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There’s just something about a country pub!
No seaside getaway or country escape is complete without a stop in at the local. It’s a place where the community comes together, and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you road trip to the south-east.
Whether you’re exploring the township of Naracoorte or heading straight to the beautiful beaches of Robe this summer, you’ll want to know about these destinations…
Naracoorte Hotel Motel
This 1850s country pub in the heart of Naracoorte is decorated with old farm gear, working pieces and trinkets adorning the walls. It’s filled with soul and offers some of the best hospitality in the south-east!
Holiday time works differently, so it’s a relief that the Naracoorte Hotel Motel has all-day dining on Friday and Saturday from 12pm. Late lunch? No problem! For a good meal, snag a seat in Billy Mac’s open-plan bistro, or sit in the atrium for some indoor- outdoor dining instead. You’ll find classics on the menu, including fish and chips, surf and turf and fresh salads. Grab a slice of the homemade pizzas (available for dine- in or takeaway), or plan your visit for the weekly Steak and Schnitty nights. Not to mention, $1 from every parmi purchased on a Wednesday goes straight to the Naracoorte Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The sports bar is complete with a pool table and a sporting match always playing. It’s also the place for the Friday Night Draw, in support of local community groups and charities, where a raffle ticket could land you a six pack, a bottle of local wine or everyone’s favourite, the meat tray! The beer garden is adorned with trees and is the perfect place to take in this easy way of life with some live music. Or, if you’re driving past, pop into the bottle shop and grab one of Coonawarra’s finest to take with you.
As for accommodation… take a load off in one of the Naracoorte Hotel Motel’s fully refurbished rooms. Choose from a queen, twin or family room — it’s the perfect overnight stop or base for exploring.
The Robe Hotel
Right where the country meets the sea, this grand hotel built in 1840 sits on the foreshore and offers sweeping ocean views. Spend all day diving into the sea, then brush off your sandy toes and wander inside for a cool drink and a good feed. Choose to sit in the open-plan bistro, sports bar or outdoor drinking and dining space so you can keep one eye on the ocean.
We can’t talk about this seaside menu (created by Head Chef Nathan Cheung and his talented kitchen team) without mentioning the rotating specials — they’re updated daily as the cray boats roll in or the fish is collected fresh from the marina. Local produce is the hero of all their dishes, so alongside the plentiful seafood selection, you’ll also find classic pub food done right.
The team behind this Robe icon is local, through and through! They thrive off summer when the town is abuzz with visitors, while also relishing the cooler months, when locals and holiday-makers visit for a glass of wine. You can live like a local too by taking part in the Friday Night Draw for a chance to win a pretty speccy meat or seafood tray, or order a parmi on a Wednesday to support Robe For Recovery.
If we haven’t given you enough reasons to visit already, these local legends love to have a good time! With a drinks list filled with cold tap beers, local wines and cheeky summer cocktails, The Robe Hotel also knows how to throw a good party and is famous for their New Year’s Eve shindig. The epic outdoor event space comes to life with live bands, DJs and more!
Give yourself one less thing to think about on your next road trip, and stay at the Robe Hotel in their cosy upstairs accommodation — it’s clean, comfortable and budget friendly, but the best part is waking up to the sounds of the ocean.
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