Country pubs tend to exude feelings of warmth and comfort. After a sports game or a challenging week at work, they’re a great place to relax and unwind with an ice-cold pint or a hearty meal. Hire a car in Brisbane, select your designated driver and wet your whistle at one of these classic local pubs.

1. The Imperial Hotel 

Approximately two hours north of Brisbane central, Eumundi’s Imperial Hotel is an excellent excuse for a road trip.

The village of Eumundi is a creative hub, and it has been home to the iconic Imperial Hotel since 1911. Local creativity is apparent in the hotel’s decor and bright murals, visitors will also adore its sweeping verandahs, beer garden and classic pub food. Live bands and acoustic performers get people up on the dance floor, while beer lovers can book a 60-minute Eumundi Brewery Tasting Tour, to sample some craft brews and to discover the history of brewing in Eumundi.

2. The Sundowner Saloon

 

For a sip of nostalgia in an old saloon environment, jump in the car, turn up the music and drive 45-minutes west to the Sundowner Saloon in Haigslea. The building’s exterior mimics the old American-style saloons many of us have seen in Western movies. The venue houses a gaming area, jukeboxes, karaoke competitions, pool tables and a restaurant serving cheap and cheerful pub grub.

 

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3. Brouhaha Brewery

A brouhaha is defined as an uproar or hubbub, and this is precisely how the brewers at this Sunshine Coast gastropub react when it comes to good beer. Rent a comfortable car in Brisbane and drive an hour and a half north to this stylish country brewery which was founded in 2016.

Nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Brouhaha was created by locals who wanted to share their passion for additive and preservative free craft beer and to educate the community about independent brewing. They also have an enticing menu which features vegetarian options and quality, locally sourced ingredients.</p>

4. Royal Hotel Harrisville

Just an hour from Brisbane, the Royal Hotel Harrisville, which opened in 1875, will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. In 2005, the hotel was restored to its original condition, and with its classic verandas and elegant woodwork, it’s an eye-catching example of a traditional Aussie hotel and pub.

Enjoy a beer or wine along with a country-cooked pub meal in the lounge or alfresco. The beer garden offers views of a creek as well as the Great Dividing Range, and if you aren’t ready to leave after your meal, there’s a free camping area for overnight stays.

Select your designated driver, then get in touch with the team at East Coast Car Rentals to organise a rental perfect for a trip to one of these great country pubs.