Pubs have always played a vital role in country communities. The hospitality they offer is second to none. But declining populations and waning tourism have put country pubs under threat. They need more guests—and we know plenty of them.

That’s why we’ve partnered with rural communities to return 5 of Australia’s favourite pubs, and most-loved publicans, back to their former glory.

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Meet the winners

The Country Pub Project received over 9000 nominations. With so many moving stories about much loved local pubs, we found it impossible to choose just five winners. So we added a sixth. Offering accommodation and already oozing charm, these six country pubs are about to receive some much needed TLC—and a whole lot more guests.

Ravenswood, QLD
Imperial Hotel
Ravenswood was a ghost town when Diane and John took over the Imperial Hotel some 20 years ago. They may be the town’s good luck charm though, as gold was discovered just a few months later. The pub—and the town—have been kicking ever since.
Toora, VIC
The Royal Standard Hotel
When the Toora Magpies hit a rough patch the past few seasons, publicans Amy and Steve painted the Royal Standard in the team’s colours to show their support. They know how much everyone loves their pub, so they give as much love back to the community in return.
Waratah, TAS
Bischoff Hotel
A few years ago, Paul and Liz went on a family holiday to Waratah. It was here that they came across the Bischoff Hotel, and fell in love at first sight. So much so, they decided to buy it.
Ravenswood, QLD
Imperial Hotel
Ravenswood was a ghost town when Diane and John took over the Imperial Hotel some 20 years ago. They may be the town’s good luck charm though, as gold was discovered just a few months later. The pub—and the town—have been kicking ever since.
Toora, VIC
The Royal Standard Hotel
When the Toora Magpies hit a rough patch the past few seasons, publicans Amy and Steve painted the Royal Standard in the team’s colours to show their support. They know how much everyone loves their pub, so they give as much love back to the community in return.
Waratah, TAS
Bischoff Hotel
A few years ago, Paul and Liz went on a family holiday to Waratah. It was here that they came across the Bischoff Hotel, and fell in love at first sight. So much so, they decided to buy it.
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Help that's here to stay

For country pubs to keep the beer flowing and their towns thriving well into the future, it’ll take ongoing support from the community too. Your community, and ours. Here’s how each of us can play our part.

STAGE ONE

We found our pubs

We scoured Australia for country pubs that were in need of a little TLC—and a whole lot more guests. While we originally planned for five winners, we were so moved by the number of nominations and touching stories that we eventually settled on six.
STAGE ONE

We found our pubs

We scoured Australia for country pubs that were in need of a little TLC—and a whole lot more guests. While we originally planned for five winners, we were so moved by the number of nominations and touching stories that we eventually settled on six.
STAGE TWO

We’re lending a hand

Each of the six pubs have been allocated a grant of $50,000 along with a team of design professionals, and each publican has been paired with a host to help them list on Airbnb.
STAGE TWO

We’re lending a hand

Each of the six pubs have been allocated a grant of $50,000 along with a team of design professionals, and each publican has been paired with a host to help them list on Airbnb.
STAGE THREE

We spread the word

From now on, we’ll be encouraging the Airbnb community to venture off the beaten track and stay in a room at a country pub. Because with every visit to small town Australia, we know travellers will gain something in return—a reminder of the joy of slowing down and finding the time to do not much at all.
STAGE THREE

We spread the word

From now on, we’ll be encouraging the Airbnb community to venture off the beaten track and stay in a room at a country pub. Because with every visit to small town Australia, we know travellers will gain something in return—a reminder of the joy of slowing down and finding the time to do not much at all.

For more details of how this will work, please read our FAQs below.

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Meet the community

As more Australians start to rediscover their own backyard, we hope they’ll reconnect with each other as well. Because bringing people together is what country publicans are all about. And what Airbnb does best.

Pub goer
Ron
Ron's been sinking schooners at the Royal since way back in 1954. Decades have passed, but not much has changed—apart from the fact he’s now the mayor and gets around in a brand new Mustang.
Pub goer
Wayne
Wayne, the local carpenter, has kept much of Sofala standing. He even takes it upon himself to prop up the bar. A master of the bush oven, Wayne’s whole roast lamb and hot beef rolls go perfectly with a nice cold beer.
Pub goer
Dan
He may live a little out of Sofala, but everyone knows Dan by name. Might have something to do with him being a plumber, and at this time of year the pipes freeze over in almost every building around town.
Pub goer
Sandra
Sandra’s from Sydney originally, but no one holds that against her. After selling the nearby general store, she now does the odd shift at the Royal. She pours beer as well as she drinks it, and she loves to have a good yak.
Pub goer
Ron
Ron's been sinking schooners at the Royal since way back in 1954. Decades have passed, but not much has changed—apart from the fact he’s now the mayor and gets around in a brand new Mustang.
Pub goer
Wayne
Wayne, the local carpenter, has kept much of Sofala standing. He even takes it upon himself to prop up the bar. A master of the bush oven, Wayne’s whole roast lamb and hot beef rolls go perfectly with a nice cold beer.
Pub goer
Dan
He may live a little out of Sofala, but everyone knows Dan by name. Might have something to do with him being a plumber, and at this time of year the pipes freeze over in almost every building around town.
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Frequently asked questions

