Your Guide to Mount Gambier Pubs | Australian Traveller

Kick back with a cocktail and enjoy the golden glow of the setting sun, in the best Mount Gambier pubs.

Mount Gambier is the second-largest city in South Australia and is a natural wonderland rich with history. But when you’re not exploring the sights like the Blue Lake or lava caves, Mount Gambier is also home to some great, historic country-style pubs that’ll make you feel right at home.

All Aussie travellers know there’s no better way to unwind than hitting up a country pub, ordering a schnitty, getting an RSL-style wine pour or indulging in a ridiculously cheap schooner.

So, when you’ve finished the day taking in the natural wonders of Mount Gambier, we’ve compiled a list of the best Mount Gambier pubs to unwind in.

1. Macs Hotel

Macs Hotel Cider Garden and interior in Mount Gambier

Unwind with a bev in the Cider Garden.

For friendly service and simple but generously sized meals, Macs Hotel is a good place to settle in. Whether you’re unwinding with a bev in the Cider Garden or hitting up their bistro lunch specials, Mac’s vibey atmosphere and selection of craft beers and cocktails won’t disappoint.

Make sure to check out the weekly ‘What’s On’ at this local favourite when you’re visiting: from Taco Tuesdays and Steak & Shiraz night to themed ‘00s parties and Saturday DJs, Mac’s Hotel has a range of events to keep every punter happy, every day of the week.

Address: 21 Bay Rd, Mount Gambier

2. Federal Hotel

the building exterior of Federal Hotel, Mount Gambier

Settle into Federal Hotel for a cold one.

Located right on the main road, the Federal plates up the kind of classic pub grub that has visitors coming back for multiple bistro sessions.

From the roast of the day to a huge range of sauces and toppings for your chicken schnitzel, there’s a reason why this Mount Gambier pub is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to check out the cocktail list too, for a range of affordable cocktails, with some as cheap as $10!

Address: 112 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier

3. Jens Town Hall Hotel

The historical facade of Jens Town Hall Hotel. (Image: Getty Images/ lkonya)

Indulging in a beverage in Jens Hotel’s stunning 19th-century building feels like dining in a little bit of history. Jens is one of Mount Gambier’s oldest pubs and hotels, and the grand staircase and chandeliers will transport you right back in time. Decked out with a sports bar adjacent to the dining area, Jens is the ideal place to kick back with an arvo drink and catch up on a game. Plus, the fresh salad bar is the perfect accompaniment to any pub steak, schnitzel, or burger.

Address: 40 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier

4. South Australian Hotel

Enjoy locally sourced fare at the South Australian Hotel.

Another pub boasting a salad bar, the South Australian Hotel is a big believer in supporting local businesses, sourcing fresh meat and veggies from the area. With huge portion sizes and a happy hour that runs every night of the week from 3 pm to 6 pm, there’s never been a better time to sink a $4 schooner or kick back with a $6 glass of Champagne.

For travellers visiting Mount Gambier earlier in the week, make sure to head along for Monday’s ‘kids eat free’ night or Tuesday’s two-for-one chicken schnitzels. If you’re popping up later in the week, Saturdays are reserved for live entertainment, so kick back and enjoy the tunes.

Address: 78 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier

5. The Western Tavern

For service with a smile, the Western Tavern is a local gem for a reason. Whether it’s deals like kids eating for free all school holidays or for themed events like drag bingo shows and local gigs, there’s something for everyone at the Western Tav. And if you’re looking for another Mount Gambier pub option with a fresh salad bar, you’re in luck again – The Western Tavern is fully stocked, with fresh roast veggies at the self-serve salad bar adding to the delicious dining experience.

Address: 178 Jubilee Hwy East, Mount Gambier

6. Park Hotel

a table-top view of a mixed grill dish at The Park Hotel

Don’t miss out on their signature mixed grill. (Image: Jon Wah)

Get drawn in by the retro aesthetic and stay for a drink as you relax in the golden glow of the afternoon sun. The Park Hotel is great for a relaxed, chill vibe and a fantastic option for those looking for a family-friendly establishment.

The menu is your traditional pub fare with a modern twist, especially for seafood lovers – the squid schnitzel is a must-try, as is the herb-crusted barramundi with steamed vegetables.

