meeting place

an ode to country pubs

With over 6,000 pubs in Australia, there is no doubt there is a culture intertwined with Australians and its small communities, where pubs are the number one meeting place. This project aims to showcase the unique bits and bobs, as well as people, that Australian country pubs are home to.

This project is about encapsulating the quirks and interesting people at country pubs in Australia, and the value they hold as a meeting place for small communities. Yes, pubs can be dirty and sticky, but they also are home to many, where interesting conversations and experiences are held. Although pubs are worldwide, there is something specific about Australian pubs that showcase our culture of mateship and playfulness at any age.

Riversdale Hotel, Hawthorn VIC
Although it is located in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, it is the first pub I have encountered so close to the CBD that could easily be found in the country. The pub has a rich history, dating back to 1888. John J Rosney ran the pub until his death in in the early 1890s, after which his widow, Annie Rosney, was the owner and licensee until 1930.

Royal Mail Hotel, Sebastopol VIC
Population: 7503
Since its creation in the time of gold digging in 1866, the Royal Mail has been home to many locals and those traveling on the main highway past Ballarat. It was situated on the last tram stop of Ballarat until 1971, making it the perfect watering hole for the trip home.

Royal Hotel, Euston NSW
Population: 822
Located right on the Murray River, which borders between NSW and VIC, the Royal Hotel is home to many loyal locals in its front bar. If you live in Euston, it is very easy to walk to and from the Royal, in any condition!

Minapre Hotel, Lascelles VIC
Population: 93
Also known as Lascelles Hotel, this pub was established in 1905, but rebuilt in 1925 after a fire. With its location in the Mallee, this pub is a place for farmers in the region to meet and socialise.

Royal Oak, Penola SA
Population: 1376
The pub itself was founded in 1845, influencing the name of the town from the local language of the Pinchunga Aboriginal people before it became a pub. Penola, translating from Pena oorla, meant a wooden house, which later became the Royal Oak.

Menzie’s Dergholm Hotel, Dergholm VIC
Population: 57
Commonly known as 'The Pub In The Scrub', this pub is actually the only shop in town. It is a popular place for Sunday woodfired pizza, with many travelers from local towns popping in for a day.

Border Inn, Apsley VIC
Population: 533
Although currently closed after being ran into by a car, the Border Inn has a history dating back to 1850. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1887, making it the art deco style seen today.

Naracoorte Hotel, Naracoorte SA
Population: 8917
Located on the main street of one of the larger towns in the Limestone Coast, this pub has little bit of everything. After his arrival in 1845, William McIntosh built the Merino Inn, now known as the Naracoorte Hotel Motel, or Billy Macs.