The Bellum Hotel is a historic country pub with deep roots in the Limestone Coast region and it's building a reputation for becoming a live music venue with warm hospitality, great food and a strong community spirit.

Established in 1866 originally as a halfway house for travellers between Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell, The Bellum has stood for 160 years as a meeting place, watering hole, and social hub for locals, farmers, and visitors exploring South Australia’s scenic volcanic landscapes.

Situated on the Riddoch Highway against the striking backdrop of the dormant Mount Schank volcanic crater, The Bellum Hotel, still historically licensed as The Halfway House, Bellum Bellum, has maintained its traditional country pub charm while evolving to becoming one of the best Live Music Venues in the Southeast who love to support original Australian musicians.  (See our Blog)

Surrounded by lush farmland, the pub has rustic interiors, a stage area, an open fire, and a sunken cellar, all of which add to its welcoming atmosphere. Patrons are drawn by hearty Australian pub classics, cold beer and local wines, friendly service, and the relaxed rural vibe that makes it a favourite stop for travellers and regulars alike.

The Bellum offers great food, a restaurant and front bar, live music in The Bellum Backroom, darts, free games of 8 ball and function facilities, which includes a separate 2nd bar area for full private functioning services.  It’s the perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. 

It has a large dining room, a casual dining area and a rear courtyard/beer garden.  The restaurant is available for daytime conferences, with pre-arranged catering provided for lunch, and morning or afternoon tea.

More than just a pub, The Bellum Hotel plays an active role in its community. Over the years, it has hosted fundraising events, themed gatherings, and live music nights in its backroom performance space, with locals and travellers alike joining in for open mic and comedy events. The venue often becomes an impromptu information centre for tourists, with staff happy to share tips about local attractions such as Mt Schank’s volcanic crater walks, sinkholes, and nearby natural wonders.

A unique feature of The Bellum is its hospitality to self-contained travellers. The hotel offers free camping on its grounds for those with campers or self-contained rigs, providing a simple and scenic stopover option for travellers exploring the Limestone Coast.

Under recent new ownership, The Bellum Hotel continues to thrive, blending its rich history with fresh ideas and a continued focus on community, supporting original Australian live music and country hospitality. Whether you’re after a meal, a drink, a chat with locals, a live music experience to fill your soul or a place to rest during a road trip, The Bellum remains a memorable part of the South Australian pub experience.