Victoria's best country pubs

1. Gold Mines Hotel - this historic Bendigo hotel has a history dating back to 1857 and represents the wealth of regional Victoria in the height of the goldrush. Finished in 1872, the national trust listed hotel sits on one and a half acres of sprawling historic gardens. Taken over last year by the owners of Kyneton's Source Dining, the menu now reflects a similar quality of Australian produce wrapped up in favourite gastropub style dishes from ribs to burgers and steamed buns to a kangaroo salad. 49-57 Marong Road, Golden Square VIC 3550, +61 3 5443 3004  
2. Avoca Hotel – a lovely jewel in the crown of the small country town of Avoca. Worth travelling the distance to try the fabulous food and drink offerings which hero local. The welcoming hosts and warm and inviting décor will have diners lingering till closing time. 115 High St, Avoca VIC 3467, +61 (03) 5465 3018 
3. Wye Beach Hotel – Great Ocean Road trippers looking for a place to stop a break will not be disappointed with his historic pub in the tiny town of Wye River. Nestled into the bush overlooking the river apart half way between Lorne and Apollo Bay. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer, sit on the deck and admire the view. A recent update includes a fancy new function centre. 19-21 Great Ocean Rd, Wye River VIC 3221, +61 (03) 5289 0240 
4. Railway Hotel – some of the best country pub grub going in a traditional old 1800s pub with nooks and crannies of interesting antiques and black and white prints of yesteryear. The 16 taps showcase local drops including Castlemaine’s own Shedshaker. 65 Gingell St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, +61 (03) 5472 1250 
5. Queenscliff Brewhouse – it’s all about the beer brewed onsite downstairs and the spirits upstairs. The beer garden with a QBH ale is perfect for a summer afternoon while the Whisky Bar & Restaurant offers more than 420 different types of whisky, gins, vodkas and rum. A special menu accompanies the drinks which can be consumed in the cosy bar or on the upstairs deck. 2 Gellibrand St, Queenscliff VIC 3225, +61  (03) 5258 1717 
6. Marlo Hotel – established in 1886, the hotel sits at the heart of the small town of Marlo and overlooks the estuaries and a huge expanse of garden perfect for footy, cricket or lazing with a glass of bubbles. The popular gathering spot offers everything one would expect on a pub menu, with a focus on local seafood and damper. 19 Argyle Parade, Marlo VIC 3888, +61 (03) 5154 8201 
7. Mountain View Hotel – owned by the Pizzini’s, one of several third-generation Italian vigneron families in the region, one would expect quality food and drink, and the venue does not disappoint. Hearty steaks, burgers and parmas with flair and a drinks menu to highlight all the local goodness. Onsite accommodation too. 4 King Valley Rd, Whitfield VIC 3733, +61 (03) 5729 8270 
8. Pig and Whistle – recently under new ownership the pub that has stood on this site since the mid seventies has had a spruce up and a new lease of life. Think bangers and mash, ploughman’s lunches, Cumberland sausage and spotted dick, all made on site – craft tap beers and local wines. The views, overlooking the bay, are reason enough to stop by. 365 Purves Road, Main Ridge VIC 3928, +61 (03) 5989 6130 
9. The Cosmopolitan Hotel – in the boutique town of Trentham lies this local treasure which offers visitors a taste of all things from the region. The menu includes all the pub favourites, while the Cellar & Store wine tasting room showcases the best of the Macedon Ranges and surrounds. The big shady garden is the spot for lingering on a warm afternoon. 21 High St, Trentham VIC 3458,+61 (03) 5424 1516 
10. Swiss Mountain Hotel - Located in Blampied, the Swiss Mountain Hotel was established in 1865 and is one of regional Victoria's oldest licensed hotels and the oldest weatherboard hotel in the State. The stylish and welcoming interiors make it easy to stay for a while. The menu offers simply, hearty goodness. 3454 Midland Hwy, Blampied VIC 3364, +61 (03) 5345 7006 
11. Inverleigh Hotel - For over 150 years, locals and visitors have been enjoying the country charm and warm, friendly service at the Inverleigh Hotel. Seasonal, local food can be enjoyed under the peppercorn trees in one of two beer gardens or within the warmth of the beautiful bluestone pub, built in 1856. 1 High St, Inverleigh VIC 3321, +61 (03) 5265 1220

Regional Victoria is teeming with traditional old country pubs with the charm of yesteryear, and the quality eating and drinking that diners have come to expect today in a state brimming with world-class producers.