Tucked away among the rolling hills overlooking Lake Hume, the Bethanga Pub is a genuine historic country pub and a fantastic destination for riders exploring Victoria’s High Country and the Upper Murray.

Built in 1878, the pub has been part of Bethanga’s story for almost 150 years. Inside, photographs and historic memorabilia tell the story of the district’s fascinating gold and mining past, while today the pub continues the country tradition of bringing locals, travellers and visitors together over good food, cold drinks and plenty of conversation.

A Town Built on Gold and Copper

Bethanga’s history goes well beyond the pub. Gold discoveries in the district date back to the 1850s, but the Bethanga goldfield really opened up following the discovery of the New Year’s Gift reef on 1 January 1876. Within months, hundreds of miners had arrived and a township was rapidly developing.

Copper soon became just as important. By the late 1870s, Bethanga had developed into a significant mining community, with copper and silver workings attracting miners and entrepreneurs from across the region. The town was even described as the “copper and silver city of Victoria.”

Much of that mining activity eventually disappeared, but the character of the old mining settlement remains part of Bethanga’s identity.

Things to See & Do

The journey to Bethanga is part of the experience. Cross the historic Bethanga Bridge over Lake Hume and follow the winding roads into town, enjoying spectacular views across the lake and surrounding hills.

Explore Bethanga’s mining heritage, take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside or head down to Lake Hume for fishing, boating and other water-based activities.

For riders, the roads linking Bethanga, Tallangatta, Mitta Mitta, Albury-Wodonga and the Upper Murray provide plenty of opportunities to turn the trip into a full day of exploring.

Back at the pub, settle in for a classic country meal, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and, if you're lucky, catch some of the live music and local events that regularly bring the community together.

Annual Events

Bethanga has a strong community calendar, including the Bethanga Easter Gymkhana & Family Fun Day, held around Easter at the Bethanga Recreation Reserve. The event features horse events, family activities and plenty of old-fashioned country fun.

Bethanga also attracts motorcycle and motoring enthusiasts, with events such as the annual SR500 Club Australia Rally bringing riders into the area.

Did You Know?

Bethanga was once a bustling mining town. In 1876, around 400 miners were already working on the goldfield, and by the following year dozens of stamp heads and steam engines were operating across the field.

Today, the Bethanga Pub provides the perfect place to pause and imagine what life must have been like when miners, prospectors and travellers filled the town.

So when you're exploring the roads around Lake Hume, don't simply ride past Bethanga. Cross the bridge, take the scenic route, discover the town's remarkable mining history and pull into the Bethanga Pub for a genuine country pub experience.

And before you head off on the next leg of your adventure, don't forget to collect your Great Aussie Pub Feed Passport stamp.

🏍️ Ride • Eat • Explore • Support