News Best Country Pubs of the West

Just 90 minutes east of Melbourne, suburbia fades away into a verdant landscape, peppered with country pubs in every nook and cranny.

From your classic country watering hole to white tableclothed gastropubs, what they have in common is delivering a high-potency dose of Gippsland warmth and hospitality.

There’s nothing like a genuine country pub to match the backdrop of the Australian bush, among the foothills of the Baw Baw Ranges. The Noojee Hotel (or “The Nooj”) has a huge balcony overlooking scenic bushland and the river. The traditional pub meals are excellent, and the beer is cold. So popular is this country hotel, you can even get the bumper sticker as proof that you’ve been.

Just down the road is The Toolshed Bar (Noojee), a rustic setting to enjoy hearty pub mainstays. The hewn wooden walls are adorned with saws, hammers and rusted farming equipment, it’s as if you’re sitting in... well, a tool shed. Complete with enormous open fireplace, it’s cosy-country at its best. We can’t think of a pub that takes their parma menu more seriously.

You’ll find all the pub classics on the Yarragon Hotel’s menu, as well as a refreshing modern take on meals like a sticky glazed pork belly salad or red wine braised beef cheek with mushroom ragout. Housed in an intimate and ambient heritage building, your dining experience includes crisp white linen tablecloths, silverware and full table service from attentive waitstaff.

Travellers Rest Hotel (Thorpdale) offers all the pub favourites, complemented by some international influences, all served with warm country hospitality. Downstairs they are distilling their very own vodka (it is potato country after all). We recommend sampling the house-made vodka in an espresso martini.

There should be warnings about the level of charm the Robin Hood Inn (Drouin West) exudes. While the 1870s hotel offers a level of grandeur, with high ceilings and wood-paneled walls, the vibe is relaxed, with beer garden, simple bistro menu and plenty of live acts. Their live music is known to get punters up out of their seats.