9 of the best Mount Gambier pubs with local charm

Tahlia Pritchard Tahlia Pritchard
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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

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3. Jens Town Hall Hotel

Jens Town Hall Hotel in Mount Gambier
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

South Australian Hotel Food
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

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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

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Tahlia Pritchard

Tahlia Pritchard

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    Mythical, historical and most of all, spectacularly beautiful, Buchan Caves demands you take your time – and a tour. 

    In the pools of water, so still they could be mirrors, the reflections of the stalactites make these limestone towers seem even taller. Almost 400 million years ago, an underground river carved through the rock to create the Buchan Caves. Now, artworks created by dripping water adorn these subterranean galleries: stalactites hanging from the ceiling, pillars connecting some to the ground, even curtain-like wave formations clinging to the stone.

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    Visit the caves for the day or stay onsite in the campground or at the self-contained Caves House. (Image: Ben Savage)

    “This is called the Fairy Cave because it’s full of fairy dust,” a guide tells visitors as they enter a cavern glittering with “calcite that’s solidified into thousands of tiny little diamond shapes”.  Buchan Caves is Victoria’s largest cave system, but Fairy Cave is a highlight and, along with nearby Royal Cave, is accessible only by tour. Naturally cold, naturally dark, these caverns deep below the surface light up as the local experts tell their stories. 

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    You’ll need to book a guided tour to see the caves. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Among the hundreds of caves, some can be easily accessed from the surface. For instance, a casual stroll along the FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk, as kangaroos watch on from beneath acacia trees, leads into the 400-metre-long Federal Cave and its natural steps of white limestone. A slightly longer track, the Granite Pools Walk heads through soaring forest down into moss-covered gullies where the calls of lyrebirds trill through the leaves. 

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    Buchan Caves are a must-visit attraction in Gippsland. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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