Address: 163 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier

7. Foodie Bar

Foodie Bar is less of a traditional pub and more of a modern bar experience, but the delicious menu and selective beer, wine, and whisky list will have you wanting to spend more than one night here. You can get your burger, steak, and schnitty fix of course, but for those wanting to tantalise their tastebuds even more, try their Sri Lankan-inspired menu: you won’t regret it.

Address: 93 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier

8. Mount Gambier Hotel

Established in 1862, Mount Gambier Hotel, known by locals as ‘The G’, is an icon of the area. Choose from indoor or alfresco seating and enjoy an extensive menu of pub classics and elevated bistro takes such as crispy skin duck breast, Josper roasted whole crayfish with garlic butter and truffle oil, and espresso martini pana cotta. Too full to head home? Book a stay in one of the tastefully modernised rooms that boost old-world charm.

Address: 2 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier

9. South Eastern Hotel

The South Eastern Hotel is a family-friendly venue offering a spacious bistro, an inviting beer garden and a lively front bar. The bistro features a classic Aussie self-serve salad bar and an enclosed indoor play area for children, making it a popular choice for families.

The menu boasts a variety of pub classics, including chicken schnitzel, fish and chips, garlic prawns and a selection of pizzas. Patrons can also enjoy a range of burgers, steaks and vegetarian options. In warmer months, guests can relax in the alfresco beer garden.

Address: 235 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier

For more insider tips on where to eat around Mount Gambier, check out these excellent cafes in Mount Gambier.

Originally written by Tahlia Pritchard with updates by Rachael Thompson

From a scene-stealing country steakhouse to a fine dining eatery, these are the Mount Gambier restaurants worth visiting.

Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, this Limestone Coast city has plenty of awe-inspiring geological draws to its name, not to mention world-renowned wine regions right on its doorstep.

The coast’s once volcanic landscape is blessed with incredibly fertile soils, too, and as a result, it’s home to a bounty of fresh produce. Whether you’re in town for an extended sojourn or you’re just stopping by on a road trip, these are the best restaurants in Mount Gambier.

1. Elementary by Soul Co

The kitchen at Elementary Dining in Mount Gambier

The dark interiors of Elementary Dining set the mood. (Image: Alex Window)

Those looking for an elevated dining experience should head to Elementary by Soul Co. Helmed by chef Kirby Shearing, the modern Australian menu spans gnocchi with confit duck, mushrooms, and broth, baked egg tart with muntrie compote, burnt sugar and spiced brioche with vanilla parfait, chocolate cream, and hazelnuts. For the full experience, opt for the tasting menu, expertly paired with a range of wines or sakes. If you’re around on a Thursday or Friday, duck in for the express lunch where you’ll get an entree, main course and a side all for just $45.

The intimate space seats just 23 guests and is swathed in moody charcoal tones and dark timber furniture for a cosy dining experience.

Address: 12 Margaret St, Mount Gambier

2. The Barn Steakhouse

wine bottles on the shelf at The Barn Steakhouse

Take your pick from an array of wines at The Barn Steakhouse. (Image: The Barn/South Australian Tourism Commission)

This local heavyweight is the reigning champion when it comes to perfectly cooked steak. And its owners, the Cleves family, go one step further than most steakhouses, breeding their very own Hereford cattle on properties in the region, and ageing all the cuts in-house for a minimum of eight days too.

Beyond its steak credentials, The Barn also takes a holistic view of the veggies and herbs that accompany its dishes, which are house-grown, preservative- and pesticide-free in the rich volcanic soils that surround the restaurant, and plucked fresh daily.

Why not kick off the evening’s proceedings with a glass of something sparkling from The Barn’s award-winning 750-wine-label-strong cellar, with the vast majority of the restaurant’s drops sourced from the surrounding Limestone Coast wineries.

Then tuck into some house-made pâté, served with hot toast and quince glaze, and perhaps some seared scallops with prosciutto before moving onto the main event – a rump, porterhouse, or eye fillet, served alongside a continental salad and a sour cream and spring onion topped baked potato.

The Barn Steakhouse is located amid lush farmland, just a 10-minute drive south of the city.

