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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Domande frequenti

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

Cos'è The Country Pub Project?

I pub di campagna non offrono solamente una birra fresca o una stanza per dormire. Questi vecchi edifici grandiosi sono il cuore delle loro comunità, ma hanno bisogno del tuo aiuto per sopravvivere. Airbnb collabora con i gestori di pub di tutta l'Australia, dando loro una piattaforma per far conoscere meglio i loro pub e le loro cittadine. 5 gestori di pub selezionati riceveranno una sovvenzione e un aiuto per rinnovare il proprio locale. Airbnb lancerà inoltre una campagna per incoraggiare i viaggiatori a visitare queste cittadine dell'Australia rurale.

Perché Airbnb ha scelto di lavorare con i pub?

I gestori di pub di campagna sono degli host fantastici e soggiornare in una delle loro camere è una forma di ospitalità tipicamente australiana che amiamo e vogliamo celebrare.

La candidatura può essere presentata da qualsiasi pub australiano?

Se il pub offre un alloggio e si trova nell'Australia regionale e rurale, al di fuori di una capitale, è idoneo a candidarsi.

Airbnb non è in concorrenza con i pub che offrono alloggi?

Airbnb consente agli ospiti di tutto il mondo di trovare diversi tipi di alloggio, inclusi i pub. Molti gestori di pub australiani pubblicano già le loro camere su Airbnb e sono degli host incredibili. Pubblicare camere sulla nostra piattaforma consente ai gestori di pub di raggiungere nuovi ospiti, che a loro volta infondono nuova vita sia al pub stesso che alla cittadina in cui si trova.

Perché un'attenzione specifica per i pub rurali e regionali piuttosto che urbani?

La diminuzione della popolazione, la siccità e il calo del turismo nell'Australia rurale e regionale hanno messo a rischio i pub di campagna e le loro cittadine. Airbnb vuole lavorare con le autorità e gli abitanti del luogo per promuovere un turismo sano e contribuire a rafforzare le comunità.

Oltre a collaborare con Airbnb, ci sono eventuali ulteriori vantaggi?

Airbnb promuoverà destinazioni rurali e regionali, incoraggiando gli ospiti a visitarle.

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

No.

Quanti pub saranno selezionati per partecipare a The Country Pub Project?

5 pub saranno selezionati per partecipare a The Country Pub Project. A ogni pub sarà richiesto di stipulare un accordo con Airbnb per stabilire i termini della sovvenzione.

I pub dovranno pubblicare un annuncio su Airbnb se vengono selezionati per partecipare a 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.

Le persone possono nominare il loro pub locale (cioè per conto del pub)?

Sì, puoi nominare un pub anche se non sei il proprietario.

Quando chiudono le candidature?

Le candidature chiudono venerdì 12 luglio alle 23:59.

Come verranno selezionati i 5 pub?

I pub saranno selezionati in base alla qualità della candidatura. Siamo alla ricerca di pub con storie eccellenti, cittadine interessanti e gestori eroici.

Quando verranno notificati i pub selezionati?

I pub selezionati saranno notificati la settimana che inizia il 5 agosto 2019.

Se il mio pub è selezionato, quando dovrò essere disponibile per partecipare a The Country Pub Project?

Dovrai essere disponibile dal 1° agosto al 6 settembre 2019.

What do the selected pubs receive in this project?

Ciascuno dei 5 pub selezionati riceverà una sovvenzione di un massimo di 50.000 USD come contributo per il relativo rinnovo, nonché l'assistenza di un team di design. Saranno abbinati a un host Airbnb esperto, che li aiuterà a pubblicare un annuncio sulla piattaforma. Airbnb supporterà la cittadina nella creazione di un'esperienza unica per attirare gli ospiti, e lancerà una campagna per far conoscere il pub e la sua località.

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

Per ricevere una sovvenzione, un pub selezionato sarà tenuto a stipulare un accordo che stabilisca i principali termini di collaborazione sopra indicati, nonché altre condizioni, come liberatorie per immagini e personalità (da inserire nella pubblicità per il progetto) e divulgazioni di sponsorizzazioni (per le comunicazioni sui social media del pub relative al progetto).

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.