special dates sing, dance and dazzle.

Exterior of the Imperial Erskineville, with drag queens out the front. — The Imperial in Erskineville has been iconic since Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

The Australian

The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Rocks, NSW

The Australian Heritage Hotel is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, located in The Rocks. Renowned for its quaint, heritage charm, the Australian Heritage Hotel holds the longest-running hotel license in Sydney.

With a passion for craft beers and renowned gourmet pizzas, crowd favourites are the Coat of Arms Pizza, made with emu and kangaroo, and the Saltwater Crocodile Pizza.

The exterior of the Australian Heritage Hotel — The Australian Heritage Hotel holds the longest-running hotel license in Sydney.

Australia Hotel Bar, Fremantle, WA

Established in 1899 the Australia Hotel in Fremantle‘s East End is one of Fremantle’s traditional Aussie pubs complete with a public bar, beer garden and accommodation.

Overlooking Fremantle harbour, enjoy your favourite beverage while the sun sets outside the window.

The exterior of the Australia Hotel Bar in Fremantle — Overlook Fremantle Harbour at the Australia Hotel Bar.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.