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.

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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.

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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.

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk. You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk, you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.