Got questions about The Country Pub Project? We might just have the answers.

What is The Country Pub Project about?

Country pubs are not just places for an ice cold beer or a room to sleep. These grand old buildings are the heart of their communities, but they need your help to survive. Airbnb is partnering with publicans across Australia, giving them a platform to help put their pubs and their towns back on the map. Five selected publicans will each receive a grant and help to revive their pub, and Airbnb will launch a campaign to encourage travellers to visit these towns in rural Australia.

Why has Airbnb chosen to work with pubs?

Country publicans are the ultimate hosts and staying in a room above a country pub is a uniquely Australian form of hospitality that we love and want to celebrate.

Can any pub in Australia apply to be involved?

If the pub has accommodation and is located in regional/rural Australia outside of a capital city, it is eligible to apply.

Isn’t Airbnb in competition with pubs that also provide accommodation?

Airbnb allows guests all around the world to find different kinds of accommodation, including pubs. Many publicans around Australia already list their rooms on Airbnb and are incredible hosts. Listing rooms on our platform allows publicans to reach new guests, which in turn breathes new life into their pub and town.

Why is there a specific focus on rural/regional pubs - why not urban?

Declining populations, drought and waning tourism in rural and regional Australia have put country pubs and their towns under threat. Airbnb wants to work with governments and locals to drive healthy tourism and help strengthen communities.

Beyond partnering with Airbnb, are there any additional benefits?

Airbnb will be promoting rural/regional destinations and encouraging guests to visit.

Do pubs have to be listed on Airbnb in order to be eligible?

No.

How many pubs will be selected to participate in The Country Pub Project?

Five pubs will be selected to participate in The Country Pub Project. Each pub will be required to sign an agreement with Airbnb, setting out the terms of the grant.

Will pubs be expected to list on Airbnb if they are selected to participate in The Country Pub Project?

Yes, the five selected pubs that receive the grant will need to list on Airbnb as part of the project. More details will be set out in the agreement which each of the five selected pubs will be required to sign with Airbnb.

Can people nominate their local pub (i.e. on the pub’s behalf)?

Yes, you can nominate a pub even if you aren’t the owner.

When do applications close?

Applications close 11.59 pm Friday 12 July.

How will the five pubs be selected?

Pubs will be selected based on the strength of the application. We are looking for pubs with great stories, interesting towns and hero publicans.

When will selected pubs be notified?

Selected pubs will be notified the week beginning 5 August 2019.

If my pub is selected, when will I need to be available to participate in The Country Pub Project?

You will need to be available from 1 August to 6 September 2019.

What do the selected pubs receive in this project?

Each of the five selected pubs will receive a grant of up to $50,000 USD grant to help revitalise and renovate their pub, and the assistance of a design team. They will be paired with an experienced Airbnb Host who will guide them through listing on the platform. Airbnb will support the town in creating a unique Experience to attract guests, and launch a campaign to help put the pub and its town back on the map.

What do selected pubs need to do in order to receive the grant?

In order to receive a grant, a selected pub will be required to enter into an agreement setting out the main collaboration terms stated above, and other terms such as image and personality releases (to be featured in publicity for the project) and sponsorship disclosures (for the pub’s social media communications relating to the project).

Do selected pubs have to spend the money on specific things? How will spending be monitored?

A grant of up to $50,000 will be allocated to the renovation and revival of each pub. Airbnb will work with the publican to determine how to use these funds. The grant will be utilised towards expenses incurred for the revival and renovation works, which have been agreed between the pub and Airbnb.

Are the selected pubs given a lump sum?

No. The grant can only be utilised towards expenses incurred by the pub for its revival and renovation works, which have been agreed between the pub and Airbnb (up to a maximum of $50,000).

My pub wasn’t selected, is there another opportunity for me to be involved?

Yes, we will be in touch with all applicants with further information.