Blackwood Hotel
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Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Wombat State Forest, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Blackwood Hotel stands as a beacon of history, hospitality, and hearty fare. Originally established in 1868, it holds the distinguished title of being Victoria’s oldest continuously licensed weatherboard hotel — and now, it’s stepping confidently into a new era, blending old-world country charm with modern Australian dining.
Recently relaunched with a celebration dubbed the “Long Lunch,” the Blackwood Hotel is a tribute to everything regional Victoria does best: slow dining, seasonal produce, warm hospitality and a community-first ethos. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual drink or settling in for a three-course feast, the Blackwood delivers an experience that is as comforting as it is elevated.
The menu at the Blackwood Hotel walks a clever line between nostalgic pub classics and contemporary bistro dishes, with a clear passion for local ingredients and generous flavour.
Kick off your meal with standout starters like the Asian-glazed pork belly, glazed in sticky soy and finished with sesame seeds — sweet, salty, and richly satisfying. The saganaki is another must-try, served bubbling hot with peppered figs and drizzled with honey for the perfect balance of salt and sweetness. For something fresh and flame-kissed, the chargrilled calamari arrives tender and smoky, tossed with lemon, herbs and chimichurri.
There’s a beautiful simplicity to the mains — dishes that feel like they belong in the landscape, earthy and generous without being fussy. The baked rockling fillet is a standout: delicate white fish nestled over orzo with green olives, capers, tomato and preserved lemon, and topped with a fresh fennel and herb salad. It’s Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, even in the forest.
Meat-lovers are well looked after too. The Sher Wagyu rump (300g MB 6+) is a serious cut, perfectly charred, served with golden chips and peppercorn sauce. Or there’s the enduring Aussie favourite — a classic parma, stacked with tomato sugo, ham and mozzarella, served with crispy chips and leaf salad. Elevated but still familiar, it's the kind of food that locals return for again and again.
Desserts here don’t disappoint — in fact, they’re reason enough for a visit. The choc basque cheesecake, with its thick brownie base, is pure decadence and easily one of the best around. There’s also sticky date pudding, dripping in butterscotch and paired with vanilla ice cream, and a plate of churros, golden-fried and dusted in cinnamon sugar, ready to be dipped in molten chocolate.
More than just a place to eat, the Blackwood Hotel is a destination — whether you’re exploring the nearby spa towns of Daylesford and Trentham, bushwalking through the state forest, or simply escaping the city for a weekend drive. With its wide verandah, cosy interiors, local wines and beers on tap, and a calendar of local events, it’s a community hub as much as a culinary stop.
Owned and operated by locals who care deeply about the area’s heritage and hospitality, the Blackwood Hotel is a shining example of country Victoria at its best — warm, inviting, and seriously delicious. Whether you’re coming for the Long Lunch or just a long-overdue catch-up, this historic hotel delivers on every front.
Location: 1 Golden Point Rd, Blackwood VIC 3458
Phone: (03) 4317 4899
