EAT, DRINK & STAY AT THE ICONIC BENDOC HOTEL
EXPERIENCE COUNTRY HOSPITALITY WITH A LOCAL TOUCH
Tucked away in the far east of Gippsland on the New South Wales border, Bendoc Hotel is more than just a pub—it’s the beating heart of a small community. Family-owned and operated by husband-and-wife team John and Caroline since 2022, the hotel offers a welcoming space for locals, travellers, and holidaymakers alike.
Our story is rooted in family ties and tradition. With connections to Bendoc going back generations, we’re passionate about restoring the pub’s charm while adding our own personal touch. Whether you’re dropping in for a cold drink after a long drive, staying the night in one of our six freshly updated rooms, or enjoying a hearty country meal, you’ll feel right at home.
What sets us apart? We’re not just a pub. We’re also the local Post Office (LPO), a trusted information centre for visitors, and a vibrant hub for live music, raffles, and community events. Every visit is about more than just good food and drinks — it’s about connection, history, and belonging.
OUR SERVICES
OUR PUB
A true country pub experience where locals and visitors mingle. Enjoy cold drinks, friendly faces, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
KITCHEN
Caroline runs the kitchen with a focus on hearty, home-style meals. From country classics to modern favourites, there’s something for every taste and budget.
ACCOMMODATION
We offer six cosy rooms with brand-new showers and toilets (shared facilities). Perfect for travellers, workers, or anyone who wants a warm bed in Bendoc.
FAQS
WHAT MAKES THE BENDOC HOTEL UNIQUE?
The Bendoc Hotel is more than just a country pub. Alongside hearty meals and cold beers, we also serve as the local post office and tourism information centre. Our mix of accommodation, entertainment, and community connection makes us a true one-stop hub for locals and visitors alike.
DO YOU OFFER ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, we provide six affordable guest rooms in Bendoc. All rooms share access to brand-new showers and toilets, making them simple, clean, and comfortable. Our accommodation is ideal for travellers on the road, workers staying locally, or holidaymakers seeking an authentic country town experience in East Gippsland.
IS THE PUB FAMILY-FRIENDLY?
Absolutely. The Bendoc Hotel is a welcoming space for families, groups, and solo travellers. Our kitchen offers meals to suit all ages and tastes, while our relaxed country atmosphere means everyone can feel at home. We aim to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for locals and visitors alike.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HOLD EVENTS?
We host something special nearly every month, including live music and community celebrations like Cup Day or Grand Final Day. In addition, our weekly Thursday night raffle is a favourite among locals. Visitors can always expect a lively, friendly event calendar when they stop by the Bendoc Hotel.
ABOUT US
Article from the Snowy River Mail
"From serving the country to serving the community"
It’s a long drive to the Bendoc pub for a drink, situated in the isolated far East Gippsland town on the New South Wales border, unless you’re one of the 100 odd locals who live in the town.
Lately, there’s been renewed interest in having a drink at the pub ever since John Marshall and his partner, Caroline Wassink, took over the iconic hotel earlier this year.
The couple had been holidaying in Bendoc in January 2022 when they saw the pub for sale.
Mr Marshall, who is from Orbost, has family ties to Bendoc – his mother, Shelly Marshall, grew up in the town.
His grandparents, Kitch and Ruth Jamieson, worked in the town and are well known in the area.
For Mr Marshall, the dream of working in a town steeped in family history was a no-brainer.
Ms Wassink, from Buchan, didn’t take much convincing either.
The couple had both worked for the armed forces in Darwin and the chance to return to Victoria and be closer to family was too enticing.
Mr Marshall had been a combat engineer with the army and remains an active reservist, while Ms Wassink was a specialist dog handler with the Royal Australian Air Force.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Family-owned & operated:
We care about every guest who walks through our doors.
Steeped in history:
Serving Bendoc since the early 1900s, proudly continued by John & Caroline since 2022.
Community at heart:
We’re the pub, the post office, and the info centre all rolled into one.
Events & entertainment:
Monthly gigs and regular raffles keep things lively.
Comfortable stays:
Affordable rooms with new bathrooms, perfect for a stopover.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready for a true country pub experience in Bendoc? Whether you’re booking a room, stopping by for a meal, or looking for event details, we’d love to hear from you.
📞 Call us today on (02) 6458 1453
Great little pub
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Marcelle L
Michael and I, from Tassie, thank you for a really enjoyable Wednesday night. Great hosts, lovely food, great local company who all welcomed us with a handshake and a friendly conversation. Very happy to have met you all…The Commercial is a little gem in the country and we will be recommending to friends to pay a visit.
Date of stay:
January 2023
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What an awesome little gem. Great country feel, with genuine owners, that really care. Food is awesome, it’s big and delicious. Great value for money. Felt like I was apart of the community as soon as I walked in. And what a stunning area to check out. The publicans pointed me in the right direction. They were very knowledgeable of the area. Can’t wait to visit again soon.
Jessica S.
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The Bendoc Hotel is an awesome charming little country pub that feels like home the moment you walk in. The owners are incredibly welcoming, and you can tell they truly care about their community and guests. The meals are massive and delicious—huge portions that are perfect for anyone with a big appetite. They actually use real mash and vegetables. Highly recommend stopping by if you're ever in the area!
Oliver Y.
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Beautiful small town country pub. I was at Bombala for work and heard about these massive chicken parmis at the Bendoc pub and they did not disappoint m, delicious huge hearty home cooking, locals were friendly and accommodating Publican and his wife are wonderful people. My work colleague actually won a meet tray but because we’re on work trip, had no way of cooking it so he gave it back to the pub for a redraw.
Adam T.
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Such a great country Pub friendly smiling faces, amazing owners/staff. Great prices. I always say quality over quantity but this little country Pub Tick & Tick!! The chicken snitzel and parmi are HUGE!!!!!! And they are absolutely delish!!! Dont forget the mushroom gravy.. so yum! The kids enjoyed their kids meals to!
A great friendly place to visit highly recommend!
Marnie S.
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Great atmosphere, great food and great people! Will definitely be going back in the near future to enjoy again. A hidden gem which we’re so glad we found.
Caitlin T.
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Five of us arrived on the Friday afternoon. The first thing I noticed the hard wood timber giving the pub heaps of character. We were greeted by John owner/Publican. John and his lovely wife who took over the pub about 2 years earlier. Throughout the evening they were the perfect hosts. Our meals were home style, delicious with excellent portions. There is a great range of drinks. It would be worth chatting to John about single malt whisky's as he is quite the connoisseur with a good selection to choose from. Thanks for your hospitality.
Rex
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What a great pub! Great quality meals, cold beers and one of the best publicans you’ll ever meet. Will be coming here again for sure!
Wil F.
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i stayed for 67 nights and loved this place. I stayed with Adrian, Eeffoc, Gerbert, Idksterling, ye, Mike, I had: 67 wins, (41 wins in the casino (not included at this place)), and 93 mangos (mustard included)
Jaldolf P.
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We had a lovely meal here. As one of only three Victorian pubs to make the Australian Bush Pubs book, it definitely deserves its spot. Great quality food, beautiful scenery and friendly staff and locals, can’t recommend more.
Stuart G.
Discover the Bendoc Hotel’s cosy pub and comfortable rooms – call (02) 6458 1453 to book or enquire today.