24 of the best country pubs in NSW

Outback NSW

Rabbit Trap Hotel

• Location: Albert
• Distance from Sydney: 481km (6hr 30min)

Why visit: From the street, the Rabbit Trap Hotel looks like something out of an old Western: corrugated-iron roof complete with a huge ornamental rabbit trap and locals milling out front. This family-friendly pub in NSW’s outback is great for an overnight stay (there are single, double and family rooms; powered sites and free camping), a peek into life in a small country town and all the pub classics.  

What’s nearby? If driving through Nyngan on your way out west, be sure to take stock of the Big Bogan, a 6m-tall statue of a stereotypical Aussie.  

Rabbit Trap Hotel, Albert - Credit: Andrew Barnes | Lachlan Shire Council

Tottenham Hotel 

• Location: Tottenham
• Distance from Sydney: 457km (6hr) 

Why visit: Known as ‘the soul of the centre’ of NSW, the Tottenham Hotel is a classic NSW corner pub, complete with a breezy wraparound verandah, a beer garden and classic pub menu. Come for the homemade lasagne or Sunday roast lunch, stay for a few rounds on the squash courts.  

What’s nearby? The above-mentioned Rabbit Trap Hotel is just a 15-minute drive away – drop in there for an entirely different, yet authentic experience.  

Tottenham Hotel, Tottenham - Credit: D Keane | Lachlan Shire council

The Nyngan Hotel 

• Location: Nyngan
• Distance from Sydney: 554km (6hr 30min) 

Why visit: After a significant restoration The Nyngan melds heritage charm with modern amenities. The food menu features pub favourites including a pizza menu, and each of the 12 boutique rooms is unique from one to the other, with pastel tones and handmade touches.  

What’s nearby? The town’s Big Bogan, of course!  

The Nyngan Hotel, Nyngan - Credit: The Nyngan Hotel

The Silverton Hotel   

• Location: Silverton
• Distance from Sydney: 1,168km (13hr 30min) 

Why visit: You may recognise The Silverton Hotel from one of the many films it’s featured in: Mission Impossible II, Mad Max 2 or The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Theatrics aside, at this outback establishment you’ll find hearty pub fare, cold beers and regular live music.  

What’s nearby? Mad Max 2 Museum is a must-visit and main attraction for fans, and others, visiting the outback.  

Silverton Hotel, Silverton

Country NSW 

Smokey Horse

• Location: Braidwood
• Distance from Sydney: 280km (3hr 30min) 

Why visit: A taste of the Himalayas, craft beer, generous community vibes and an all-are-welcome atmosphere are all part of a typical visit to the Smokey Horse. Order rounds of momos, thalis and curries, and sit back with live music in a sandstone-surrounded room.  

What’s nearby? Queanbeyan is a famed truffle region. If the season aligns, be sure to go on a truffle hunt with one of the region’s many operators such as Durran Durra Truffles.  

Smokey Horse, Braidwood - Credit: Field & Film | Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang

Hotel Canobolas 

• Location: Orange
• Distance from Sydney: 255km (3hr 40min) 

Why visit: Hotel Canobolas has a city-pub feel (contemporary, up-market menu) with the charm and intimacy of a country establishment. There’s a pizzeria and classic bistro, sunny outdoor courtyard, live music on Saturday nights and moody pendant lighting all around.  

What’s nearby? Orange is a treasure trove of activity: meander through the Orange Botanic Gardens, drop into the region’s many wineries and cellar doors, browse boutique shops such as Jumbled and rest your head at Art Deco-inspired stay Sona.  

Hotel Canobolas, Orange - Credit: Hotel Canobolas

The Argyle Inn 

• Location: Taralga
• Distance from Sydney: 237km (3hr 10min) 

Why visit: The Argyle Inn is a special place. Manor-like and cosy, the refurbished inn is even more enticing during the cooler months when the fires are lit and roaring. Wander through the produce garden out back, before settling on the terrace with a cheese plate and terrine, then head indoors for a French-style roast chicken dinner. 

What’s nearby? There's no better place in town for Sunday breakfast than the Inn: fresh-baked viennoiserie, housemade granola and herby omelettes await.  

The Argyle Inn, Taralga, Southern Tablelands

The Sir George 

• Location: Jugiong
• Distance from Sydney: 335km (3hr 35min) 

Why visit: Beloved as a pub to drop into when passing by, The Sir George is visit-worthy in its own right. Order a Friday night roast, make use of the boutique accommodation, or peruse the onsite stores including a potting shed and homewares shop.  

What’s nearby? Just a short drive from the pub is the Murrumburrah Mill Silo Art, a striking, silo-sized artwork depicting the mill’s history.  

