The Dromedary Hotel owners refer to themselves as custodians and celebrate its history. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
With the announcement of further interest rate increases to hit Australian homeowners in the coming months, prudent Australians may be holding back on holiday spending for the time being.
It’s a valid approach to the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, but when the penny-pinching gets tiresome, it’s worth remembering that we live in Australia’s most touristed regional area, by both domestic and international visitors alike and that means that we don’t have to sacrifice getaways in exchange for financial security; we’ve got it all right here on our doorstep.
When it comes to destinations found at the end of a country road, I tend to look for a blend of history, charm, quirky characters and a full and frothy beer, and there is no better place to find that unique and perfectly balanced mix than at one of our state’s many historic pubs, and it just so happens that our region has some of the best in the country.
The historic Dromedary Hotel in Central Tilba offers its own brews on tap. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
The Dromedary Hotel, Tilba
Perched between Bermagui and Narooma in the picture-book town of Tilba, The Dromedary Hotel, affectionately known as The Drom, is a coastal classic with more than 130 years of history under its belt. Built in 1895 initially as a coffee palace before gaining its licence, this weatherboard beauty has evolved into a lively hub that is bursting with personality and heritage.
Its facade might speak of decades past, but inside you’ll find an energised pub culture where Sunday live music, regional craft beers including its own label The Tilba Brewing Company, and bottles of local rhubarb gin help craft a uniquely Tilba experience.
A stunning renovation has transformed this former pub into a luxury hotel. Photo: Tenele Conway.
A coastal road trip wouldn’t be complete without a beer garden. Photo: Supplied.
Steampacket Hotel, Nelligen
From the outside, the Steampacket Hotel looks like your average 1950s-era pub. Step inside, though, and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary country local.
When owners Ben and Kalina took the reins, the Steampacket had seen better days. Their vision was to transform it into a family-friendly, pet-welcoming, community-minded gastro-pub with sustainability at its core, and they did just that.
What awaits visitors now is a fun retro-inspired aesthetic with a striking vaulted bar, an eclectic blue dining room and a beer garden made for long summer afternoons.
Upstairs, five freshly upgraded bedrooms now offer a comfortable overnight stay for travellers and regular live music makes this a worthy road trip destination.
Entry and Hall at the Hotel Australasia. Photo: Tenele Conway.
Hotel Australasia, Eden
Once a traditional country pub, The Hotel Australasia on the far south coast of NSW has undergone an extensive and impressive renovation in recent years.
Originally built in 1904, the hotel now boasts luxury rooms that meld a contemporary finish with heritage charm. Each of the eight rooms has its own eclectic yet refined theme and colour scheme, and downstairs you’ll find that the original bar has morphed into a modern take on the classic Australian pub.
Wood-fired pizzas are whipped up in the backyard, oysters are dished up en masse and it’s all held together with friendly staff who can shake a mean cocktail.
The Sir George Jugiong. Photo: Tenele Conway.
The Sir George, Jugiong
Before the renovation of the Sir George in Jugiong, the town was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair, more suited to driving through than a final destination.
Now, a fresh coat of paint on the pub’s 1850s facade is just the teaser for what lies inside.
Exposed timber beams meet whitewashed walls, roaring fireplaces call for cosy country afternoons and an industrial chic vibe brings the hotel from the past right into the present day.
It’s not all about the decor either. The Sir George has a hybrid menu where you’ll find pub classics such as burgers and schnitzels, some unbelievable pizzas, and then an enticing array of upmarket dishes including 12-hour lamb shoulder, whole local trout and roast chicken with harissa, tabbouleh and green yoghurt.
A real bush pub experience at the Nerriga Hotel. Photo: Tenele Conway.
Nerriga Hotel, Nerriga
They don’t make them like the Nerriga Hotel anymore; in a town of less than 100 people, the pub is a community hub with a rustic charm rarely found these days.
Prop yourself up at the bar, and the locals will be quick to have a chat, and on its busiest days, you might even get invited to share a table in the overflowing dining room. Owners Phil and Sarah pride themselves on a simple and earnest offering, and the hearty meals such as steak sandwiches and chicken schnitzels are served quickly and with a smile.
While there’s no accommodation in the tiny town of Nerriga, it’s still a worthy lunch destination and not too far from the larger town of Braidwood, where you’ll find a creative community and even more historic pubs to explore, including some of the oldest in Australia.
It took four years to fix up the run-down ‘top pub’. Photo: Martin Conway.
The Royal Hotel, Bungendore
The handsome two-storey Victorian facade of the Royal Hotel Bungendore has stood proudly overlooking Bungendore’s Gibraltar Street since 1886, and in recent years, she’s been looking immaculate after a multi-million dollar renovation.
The building now blends an historic feel with original features such as exposed stone walls and brickwork with modern amenities such as skylights and raked ceilings, bringing natural light into the pub’s internal spaces.
The fresh new look of the Royal is a timely manifestation that aligns with the town’s national win as Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town and on a summer’s day the shady beer garden is the place to be.
To take in all the town has to offer, the rooms upstairs are a beautifully appointed haven from which to explore the town.
