Eight historic West Vic pubs where you can have a feed

We’ve rounded up some of the best spots to get a robust dinner and a taste of heritage. 

Did we miss your favourite? Reach out to [email protected] and we’ll add it to the list. 

The Munster Arms Hotel 

The Munster Arms is an Irish pub, opened in 1862 by Irish immigrant Jeremiah Shelley. It’s named for one of Ireland’s four provinces and serves staples like bangers and mash and Irish stew. 

Where is it? 10 Victoria Street, Bakery Hill  

Lorne Hotel

Metres from the beach, the Lorne Hotel offers up feeds like chicken parma and grilled wild fish, and has in-house Italian restaurant Totti’s. It opened in 1872. 

Where is it? 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne 

The Farmers Arms Daylesford 

This pub is 169 years old and has the rustic brick and overgrown vine to prove it. The menu includes venison pot pie and veal schnitzel. 

Where is it? 1 East Street, Daylesford 

New Caledonian Inn & The Stump 

One of the oldest continuously-licensed pubs in Victoria, The Stump was constructed in 1844. Meals include roast of the day and a surf and turf parma. 

Where is it? 41 Bank Street, Port Fairy 

The Avoca Hotel 

The Avoca Hotel is another relic of the Victorian gold rush, built in 1872. Their “Pub Grub” menu features The Avoca Steak Sandwich, crispy pork belly and souvlaki. 

Where is it? 115 High Street, Avoca 

The Victoria Hotel Dimboola 

The Victorian Hotel Dimboola is a popular stop in the Wimmera region, serving “mini-beers” and a menu that includes scotch fillet, gnocchi and barramundi. The pub opened in 1924. 

Where is it? 32 Wimmera Street, Dimboola

Courthouse Hotel 

The Courthouse Hotel was built in the 1850s, earning its name for its proximity to the local courthouse during the gold rush, where residents would gather for a drink between legal proceedings. A bubble and squeak burger, calamari and 300gm scotch fillet all feature on the menu. 

Where is it? 63 Brooks Street, Smythesdale 

The Buninyong Hotel 

The Buninyong Hotel, previously The Crown Hotel, is the oldest building in Buninyong. Built in 1842, it was the first inland hotel in Victoria to be issued a licence. Dishes include pizza, Sri Lankan curry, steak and chicken parma. 

Where is it? 508 Warrenheip Street, Buninyong