It’s no big secret that Australians love a good pub. Pubs are not just a place to drink, but rather they are often the focal point of a community. It’s where the locals go to meet, hang out, grab a bite, and generally have a bit of fun.
Australia boasts over 7,000 pubs. Engaging with this authentic Australian experience is very much part of the fun of your journey and one of the many reasons why making a trip Down Under is worth every minute of your time. Whittling such an impressive list down is no easy feat, but here are 5 pubs that you should visit during your travels for a proper Aussie experience.
• Hotel Shamrock, Bendigo: A stunner of a building, Hotel Shamrock is a grand old institution that has been open since the middle of the 19th century. The hotel features several rooms that cater to many types of stays, as well as a well-reviewed restaurant and sports bar. Enjoy live music on most nights as well as a lovely outdoor area.
• Coogee Pavilion, Sydney: Just above Coogee Beach lies Coogee Pavilion, a former aquarium with indoor baths that has found a second lease on life as a beachside pub. Inside, a restaurant shares a space with a cocktail bar and a tapas-style bar, where you can enjoy everything from antipasti platters to pizzas, as well as more elevated pub fare. Nothing screams Australia more than a post-swim beer, so get your swimsuit on before kicking back in style.
• The Hope and Anchor Tavern, Hobart: Founded in 1807, the Hope and Anchor Tavern in the Tasmanian capital Hobart is as traditional a pub as they come. Seen by many as Australia’s oldest pub, a visit to the Hope and Anchor is like a trip back in time. Chandeliers, old wooden furniture, carpeted floors, and a fireplace set the mood for long evenings of chatting, dining, and sampling the local beers and spirits.
• The Lucky Shag, Perth: The Lucky Shag is the definition of a pub with a view. Its welcoming terrace sits above the water on Elizabeth Quay, right in the center of the city. With views extending across the beautiful Swan River, it’s a fantastic spot to watch the sun settle down while listening to live music and enjoying great food and even greater company.
• The Lincoln, Melbourne: This award-winning pub is a historic landmark in the city of Melbourne. Open since 1854, the Lincoln ticks all the boxes of what makes a pub stand the test of time. Great food, fantastic drinks, friendly locals, and a charming old facade that will without a doubt be around for many more years to come.
