Country pubs are Mamma’s latest foodie adventure. Most are over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the beautiful country and seaside towns of western Victoria offer plenty to love about a good country pub – hearty plates, crackling fireplaces, and genuine country hospitality. Here are a few of our favourites discovered along the journey.

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smeaton hotel, smeaton

The Smeaton Hotel is one of those classic pubs. Neing the oldest weatherboard pub in Victoria, it still feels classic. Spruced up, but also untouched. Still with every bit of its character.

petrel hotel, geelong west

You may have driven past this hotel not knowing the deliciousness that lay beyond its simple facade.

Well, Mamma is here to tell you that you need to stop, park, and come inside and enjoy one of the best pubs you will find

swiss mountain hotel, blampied

The Swiss Mountain Hotel in Blampied in Melbourne's West not only has a great name - it's a FAB pub! We get so excited with the scent of the crackling fireplace that warms up the welcoming rustic bar and bistro space. Rock walls and timber are the vibe here. It was renovated about 15 years ago but has kept all the character you want in a country pub. Oh, the Sunday roast is great here too!

the wallace hotel, wallace

The Wallace Hotel – Big family feels, bigger Sunday roasts and a beautiful backyard. Just off the Western Freeway, tucked into the country town of Wallace, sits a pub that’s absolutely worth the pit stop - or Mamma says perhaps even a day trip. And yes, you read that right - there’s an actual full size tram in one of the gardens! It’s a hit with little ones and makes for an iconic Sunday session

the blackwood hotel, blackwood

With a FRESH new look and menu The Blackwood Hotel continues to be a Mamma country pub fave. We have been coming here for years and the tired old girl did need some TLC…and that’s exactly what she got! She has been renewed with a new lease on life and a delicious menu with ALL your faves and more. It is a great family friendly pub too with a kids menu as well, with colouring in and pencils.

mount macedon hotel, macedon

The Mount Macedon Hotel is one of those pubs that ticks ALL the boxes and more! Situated on the picturesque Mount Macedon, this hotel has just the best vibe. The warm fire, the fantastic musician strumming next to the table, and one (or, maybe two) tasty red wines. The food was great, the kids were happy and Mamma is looking forward to many more visits. There’s a huge beer garden too to spend a long weekend lunch.

cosmopolitan hotel, trentham

Mamma loves the town of Trentham, and in particular The Cosmopolitan Hotel! You will be drawn to it’s original pub facade and the scent of wood fire. Inside is exactly what you want - cozy and rustic, with a warm fire place to create the perfect atmosphere. Oh and for warmer days there is a huge beer garden where you can spend the afternoon and watch the wood fired pizzas getting cooked.

aireys pub, aireys inlet

Well this place certainly has everything Mamma loves. It's such a cosy place in the winter with its fireplace and stone walls, and then on nice days there is the great outdoor deck and HUGE expanse of grass AND the old boat & sandpit for the kiddies to play too.

the farmers arms, creswick

Country pubs are becoming so much more than a spot to get a pot and parma these days and the Farmers Arms is no exception to the rule here.

Featured

August 15, 2026

portarlington grand hotel, portarlington

August 15, 2026

The historic Portarlington Grand Hotel on the Bellarine Peninsula in Melbourne's West has completed her full make over recently and it is STUNNING. This old girl has been transformed from an old tired institution to the jewel of Portarlington. The menu is full of favourites and it is sooo tasty - Portarlington is famous for its mussels so Mamma says you must try them! Such an amazing place to enjoy with friends and family.

August 15, 2026

April 25, 2026

the lost watering hole, lancefield

April 25, 2026

If you’re wanting something a little different for your next family lunch adventure, Lost Watering Hole in Lancefield is one to check out. Set right in the heart of town, this spacious brewery has an easy country charm that invites you to slow down, settle in and stay awhile. With little kids packs and an amazing menu for little ones, they'll be occupied for a while so you can enjoy your brews!

April 25, 2026

pig and whistle, trentham

April 25, 2026

You know Mamma has a soft spot for a classic country pub — and Pig and Whistle in Trentham is exactly that and more. Inside, it’s beautifully set up for families, with a pool table, thoughtful little play area with toys and colouring. Outside you'll find spacious beer garden is perfect for long, lazy lunches, complete with open fire pits, and a playground with swings and monkey bars. Perfection!

April 25, 2026

October 14, 2024

daylesford hotel, daylesford

October 14, 2024

The Daylesford Hotel, located in the heart of Daylesford recently had a revamp and oh wow it’s gorgeous. The guys from local institutions Cliffy’s and Beppe have created something very special here. The food is incredible - still with pub classics like a parma and fish n chips, but also duck pie, rabbit bisteeya and oysters - and there's a kids menu too. The pub has an old style appeal, but beautifully appointed, and so welcoming.

October 14, 2024

January 3, 2024

the cally hotel, warrnambool

January 3, 2024

Modern pub fare in the heart of Warrnambool - what’s not to love folks! The Cally Hotel is the place to go for when you are after that regional pub vibe. With friendly locals, front bar, and bistro - plus arcade room for the kids, you are sorted for a delicious lunch! The food is great and with all the faves. Parmas, burgers, steak, pastas and so much more. The perfect local pub for your next weekend outing - check it out folks!

January 3, 2024

August 15, 2022

royal mail hotel, birregurra

August 15, 2022

Having undergone a recent renovation, The Royal Mail Hotel is a popular pub in Birregurra and well worth the visit. The food is a notch above the usual pub fare but Mamma says never fear you will find a parma here plus all the usual kids faves too. There is a couple of dining spaces - a bistro area, the bar area and a lovely outdoor area too. The perfect lunch location for your weekend roadtrip!

August 15, 2022

October 21, 2015

wye beach hotel, wye river

October 21, 2015

The Wye Beach Hotel overlooks Wye River's gorgeous beach. Offering fantastic views year-round, it's the perfect place to stop for a drink and a bite to take in the most stunning setting. It's the usual pub fare with some fancier options and a separate kids menu offering the usual kiddo faves. A few different eating sections means there's plenty of room to grab a table both indoors and out.

October 21, 2015

Here is some more inspiration for when you are on the road!

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