ENJOY A CLASSIC COUNTRY PUB EXPERIENCE AT THE BENDOC HOTEL
A PUB THAT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY, COMFORT & GOOD TIMES
There’s something timeless about a country pub — the kind of place where locals and travellers share a yarn, the beer is always cold, and the atmosphere is relaxed and genuine. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Bendoc Hotel, a family-run pub with deep connections to its community.
Since taking over in 2022, the owners have brought together years of military service and civilian experience to create a pub that’s welcoming, organised, and attentive to every guest. Their time in the armed forces instilled discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to service — qualities that now ensure every visitor is treated with care and respect. Coupled with experience in hospitality and customer service, they’ve created a space that runs smoothly while still feeling warm, friendly, and personal.
Whether you’re stopping in for a drink, enjoying a hearty meal, or picking up your mail at the post office, the Bendoc Hotel is where people connect, relax, and feel at home. It’s the heart of Bendoc, offering both locals and travellers a welcoming spot to gather, share stories, and enjoy great food and drink.
THE PUB ITSELF – COSY, WELCOMING, AND FULL OF CHARACTER
After a day exploring the stunning national parks, mountain trails, or winding country roads, there’s nothing better than stepping into the Bendoc Hotel. The warm glow of the timber interior, the gentle hum of conversation, and the comforting aroma of hearty meals immediately make you feel at home.
At the bar, you’ll find all your favourites on tap, a wide selection of bottled and canned beers, crisp ciders, and a carefully curated wine list celebrating local and popular drops. Each drink is served with care, and the friendly chatter of locals creates a welcoming buzz that makes every visitor feel included.
The kitchen fills the pub with mouth-watering aromas of hearty country classics and modern pub favourites. From sizzling pies to generous schnitzels and fresh, flavour-packed dishes, every meal pairs perfectly with a cold drink. It’s the kind of food that satisfies the appetite and warms the soul.
Visitors often remark that it’s not just the food and drinks that make the pub special — it’s the atmosphere. The soft clink of glasses, the laughter of friends, and the occasional strum of a guitar from a local musician all combine to create a space where you can truly relax, refuel, and recharge.
Whether you’re a hiker with tired legs, a cyclist in need of a hearty meal, a camper looking for a warm welcome, or someone passing through town, the Bendoc Hotel offers comfort, character, and a genuine country experience. Friendly staff, a cosy environment, and attention to every detail make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
THE POST OFFICE – THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
The Bendoc Hotel is also the town’s licensed post office (LPO). In a small community, the post office is more than just mail—it’s a meeting place, a hub for conversation, and a vital connection point for locals and visitors.
By running the LPO, the pub has become a true community hub. Whether you’re picking up a parcel, sending a letter, or asking for local advice, you’ll receive the same friendly service and welcoming atmosphere that makes the Bendoc Hotel a favourite stop for everyone.
FAQS
WHAT DRINKS DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?
We offer all the pub favourites on tap, plus a wide selection of bottled and canned beers, crisp ciders, and wines featuring both local and popular labels.
CAN I GET A MEAL WITH MY DRINK?
Yes! Our kitchen serves hearty meals every day, from country-style classics to modern pub favourites — perfect after a day exploring the national parks or surrounding trails.
IS THE PUB FAMILY-FRIENDLY?
Absolutely. Families, travellers, and locals are all welcome. The relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere ensures everyone feels comfortable.
HOW DOES THE POST OFFICE FIT INTO THE PUB?
We also operate the local licensed post office, making the hotel a hub for both community connections and visitors.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Warm hospitality:
A family-run pub where everyone feels welcome.
Great drinks & food:
beers on tap, bottled favourites, ciders, wines, and hearty meals.
Cosy atmosphere:
A classic country pub full of charm and character.
Community hub:
Pub and post office combined for a one-stop experience.
Experience counts:
military and civilian backgrounds ensure attentive, organised service.
Perfect stopover:
Ideal for hikers, cyclists, campers, and travellers looking to relax and recharge.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Learn more about what o do around the local area. The areas surrounding Bendoc is a haven for nature lovers, with hikes, fishing, 4WDing, hunting, adventure bike riding and camping galore in the stunning Gippsland surrounds.
