Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Blackwood Hotel’s opening hours?

We’re open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 PM until 11:30 PM, Friday from 12:00 PM until 11.30 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 11:30 AM until 11:30 PM.

Do I need to book, or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are also available if you’d like to guarantee your table — especially recommended for weekends, given Blackwood’s popularity as a Melbourne day trip. You can reach out to us directly via our Contact Page to secure a spot.

Does the Blackwood Hotel have a private dining room?

Yes. Our private dining room seats up to 25 guests, perfect for celebrations and special occasions. Head over to our About Page to learn more about hosting your next intimate dinner or milestone celebration with us.

Is the Blackwood Hotel family-friendly?

Absolutely — families are always welcome at the Blackwood Hotel. With a dedicated kids menu, our forest-view deck, and a relaxed country-pub atmosphere, it’s a great spot to bring the whole family for a meal.

Is the Blackwood Hotel dog-friendly?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Blackwood Hotel.

Is there parking at the Blackwood Hotel?

Yes, parking is available at the Blackwood Hotel.

What’s on the menu at the Blackwood Hotel?

Our menu is modern Australian with a few global influences, featuring dishes like a classic parma with tomato sugo, pork belly with jus, Italian slaw and apple gel, and a lamb shoulder with Greek salad, tzatziki, chips and flatbread. You can view our full food lineup on our Menu Page.

Do you serve local wine and beer?

Yes, we pour local beers on tap alongside award-winning wine from the region. Check out our curated selection on the Wine & Spirits Menu.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes. Give the gift of great food and unforgettable moments with a Blackwood Hotel Gift Card! Perfect for any occasion, our cards can be used for dining, drinks, or events. You can conveniently purchase them online directly through our Gift Vouchers Page.

What are your most popular dishes?
Guest favourites include our classic parma with tomato sugo, pork belly with jus, Italian slaw and apple gel, and the lamb shoulder with Greek salad, tzatziki, chips and flatbread.

What is the typical price range for your menu items?
Menu items typically range from $20 to $40.

Do you offer vegan options?
Yes — our vegan-friendly options include a vegetarian paella, chips, and a garden salad.

What alcoholic beverages do you serve?
We pour local beers on tap and offer an award-winning selection of regional wines and spirits – see the full lineup on our Wine & Spirits Menu.

What non-alcoholic beverages are available?
We’ve got a full range on tap – Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Lemon Lime Bitters, Raspberry, Lift and Fanta – plus bottled options including Hepburn Ginger Beer, Orange Juice, Apple Juice and Sparkling Water.

What is the history of the Blackwood Hotel?

The Blackwood Hotel was established in 1868, on land granted from as early as 1859. Bridget Cruise built up the original “Family Hotel” from 1867, and by 1889 it was known as John Cann’s Family Hotel. Today it’s recognised as one of Victoria’s oldest continuously licensed weatherboard hotels, and it also served as a Cobb & Co coaching stop, linking Australia’s country destinations by horse-drawn carriage. You can read more about our legacy on our About Page.

Is the Blackwood Hotel haunted?

The hotel doesn’t have a documented haunting, but it does have a genuinely eerie piece of history: it once had a room used as a temporary morgue, where a body would be kept until a magistrate could be sent for from Bacchus Marsh to hold an inquest. It’s one of the many stories that make this one of Victoria’s most historic pubs.

What is Blackwood known for?

Blackwood is a historic gold rush town, and visitors can still explore old gold diggings, mineshafts, and heritage buildings. The town is also home to the Blackwood Mineral Springs, where you can sample natural mineral water believed to have health benefits. Read our full local guide on our Discover Blackwood Page.

Who owns Blackwood Hotel?

Blackwood Hotel is owned by Jerry Dimas and John Scardamaglia, who took over the venue in January 2025.

Where is Blackwood?

Blackwood is located in Victoria’s Wombat State Forest, about 89 kilometres north-west of Melbourne — roughly a 60 to 75-minute drive from the CBD. Find exact directions and our map on our Contact Page.

What is there to do in Blackwood?

Beyond a meal at the Blackwood Hotel, the area offers scenic walking trails, fern gullies and waterfalls, the Blackwood Mineral Springs, and the Lerderderg Track. The Garden of St Erth, known for its heritage fruit trees and seasonal flowers, is another popular stop nearby. Plan your complete itinerary using our Discover Blackwood Page.

Is there accommodation in Blackwood?

The Blackwood Hotel operates as a restaurant and bar rather than offering overnight accommodation directly on-site. However, if you are looking for a place to stay in the area, feel free to drop us a line via our Contact Page and our team will gladly point you toward the best local BnBs and accommodation options!