Great Vic Bike Ride

Great pubs on the Great Vic

“They are a key part of Australian culture and feature on just about every main street in regional Victoria.”

Whether you’re looking for a lunch-time libation or plan on ducking out of camp for a pub meal of local legend, make sure you keep an eye out for these esteemed establishments on this year’s Great Vic Bike Ride.

RAINBOW

Royal Hotel Rainbow

After you’ve set up your tent in Rainbow, you’re going to need to go for a spin to test the rig, right? Luckily you won’t have to go to far before you stumble upon this absolute gem on Federal Street.

The Royal hosts traditional pub fare, boutique wines, ciders and beers in a relaxed bar or one of the historic dining rooms with plenty of country charm.

And the best part? Walk down beautiful Federal Street’s central medium strip and you’ll stumble across the equally charming Eureka Hotel just a few doors down.

HORSHAM

The Exchange Hotel

Look, we are in Horsham for a couple of days and there are plenty of good spots around town to explore. The Bull and Mouth Hotel certainly caught our eye on a recent route-planning trip, but we’ve gone with The Exchange for this list as we are suckers for a good story.

The Exchange Hotel is Horsham’s oldest continuously licensed hotel and has gone through four name-changes over its 156-year life. You can read more about the history of the hotel and its role in Horsham’s expansion here.

HALLS GAP

Paper Scissors Rock Brewing Co

It’s hard to go past Paper Scissors Rock Brewing Co – who have a huge range of wicked brews and are located conveniently in the centre of town. If you want to taste test their range they offer shipping Australia wide.

A special mention to the Halls Gap Hotel who have a great wrap-around balcony (the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the surrounds). The Hotel is just a short ride out of the town centre.

DUNKELD

Royal Mail Hotel

Fit snugly into the foothills of the Grampians National Park, it is no disrespect to Dunkeld to say that the Royal Mail Hotel has put it on the map. This iconic dining destination has been described as “undoubtedly one of the best country pubs in Victoria – no, the entire country.”

It is most famous for it’s fine-dining restaurant Wickens, but there is also a more casual dining option, not to mention a drinks list that puts most city restaurants to shame (including a 25,000 bottle wine cellar!).

But it’s probably not the type of joint that gets many patrons wearing Lycra…

GREAT WESTERN

Great Western Hotel

As described in the Herald Sun’s top country pub’s list, “the Great Western is an example of how the well-maintained country character of a small-town pub can inevitably prove a tourist linchpin.”

A solid drinks and food menu full of hearty pub fare and local beer, owner Dan Ahchow also has a lease on the local Seppelt Winery — so expect to also see plenty of options from this region famed for its sparkling reds.

But meat lovers need to check out the “Steak Western” — a prime porterhouse topped with cheese, bacon and mushroom.

What did we miss?!

These are just some of our top suggestions – but we’d love to know what you are you most looking forward to?

Feel free to share your top tips with the rest of the riders via the social links below!

Reminder: Early bird entry closes Sunday 8 August. Reserve your spot before then to save $100.

Join us for the 40th celebration of the Great Vic! Sign up by 12 May to secure a FREE commemorative t-shirt.

Book Now