Address: 747 Glenelg River Rd, Mount Gambier

3. Thyme at The Lakes

a close-up shot of a prawn dish at Thyme at the Lakes, Mount Gambier

Savour the flavourful meals at Thyme at the Lakes.

Perched right on top of the city, Thyme at The Lakes boasts an incredible view of Mount Gambier, with food presented as spectacularly as the city below you. With attentive service to top it all off, Thyme at The Lakes showcases the best of local produce in an exciting and elegant dining experience, with the modern menu taking inspiration from both Australian and international cuisine.

From the mouth-watering Spanish-inspired grilled paella to the melt-in-your-mouth lamb rack, Thyme also boasts a vegetarian and vegan menu for those who aren’t meat lovers. Hot tip: Do not skip their dessert menu. The restaurant boasts MasterChef-worthy dishes like the Strawberry & White Chocolate Sphere, or the Hazelnut Affogato makes the perfect palate cleanser.

Address: 17 Lake Terrace W, Mount Gambier

4. Wild Ginger Thai

Authentic classic Pad Thai with shrimps. Thai shrimp satay with sweet chili sauce. Tom Yum soup with coconut milk (Tom Khaa). Spicy shrimp salad. Flat lay top-down composition on concrete background.

Wild Ginger Thai’s dishes pack a punch of flavour.

When Wild Ginger first opened its doors, it was the new kid on the block. Since then, head chef and owner Bee Ketphong and her team have established a reputation for fine Thai cuisine that has made Wild Ginger one of Mount Gambier’s most popular eating destinations for both lunch and dinner.

From the flavour-packed fish cakes to the range of stir-fries, curries and noodle dishes infused with all those powerful Thai flavours of chilli, lemongrass, basil or satay, Wild Ginger is all about Thai cooking.

Bee is focused on using fresh, local produce to create fine Thai dishes, ranging from mild dishes to those that are packed with spicy flavours. And all of Wild Ginger’s menu items are available for takeaway as well.

Address: 17 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier

5. Natural Born Grillers

Close up image of a freshly flame grilled vegetarian halloumi cheeseburger on a wooden counter at an outdoor food market. This burger is loaded with a vegetarian burger meat substitute, fresh salad, melted halloumi cheese and spanish onion and tomato. The burger is sandwiched between glazed buns.

Natural Born Grillers has an entirely meat-free menu for the vegos and vegans among us.

When only a burger will do, make a beeline for Mount Gambier’s Natural Born Grillers. Whether you’re after fried chicken, pulled pork, beef patties, or even something veggie-friendly (there’s a dedicated meat-free menu), NBG delivers.

There’s a multitude of indulgent, deep-fried sides on offer too: potato gems, loaded fries, onion rings, popcorn chicken, and mozzarella sticks. While this burger joint has Mount Gambier’s fast-food market cornered, Natural Born Grillers’ rather spartan interior means it’s not exactly the place to go if you’re after an evening of ambience.

Address: Shop C, 3 Compton Street, Mount Gambier

6. Bahn Kubo

The decor at this pan-Asian eatery is nothing to write home about (hello bright white lights, plastic-backed chairs, loud lime and orange colour scheme, and wipe-clean plastic tables). But thanks to its friendly and fast service, super reasonable prices and moreish dishes, Bahn Kubo does something of a roaring trade. The barbecue pork (char siu) and Thai roast duck receive rave reviews.

Address: 139 Commercial St W, Mount Gambier

7. Southern Thai Cafe

a dining table with a variety of dishes at Southern Thai Cafe, Mount Gambier

Dine on authentic Thai cuisine.

Adding to Mount Gambier’s amazing Thai offering, Southern Thai Cafe brings a fresh look to the cuisine with a focus on the authentic tastes of Southern Thai food and an emphasis on value and service.

Southern Thai Cafe is the dream of Wilawan Churueangsuk (Jieb), who came to Mount Gambier from Southern Thailand 17 years ago. Now an Australian Citizen living here with her husband, David and their children, Jaime and Emily, Jieb’s Southern Thai Cafe is also about family.

Address: 53 Gray Street, Mount Gambier

Looking for breakfast? Start your day at the best Mount Gambier cafes.

Written by Chloe Cann with updates by Tahlia Pritchard and Rachael Thompson.

9 of the best Mount Gambier pubs with local charm