Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

redned wrote:

thecaptn wrote:The Weldborough Hotel has a reputation now for being gourmet, it was even on one of those ABC foody docos. That's if it's the same place, how long ago was it crap?

Don't be too hard on Weldborough! I was there in 2011 and it was pretty good, even on Easter Sunday.

A good dinner even though we rode in quite late and a good range of Tasmanian small-product ciders. Maybe new management has turned it around.

The Welborough Pub is definitely worth a visit now, and is well know as being friendly towards touring cyclists. I'd still steer clear of Bronte Park though!

Registered to remark that this info above about the Benambra Hotel is pretty out of date. At some point the pub lost it's food license, and then changed hands. The new publican is pretty hospitable; rooms are cheap, backpacker style. Meals are really good, but at city prices, and it's possible to pay $15 or so for shower access. I personally camp elsewhere in town, but have put friends up there, but I think paying for a shower means you can camp in the backyard of the pub if there's no big event on. They're closed Monday nights, but if you call ahead it can be possible to make a room booking. The general store is open every day.

There's a few cyclists in town and more coming over from Omeo these days due to the MTB park, so I think attitudes have changed a lot. Personally I love riding around the area because of how little traffic there is.

Stayed at Benambra pub last month on the way through on the Hunt1000. The lady knew my name when I walked in because she'd been watching the riders on the tracking page. Showed us where to keep our bikes and basic cereal for breakfast is included in the room price. Showers $10 extra. Very hospitable and the food was great (very welcome after 5 nights of dehydrated food). So attitudes can change with new owners.

I’ve never been to Benambra but I have been to plenty of back country pubs in Queensland and New South Wales, over a good many years.

I’ve really loved most of them.
Rarely do they disappoint, whether you visit them on a bicycle trip or a car trip.

In recent years some Queensland pubs are starting to get a following from the Railtrail users on the BVRT.
The Linville Pub is especially well patronised by cyclists on the BVRT.
https://www.thelinvillehotel.com.au/

Years ago when Bicycle Queensland did their annual “Big Rides” it was usually the only Pub in a one-pub town that would suddenly cop an influx of thirsty and hungry cyclists.
Some of these “little town” Pubs gave great support to these events.
I particularly remember great evenings at the Pub in Eidsvold Queensland and Woodenbong NSW while on these rides.
(Yes, the Woodenbong NSW Pub WAS on a Bicycle Qld ride )
Other little pubs worthy of good mention would include Almaden (Qld), Leyburn (Qld), and Killarney (Qld).
But I am sure there are plenty of others !