We all know the perfect ingredients that go into the ultimate country pub. We’re talking local beers on tap, parmis a plenty, solid country hospitality and a cosy setting. Our amazing state of WA has the above in spades. For the most part, they’re the beating heart and energy of the town itself and always bring to the table a family feel with a no-frills attitude! If a road trip in WA is on the cards this year, we thought we’d help you along the way with a list of our favourite country pubs worth their weight in gold.
Settlers Tavern: Margaret River
Address: 114 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA, 6285
Starting things off strong, Settlers Tavern in Margaret River is located smack bang on the main drag and offers a seriously good selection of beers on tap and the famous parmi. Also synonymous with live music and pub events, it would be silly not to drop in if you are driving through. Settlers Tavern has a few sections including a bistro, a sports bar venue for the AFL enthusiasts and a beer garden for when the sun puts on a display. The best bit? Dogs are welcome in the beer garden while you dine. Finally, a fun fact about Settlers Tavern, they won WA’s ‘Best Regional Hospitality Venue’ and offer a heap of alternatives for our vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan folks.
Caves House: Yallingup
Address: 18 Yallingup Beach Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
Keeping with the down south energy, Caves House is another pub on route to Margaret River that should not be ignored! Situated in Yallingup, this absolute gem offers some very aesthetically pleasing eating rooms such as the Injudup space, which overlooks some pretty manicured gardens or even the deck, which is a perfect way to end the day. If you are looking for a sports bar too, these guys have this covered as well with the famous long bar – offering way too many beers on taps and screens to watch the big game.
Divers Tavern: Broome
Address: 12 Cable Beach Rd W, Broome WA 6725
Making our way further up the coast (all the way to Broome in fact), Divers Tavern is also an iconic establishment on the shores of the famous Cable Beach. Housing a seriously epic selection of beers and local wines, this pub knows a thing or two about local hospitality. The owners here have really capitalised on the location with views of the beach at most angles. Offering a beach bar, sports bar and divers bistro, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our tip is sitting back in the beach bar, soaking up the tropical air and devouring local seafood that’s literally been caught that morning from a couple of km’s of the coast.
Mundaring Hotel: Mundaring Weir
Address: Mundaring Weir Rd &, Hall Rd, Mundaring WA 6073
Aptly known as the ‘heart of the hill’, the Mundaring Hotel is situated just at the foothills of Perth and merges rural tranquillity and a historical venue perfectly. Established in 1899, this venue is steeped in history and is the perfect pit stop for any group large or small wishing to explore the local area on foot or bike. If riding to the pub is on the cards, there is tracks and lots of spots to tie up your wheels. You could even go for a stroll after a few along Lake Leschenalutia which is immediately out the front of the venue! For a wholesome Perth day trip out of the big smoke, this is our pick!
Palace Hotel: Kalgoorlie
Address: 137 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430
Heading inland, the Palace Hotel in Kalgoorlie is a historical venue that is still standing since 1897. Located in the heart of the Goldfields this venue personifies tradition and the quintessential corner pub. We’re talking about a very impressive wooden long bar, an amazing corrugated iron balcony and a sports bar. The revamped menu also serves up classic pub numbers like pork belly, lamb, pasta and the famous parmi. A trip through Kal wouldn’t be complete with a quick pit stop to the Palace Hotel.
Endeavour Hotel: Lancelin
Address: 58 Gingin Rd, Lancelin WA 6044
Located literally on the shortline in Lancelin resides the Endeavour Hotel. With a very impressive grassed area complete with wooden slatted tables, the owners behind this venue really bring a relaxed vibe to the experience. Offering the classic themed special evenings, Personal highlights include Friday night rib night and Tuesday parmi evening. A word of warning, Lancelin can get windy! Although it’s a pretty spectacle watching all the windsurfers, we do recommend checking the weather to lock in the perfect day.
Exchange Tavern: Pingelly
Address: 1 Pasture St, Pingelly WA 6308
Built in 1906, this very traditional and historical hotel and pub feel like you’re stepping back in time (and in a good way). With open fireplaces for those colder months, traditional furniture and table clothes, it’s like you’re drinking a fancy pint in your grandma’s living room. It’s quaint, authentic and really homely. The owners can also act as your tour guides, offering up all the best hikes and trails to take in the local region and will certainly spend some time taking you through the history of the venue if you’re so inclined! This one really is an awesome display of country hospitality meets family feel!
Bridgetown Hotel: Bridgetown
Address: 157 Hampton St, Bridgetown WA 6255
With a very impressive veranda, epic selection of local wines and over 16 beers on tap, a trip through Bridgetown wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon at the Bridgetown hotel! Housing the award-winning Full Circle brewing company, sit back and taste a bunch of brews that are made right on-premises! If you are also looking for some takeaways, the boutique bottle shop next door has an endless list of organic wines and craft beer to send you into a bit of a tailspin. The town is also just a hop, skip and jump from the pub so make sure you take a stroll through the main strip, too!
Pemberton Hotel: Pemberton
Address: 70-77 Brockman St, Pemberton WA 6260
Rounding out the list with a bang is the Pemberton Hotel. Situated in you guessed it – Pemberton, this hotel is super popular with locals. So much so, that reserving a table if you are coming from out of town is recommended to secure a spot. The menu encompasses all the typical crowd favourites such as calamari, burgers and pasta! The best part though is they do the simple dishes best! The food is wholesome and the servings are large and fresh!
We know all too well how nice country hospitality and a solid feed at the end of the day is! Not to mention a few local brews to wash it down for good measure. We are so proud to say that our state is FULL of phenomenal country pubs that should be celebrated! If you are looking to organise a group or transport to some of the above venues, give us a shout! We can create a custom itinerary to suit your needs and party size!