The high country of Victoria, includes the charming town of Corryong and is home to a range of iconic country pubs offering a true taste of the region’s hospitality. These venues serve as community hubs, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy hearty meals, local brews, and warm conversation.
The two pubs in Corryong are proudly female led, creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. The personal touch to these pubs includes crafting seasonal menus to curating unique atmospheres that reflect the beauty and spirit of the high country. Their dedication helps maintain the tradition of the local pub as a gathering place while infusing these businesses with a fresh, modern perspective.
These hotels have long been pillars of their rural community, playing an active role in supporting local residents.
The Corryong Hotel Motel owned by Wendy Kirley, is no different to many of our members throughout the state. Through various charity events, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with local organisations, he hotel has become a hub for raising much-needed funds for those in need. the hotel ensures that it remains deeply connected to its community, turning each visit into an opportunity to give back.
One of the pub’s customers, Clint Boers was diagnosed with brain cancer. Over 2 years ago, the pub subsequently decided to raise funds for a cause close to the community’s heart. Before the battle with brain cancer began, Clint was heavily involved in helping out the local community including coaching the kids football. With three boys under the age of 15 and living over 400kms from Melbourne, traveling for treatment was taking it’s toll financially and emotionally.
And so in August last year the pub held a massive fundraiser for the “Cure Brain Cancer Foundation”. Many local businesses donated prizes for the auctions raising $27,000. The majority of the funds raised went to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation with over $3000 going directly to Clint and his family.
Like many hotels in our State, Corryong Hotel Motel continues to raise much needed funds for many local groups including the CFA, SES, the local schools and sporting clubs.
It’s not lost on us here at AHA (Vic) how challenging it can be to run pubs, especially for our members in regional Victoria. From fires, to floods, pubs are
the heartbeat of these communities, and stories like this demonstrate just how pivotal pubs are to them.
The Corryong Courthouse Hotel, affectionately known as the ‘Top Pub’, is a historic establishment that has been serving the community since 1882. Located in the main street, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with a public bar and bistro. The hotel features a spacious beer garden and two dining and function areas, making it an ideal venue for various events, Guests can enjoy alfresco dining, and options for gluten-free and vegetarian meals.
One of the most striking qualities of Corryong is its breathtaking scenery. The views here are truly something special, with the surrounding landscape offering dramatic vistas of the Snowy Mountains and picturesque rural vistas. It’s a place where nature’s beauty is on full display, and it often leaves visitors in awe.
As Cheryl Winter, publican of The Courthouse Hotel says “It’s all about those views! And cowboys, the Man from Snowy River is buried here and there is a festival to celebrate him every year!”
Corryong’s deep connection to the legendary Australian folklore figure, The Man from Snowy River is rich. Not only is he a symbol of the rugged, pioneering spirit of the region, but his legacy is celebrated annually at the Man from Snowy River Festival, which draws visitors from all over. The festival honours the area’s rich history with cowboy culture, traditional skills, and plenty of local charm.
Just like the pub down the road, The Courthouse Hotel is a prominent fixture in the heart of Corryong, with its central location making it a focal point for both locals and visitors. Its size and visibility allow it to play a key role in the community, not just as a business, but as a community hub.
“The Courthouse is huge and smack bang in the centre of town. We sponsor various sporting clubs and allow clubs to use our function rooms at no cost for meetings and such. We employ young locals as wait staff and love watching their confidence grow as they get used to interacting with our regulars” says Cheryl.
Running a hotel in a smaller town like Corryong presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting consistent foot traffic and maintaining a steady flow of guests. In a small town, word of mouth is incredibly powerful, and hotels need to focus on delivering excellent service and creating a warm, inviting environment that encourages people to return.
Cheryl adds “The cost of living has definitely affected us, an old beloved boss who taught me so much once said ‘Chezzy, if you’re not having to buy change from the bank that’s bad news, people are buying beer from their pocket and not their wallet’. That has proven too true. The easiest and hardest thing to cut back on is wages, but it’s also not sustainable, I love what I do but 80 hours a week gets a bit rough.”
Corryong is often seen as a quaint, rural town, but it offers a wealth of hidden surprises that visitors may not anticipate. For one, the town is steeped in a rich history which gives it a unique cultural identity. The natural beauty surrounding Corryong is breathtaking, with stunning views of the Snowy Mountains, tranquil rivers, and abundant wildlife. Beyond the scenic landscapes, Corryong boasts a vibrant arts community, a strong sense of local pride, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home. It’s a place where old-world charm meets contemporary culture in a way that’s truly unique.
Cheryl leaves us with this parting statement; “It’s all so very beautiful here, but you would have to come in to the pub and ask the old boys, I don’t get out much.”