WILSONS HUT
Get a glimpse of this area's fascinating post European settlement history with a visit to this heritage High Country hut.
Wilson's Hut was constructed in 1916 from local forest materials and is a rare example of a surviving slab hut. The original occupants, Alfred and Irene Wilson, delivered fresh produce and timber supplies to the nearby Victoria Star Mine and locals at Bendoc.
Today, visitors can explore the hut and make use of the picnic and wood-fired BBQ facilities.
This site is a popular stop for overnight camping for 4WD enthusiasts following the Bendoc Historic Loop Drive as part of the Far East Gippsland Backroad Tour.
DELEGATE RIVER TUNNEL PICNIC AREA
This is a beautiful and interesting short walk to the Delegate River. See an example of mining ingenuity with a tunnel that was cut by miners through hard rock, during the Victorian gold rush of the 1880s. The 80m tunnel diverted the river from its original course to allow gold mining in the riverbed.
Add on a lunch stop and make use of the picnic facilities at the start of the walk, including a wood-fired BBQ and picnic tables.
MCKILLOPS BRIDGE
McKillops Bridge is a road and live-stock bridge situated on the Bonang-Gelantipy Road across the Snowy River. It consists of welded-steel trusses seated on tall one-piece reinforced-concrete piers, supporting an elaborate timber stockbridge superstructure. That traditional colonial-style timber superstructure seated on crossheads above the trusses has shaped corbels, square-timbered stringers, spiking planks, transverse timber decking (now with running planks), gravel beams, and elaborate side rails.
The deck is 255 metres long. The bridge was built by the Country Roads Board in two stages between 1931-36, during which its height was raised after the original bridge superstructure was washed away in record floods of January 1934, prior to its original official opening. In its reconstructed form the original concrete abutments were turned into additional piers and the welded-steel trusses were cantilevered back over them to meet the new higher road approaches.
The bridge is approached through some of Victoria’s grandest scenery, and spans a broad, deep and spectacular gorge of the upper Snowy near its junction with the Deddick River.
BENDOC LOG
The story goes that in 1981 Ken Hepburn, drove his 1976 Mack truck on a perilous journey from Wombat Track to Cuthbertson & Richard’s sawmill at Bendoc.
His load was a giant 60-tonne log which was said be the largest ever harvested in the Bendoc area. It measured 9.2 metres in length and 251 cm in diameter with a volume of about 45 cubic meters.
This giant Shining Gum (E. nitens) was felled by Steve Goodyear of Bombala which took him over four hours.
The D7F bulldozer on the coupe was incapable of pulling the massive log so the operator, Des Yelds, an experienced bushman, built an earth loading ramp next to the log and pushed it onto the truck.
With such a heavy load, the bulldozer then towed the Mack truck from the landing along the narrow coupe access track as far as the main Back Creek Road.
The short butt section of the colossal log was displayed outside the Bendoc sawmill for many years until it was donated to the town in 2004 by the mill owner, Alan Richards, and later moved to its current location in the Historic Park, which is opposite the iconic Bendoc pub.
It was a major logistical exercise to shift the log again and many townsfolk came out to witness the event.
The huge log is still in pretty good condition for its age after having been exposed to the weather for over 40 years. It is frequently photographed by visitors to the town.
OLD GROWTH FOREST WALK
Errinundra Old Growth Forest Walk showcases stunning ancient forests located in the Eastern Highlands of Victoria. The trail meanders through lush, towering trees, some of which are centuries old, offering visitors an immersive experience in a biodiverse ecosystem. Along the walk, you can encounter an array of wildlife, including unique bird species and native flora. Interpretative signage throughout the path enhances the experience, providing insights into the ecology and history of the forest. This serene setting is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
DROP IN FOR A COLD ONE
The Bendoc Hotel is where good food, cold drinks, and friendly faces meet. Come for the pub, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a story to tell.
📞 Call us on (02) 6458 1453 to plan your visit today.
Relax after exploring the national parks at the Bendoc Hotel – call (02) 6458 1453 to reserve a table.