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Award-winning Gippsland Pub Trail - cosy meals, community spirit, cold beers, and culinary excellence across the region

Discover Gippsland's award-winning pubs, where cosy atmospheres, standout menus and warm hospitality create the ultimate country getaway. From gourmet meals to live music, these venues have something for everyone.

By news@gippsland - 17th July 2025 - Back to News

When we picture a country getaway, one of the first things that comes to mind is a cosy pub meal. This is a staple of the relaxing weekend away experience - sitting near a roaring fireplace, eating excellent pub grub and enjoying the atmosphere.

Country hotels define a relaxing weekend - cosy fireplaces, hearty pub meals, and warm, welcoming atmospheres perfect for unwinding and indulging

Not to brag, but Gippsland boasts some of the best pubs in Victoria - or so say the AHA Vic State Awards for Excellence. These prestigious awards celebrate the best in the hospitality field, including pubs, hotels and venues across Victoria. This year, several hotels and pubs across Gippsland won big, making them the perfect destinations for your next cosy country getaway.

Crown Hotel, Traralgon

• Overall Hotel of the Year - Regional
• Best Pub Bar - Regional
• Best PubTAB - Regional

Established in 1884, this heritage hotel won several awards, including Overall Hotel of the Year - Regional. The Crown Hotel has a mouthwatering menu, including giant salted pretzels, pork belly burnt ends and butternut pumpkin gnocchi. The perfect indulgent meal while you're escaping the daily grind. Follow your meal with a pint of unpasteurised Carlton Draught tank beer, pulled from copper barrels that hang from the ceiling. The Crown Hotel is best in class when it comes to country hotel dining.

The Crown Hotel, established in 1884, serves award-winning food and beer in a historic setting, earning top regional hospitality honours

Tinamba Hotel

• Best Pub Restaurant - Regional
• Apprentice of the Year: Quinn Jacobs

This charming establishment won Best Pub Restaurant (Regional), and if you step inside you'll understand why. Renowned from its award-winning food, including locally sourced produce, the Tinamba Hotel is a destination restaurant. The mood lighting and elegant interiors match the first-class menu, which includes delights like chicken roulade with pomme puree and pan seared swordfish with moghrabieh.

The Tinamba Hotel is also home to the Amba Bar, where you can enjoy fresh twists on classic pub fare - think a porterhouse steak with chimichurri, or a chicken schnitzel with jus. Take a bite and you will see why they have won so many awards over the years.

Tinamba Hotel pairs award-winning regional dining with elegant interiors, local produce, and creative twists on classic pub favourites. A true destination

San Remo Hotel

• Heart of the Community

This beloved institution won the award for the Heart of the Community. This is the place to stay if you are visiting Phillip Island, and want to stay somewhere that offers sea views, delicious food and a warm atmosphere. The menu includes freshly caught seafood, schnitzels and steaks, as well as vegetarian and vegan options for our animal loving friends.

The San Remo Hotel has been in the same family for over 70 years, and has become a pillar of the local community. Book a room or just stop by for a hearty meal - either way, the team will make you feel welcome.

The Star Hotel, a Sale favourite since 1861, won Regional Parma of the Year and hosts live music and weekly specials

The Star Hotel, Sale

• Parma of the Year - Regional

The Star Hotel has won a particularly beloved award, shining a light on the hero of the pub menu - the humble parmigiana. The Parma of the Year (Regional) goes to this cheerful hotel, built in 1861 and still going strong. The Star Hotel is the place in Sale to enjoy an award-winning dish while listening to some live music.

The hotel holds several concerts a month, in addition to their festive weekly specials. There are schnitzel nights, burger nights and nights when kids eat for free. The Star Hotel knows what the people want, and it has been serving it to them for over 160 years.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com