Geelong Pubs › Country Pubs

Country Pubs — Day Trips from Geelong

The best pubs within 2 hours of Geelong. Historic gold rush hotels, Great Ocean Road locals and Grampians gems — all worth the drive.

Day trip tips

Most of these pubs are best visited on a Saturday or Sunday when bistros are fully open and the atmosphere is at its peak. Check opening times before you leave — country pub hours can vary. Many of these towns have other attractions nearby, so plan a full day out.

Under 1 hour from Geelong

Craig's Royal Hotel

One of regional Victoria's great historic hotels. Ornate Victorian-era building with a renowned restaurant, elegant bar and boutique accommodation.

Fine Dining Historic Accommodation

Farmers Arms Hotel

Daylesford's beloved local with a huge beer garden, cracking live music on weekends and honest pub food. Dog-friendly and welcoming.

Beer Garden Live Music Dog Friendly

Daylesford Hotel

Right in the heart of Daylesford. Good beer, good food and a warm welcome — the classic country town pub in spa country.

Bistro Beer Garden Accommodation

Honest country local — big bistro, sports bar, TAB. Gateway to the Otways and Lake Colac. Great lunch stop heading west.

Bistro Sports Bar TAB

Gold rush era pub in a beautiful historic town just north of Ballarat. A great lunch stop with original character intact.

Historic Bistro Beer Garden

Around 1.5 hours from Geelong

Apollo Bay Hotel

Right on the Great Ocean Road with stunning bay views. Cold beers, fresh seafood, lively beer garden and regular live music.

Ocean Views Live Music Bistro

Camperdown Hotel

The beating heart of this Western District town, in the volcanic lakes region. Solid bistro, cold beer, TAB and friendly crowd.

Bistro Beer Garden TAB

Castlemaine's favourite gold rush-era pub, known for live music, craft beer and a creative atmosphere. Reflects Castlemaine's arts town vibe.

Live Music Craft Beer Historic

Beautifully restored bluestone pub on Kyneton's famous Piper St restaurant strip. Modern bistro and comfortable accommodation in the Macedon Ranges.

Bistro Accommodation Historic

Heritage pub on Clunes' heritage-listed main street. One of Victoria's best preserved gold rush towns — visit during the Clunes Booktown Festival in May.

Historic Bistro Beer Garden

Around 2 hours from Geelong — worth every kilometre

Royal Mail Hotel

One of Australia's great destination pubs. Hatted restaurant, extraordinary wine cellar, stunning Grampians views. The two-hour drive is absolutely worth it.

Hatted Restaurant Grampians Views Accommodation

Victoria's oldest continuously licensed hotel — Est. 1844. Beautiful stone building in charming heritage Port Fairy. History doesn't get better than this.

Est. 1844 Historic Accommodation

Halls Gap Hotel

Right in the Grampians with mountain views from the beer garden. Perfect after a day of hiking. Kangaroos in the garden are a genuine possibility.

Grampians Views Beer Garden Accommodation