Dargo Hotel & Free Camp

An historic country pub and beaut free camp

On what was our very first visit to the Victorian High Country we knew that it’s almost a necessity to drop in to the iconic Dargo Hotel.

Established back in 1898, no doubt there would’ve been countless yarns told over the bar of this historic country pub. However, before we headed in for a cold one we first had to set up camp out the back. Yup, that’s right there is FREE CAMPING adjacent to the Hotel and it’s literally creekside! How good is that?!?

And with a cold beer and warm feed beckoning we were set up in no time at all. After all, it’s all about motivation right?!?

Inside the Dargo Hotel

From there, we’re happy to report the Dargo Hotel was all that we expected; warm and welcoming. The hotel has a regular pub menu… well apart from the parmy section anyway which will absolutely leave you deliberating over which variety to order. We reckon there were probably about a dozen to choose from! Meals were reasonably priced and they were absolutely HUGE!

After we’d eaten we browsed the memorabilia on the walls and ceiling (!!) of the pub. There’s business cards, stubbie coolers, shirts and plenty of photos of local characters from over the years which adorn just about every available space of the Dargo Hotel. It’s pretty much a museum of life. Take a peek and see if you can spot our business card amongst the others!

Dargo Hotel and surrounds

Dargo is nestled in the foothills of the legendary Dargo High Plains. We would’ve loved to spend a few days here as a base camp to explore some of the tracks within the region given it’s an entry point for the Alpine National Park, Avon Wilderness Park and Mitchell River National Park.

We are totally jealous of those who live in this part of the world and have the Victorian High Country on their doorsteps. Unfortunately time didn’t allow us too long here so I guess we’ll have to come back!

And if you’re planning a visit yourself, you can find out more here.