The Sir George, Jugiong - Credit: The Sir George

The Rockley Pub 

• Location: Rockley
• Distance from Sydney: 220km (3hr 30min) 

Why visit: Situated in a tiny town a half-hour drive from Bathurst, The Rockley Pub, owned by famous Australian chef Matt Moran, is the quintessential country pub experience. Find a fireplace, a sprawling street-facing verandah, generous Sunday roasts, and pasta and pizza specials.  

What’s nearby? The ultimate Bathurst experience, the Repco Bathurst 1000 is an annual supercar race, set against Mount Panorama/Wahluu.   

The Rockley Pub, Rockley - Credit: The Rockley Pub

Graze at Willow Tree Inn 

• Location: Willow Tree
• Distance from Sydney: 340km (4hr)  

Why visit: An essential stop for anyone travelling to or from Tamworth and beyond, Graze at Willow Tree Inn and its accompanying three dining options are a cosy and welcoming break. Beef is dry-aged and locally sourced from Colly Creek, and beef pot pie is a signature dish.  

What’s nearby? Bob’s Shed in nearby Quirindi is an old-time, museum-like general store showcasing ’40s and ’50s memorabilia.  

Graze Restaurant at the Willow Tree Inn, Willow Tree

The Loaded Dog Hotel 

• Location: Tarago
• Distance from Sydney: 235km (2hr 40min) 

Why visit: Named after Henry Lawson’s famous story, The Loaded Dog Hotel is a popular spot to drop into by those heading to the snow or on an ambling country drive or motorbike journey. The bar is historic, the rissoles are a popular must-order and every third Sunday there’s live country music. 

What’s nearby? Nearby in Goulburn, the Big Merino looms large – a 15.2m-tall concrete ram built to celebrate the region’s wool history.  

The Loaded Dog Hotel, Tarago

South Coast 

The Scarborough Hotel

• Location: Scarborough
• Distance from Sydney: 71km (1hr 10min) 

Why visit: Head to The Scarborough Hotel for a relaxed meal with ocean views and whale watching between May and November. The cliff’s-edge, ocean-views-abound hotel is an icon of the region, with a stellar outdoor garden with tables and umbrellas to perch beneath. 

What’s nearby? A 20-minute drive inland will take you to Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, home of Darkes Cider. 

Views of the The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough

The Imperial at Clifton 

• Location: Clifton
• Distance from Sydney: 63km (1hr 15min)  

Why visit: The water’s so close you can taste it at The Imperial at Clifton. This iconic South Coast pub is rich with heritage charm via fireplaces and timber accents, has an all-day dining menu spanning egg soldiers to lobster rolls and fish and chips, and offers picnic hampers for al fresco grazing.  

What’s nearby? The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and well worth the steps. 

The Imperial at Clifton, Clifton - Credit: The Imperial at Clifton

Bud’s Tavern  

• Location: Huskisson
• Distance from Sydney: 185km (2hr 40min) 

Why visit: A tribute to the great Aussie pubs of the ’80s, Bud’s Tavern, with its cosy leather booths and yellow-tiled facade is one of the south’s best establishments. Throughout winter, there are Sunday roasts, but local seafood is prominent year-round and the family-owned-and-operated atmosphere permeates the space.  

What’s nearby? Jervis Bay’s Booderee National Park is a haven of white sand beaches with aqua blue water, beachside camping and abundant wildlife.  

Bud's Tavern, Huskisson - Credit: Bud's Tavern

North Coast

Eltham Hotel

• Location: Eltham
• Distance from Sydney: 763km (8hr 15min) 

Why visit: Sit beneath the palms and enjoy elevated classics at the Eltham Hotel, a short drive inland from Byron Bay. The menu pays particular attention to native ingredients and stars dishes such as savoury kangaroo mince toast, a crisp chicken schnitzel and sticky date pudding.  

What’s nearby? The drive through lush green hinterland is striking enough when heading to The Eltham, though Bangalow, a small village 15 minutes away, is an equally lovely place to stop for boutique shopping and cafes.  

Eltham Hotel, Eltham - Credit: Lismore City Council

Hotel Brunswick 

• Location: Brunswick Heads
• Distance from Sydney: 780km (8hr 23min) 

Why visit: Home of many newsworthy music gigs, Hotel Brunswick – or ‘The Bruns’ as it’s fondly known – brings together an incredible riverfront location with food by the Three Blue Ducks team and a solid gig guide. Pull up a chair in the iconic front courtyard for pizzas, an extensive seafood menu, four different burgers and more.  

What’s nearby? Consider a two-hour guided kayak tour of the river with eco-certified Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay.  

Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads - Credit: Joos Digital

Pacific Hotel Yamba 

• Location: Yamba
• Distance from Sydney: 675km (7hr 30min) 

Why visit: Set etched into the escarpment overlooking the ocean, the view from the Pacific Hotel Yamba is a stunner. And while views alone make this coastal gem worth a visit, the reasonably priced menu and waterfront accommodation suites are enough reason to stay.  

