The Royal Standard

The Royal is over 130 years old; although locals Amy Robson and Steve Swan have only been running the place for a little while, but already it seems to be in safe hands for the future.

That’s important in this small, 600-person dairy-farming community, set among Gippsland’s rolling, unusually green hills.

The pub is small, and the attractive rooms have brand new beds and shared bathrooms. Apart from sleeping, though, you’re not going to spend a bunch of time upstairs. All the fun is down below, where locals shoot pool and get into oysters, steaks and local fish. When the sun’s out, the big, rambling beer garden (emphasis on garden) is a pleasant spot to soak up the country vibes and surrounding natural beauty.

Toora is handily located near the entrance to Wilsons Prom, which we probably don’t have to tell you is home to some of Victoria’s most breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The town is also a 15-minute drive from Agnes Falls, the highest single-span falls in the state, at 59 metres. The 68-kilometre Great Southern Rail Trail also passes through the town on its way from Leongatha to Welshpool. If you can’t fit your bikes in the car, you can rent some in the nearby town of Meeniyan.