What’s nearby? Dining, but looking elsewhere for your night’s rest? Il Delfino is a modern Italian-inspired seaside inn of four self-serviced apartments and one private bungalow.  

Sunrise at Yamba Beach looking towards The Pacific Hotel, Yamba

Beach Hotel 

• Location: Byron Bay
• Distance from Sydney: 775km (8hr 20min) 

Why visit: ‘The Beachy’ has attracted locals and tourists alike since it first open its beachfront doors. Pull up a stool under the beer garden umbrellas and relish in the Main Beach views and live music gigs. The famous resort-style accommodation is right next door. 

What’s nearby? There’s an overwhelming amount to see, do and taste in Byron Bay, though a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse is never a bad idea.  

Beach Hotel Byron Bay, Byron Bay - Credit: Beach Hotel Byron Bay

The Hunter

The Oak Tighes Hill

• Location: Newcastle
• Distance from Sydney: 168km (2hr 10min) 

Why visit: Set back from the city in Tighes Hill, The Oak is truly a local’s spot – old timers, youth and everyone in-between mingle in this Art Deco-interiored, teak-walled establishment complete with a pool table and vinyl decks. The menu, perhaps unlike its aesthetic, is modern and surprising – find razor clam toast and steak tartare among pub favourites.  

What’s nearby? Whether its summer or winter, no trip to Newcastle is complete without a dip in the Merewether or Newcastle Ocean Baths. Shake off your swim with a coffee and pastry from Crumb or the humble Merewether Fresh Bake.  

The Oak Tighes Hill, Tighes Hill - Credit: Lydia Napoli

Wollombi Tavern 

• Location: Wollombi
• Distance from Sydney: 138km (1hr 50min) 

Why visit: A pitstop for motorcyclists and Hunter visitors, the Wollombi Tavern boasts brook views, a tree-surrounded balcony and garden area and huge fireplace. On weekends there’s woodfired pizza from the outdoor oven and there’s always a $5.50 lucky dip beer special.  

What’s nearby? The Hunter is stacked with world-class wineries and cellar doors. Spend the day, weekend or week perusing them at your own pace.  

Wollombi Tavern, Wollombi - Credit: Wollombi Tavern

Southern Highlands

Surveyor General Inn

• Location: Berrima
• Distance from Sydney: 130km (1hr 40min) 

Why visit: The Surveyor General Inn is Australia’s oldest, continuously licensed inn, built in 1834 from local sandstone. These days, the inn is a great place for typical pub fare on the verandah or in the beer garden. During your visit, be sure to take in the wall hangings and displays of memorabilia citing the long history of one of Australia’s greatest pubs.  

What’s nearby? Whether you’re dropping into the pub for a refreshment, or seeking a modern, fine-dining experience, book a table at Berrima’s Eschalot – an award-winning venue celebrating local ingredients and sustainable, open-fire cooking. 

The Surveyor General Inn, Berrima

Briars 

• Location: Burradoo
• Distance from Sydney: 126km (1hr 40min) 

Why visit: Nestled between Moss Vale and Bowral, Briars offers a classic, relaxed atmosphere across several different settings. Dine on woodfired pizzas in the beer garden, cocktails and snacks in the cosy Throsby's Bar, and locally sourced produce across a classic menu in Briars Bistro.  

What’s nearby? Corbett Gardens in Bowral is the stunning centrepiece of town, with more than 75,000 tulips in bloom during spring.  

Briars Inn, Burradoo - Credit: Briars Inn

The Milton Hotel 

• Location: Milton
• Distance from Sydney: 220km (3hr) 

Why visit: The Milton Hotel is an award-winning brewery tap house, pouring Dangerous Ales craft beers brewed onsite. While the food is more high-end bistro than typical pub fare, on Wednesday nights there’s a more casual menu of burgers. Whenever you dine, on the deck or in the lounge, kids will be busy with the downstairs outdoor play area.  

What’s nearby? Just outside of town in Woodstock, Woodstock Flower Farm offers a pick-your-own flowers experience.  

The Milton Hotel, Milton - Credit: The Milton Hotel

Central Coast

Budgewoi Hotel

• Location: Budgewoi
• Distance from Sydney: 120km (1hr 30min)

Why visit: The Budgewoi Hotel brings a slick pub experience to the Central Coast. On level one, Lago Cucina is a chic Italian trattoria offering slow-cooked ragu and crisp zucchini flowers. There’s also a terrazzo bar, pub classics and a truly massive screen for live sport watching.  

What’s nearby? Nearby Norah Head is home to a family-friendly beach, lighthouse and trail walks.   

Budgewoi Hotel, Budgewoi - Credit: Budgewoi Hotel