By Ray Payne

Australia’s country pubs have long been the heart and soul of regional communities. These historic establishments, many built before 1900, tell the stories of the land, its people, and the pioneering spirit that shaped the nation. For those who appreciate history, camaraderie, and a good cold beer, embarking on a tour of these timeless pubs is more than just a journey—it’s a way of preserving and celebrating our heritage.

Each year, my good mate Geoff Hall and I set off on a historic pub tour, seeking out these gems of the past. With a shared love for history and a passion for caravanning, we traverse the backroads of Australia, stopping at establishments that have stood the test of time. In our experience, 95% of the publicans we meet are true characters, eager to share the rich history of their pub and the local area.

These pubs are more than just drinking holes. They are meeting places where locals gather, stories are exchanged, and traditions are kept alive. Many of them have been family-run for generations, each proprietor adding their own chapter to the establishment’s legacy. From grand sandstone hotels in New South Wales to timber-clad watering holes in Queensland, every pub has a unique charm and a story worth hearing.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our journeys is discovering how these pubs have adapted over time. Some have retained their original décor, complete with pressed tin ceilings and ornate wooden bars, while others have been carefully restored to maintain their authenticity. Many continue to offer hearty meals, live entertainment, and accommodation, ensuring they remain a focal point of their towns.

However, these historic pubs face challenges. The rise of modern entertainment, changing drinking habits, and economic pressures have led to the closure of many once-thriving establishments. Without support from travellers and locals alike, these iconic venues risk fading into history. That is why we make it our mission to visit, support, and share their stories, encouraging others to do the same.

For those considering a similar adventure, there are a few must-visit pubs worth adding to the list. Places like the Prairie Hotel, with its rugged outback charm, or the 160-year-old Beechworth Hotel in Victoria, steeped in gold rush history, are prime examples of Australia’s pub heritage. Each stop is an opportunity to learn, connect, and experience a slice of Australia’s past in a way no museum can offer.

By visiting and supporting these historic pubs, we help keep their doors open for future generations to enjoy. So next time you hit the road, consider stepping into one of these living relics—you might just find yourself in the midst of a great story, a warm welcome, and a perfect pint.

ED: If you have any great Outback far north Queensland pubs that you have visited that were built before 1900, please let me know, I am talking with Geoff about a north Queensland outback tour next year. We are travelling the Qld coast this August.

The rise of Climate 200-backed candidates threatens the very foundation of our democratic system. Marketed as “independent,” these candidates are anything but. Funded by Simon Holmes à Court and his billionaire backers, they strategically contest only Coalition-held seats, ensuring their influence always benefits Labor and the Greens.

The evidence is clear: when it matters most, these so-called independents vote in lockstep with left-wing parties. They support radical climate policies, higher taxes, and decisions that marginalise regional Australia. Their allegiance lies not with the constituents they claim to represent but with an activist-driven agenda funded by elite city donors.

The consequences of this deception are severe. A hung parliament, where Labor, the Greens, and Climate 200-backed “independents” dictate policy, spells disaster for economic stability and national security. It means higher energy prices, job losses in key industries, and policies crafted by inner-city ideologues with no understanding of regional and working Australians.

Why is it that Climate 200 does not target Labor-held seats? The answer is simple: their goal is not true independence but a strategic push to weaken conservative governance. They manufacture instability, ensuring Australia is led by a weak, fragmented government rather than a strong, united leadership focused on national prosperity.

We must act now to expose this political manipulation. Voters deserve transparency, not a well-funded illusion of independence. The future of Australia depends on a government that prioritises economic growth, job security, and national interests over ideological activism.

A vote for a Climate 200-backed “independent” is a vote for chaos. It is a vote for higher costs, economic uncertainty, and policies dictated by activists, not Australians who rely on stable leadership. The time has come to call out these false independents and ensure our democracy remains truly representative, not hijacked by a billionaire-funded agenda.

Australians must make an informed choice. The fate of our nation depends on it.

The dedication is next Sunday, 23rd March … veterans are requested to attend.

CLICK LINK to read the poster

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A video dedicated to the soldiers who served in the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

In February 2025, a flotilla of Chinese warships sailed down Australia’s east coast, coming within 300km of Sydney. As the People’s Liberation Army Navy continues to expand, how can Australia respond to potential threats? Traditionally, naval and air forces handle maritime defence, but what if the Australian Army could engage naval targets from land? Enter HIMARS—the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. This cutting-edge technology has proven its effectiveness on the battlefield, but could it play a role in Australia’s coastal defence strategy? In this video, we break down the strategic implications, capabilities, and future of HIMARS in Australia’s military planning, as well another option, the Strikemaster, an Australian-developed system from Thales. Which option should Australia purchase?

During the Vietnam War, when ambushed and outnumbered by Viet Cong forces, Warrant Officer Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley refused to abandon his wounded mate and chose to go down fighting against impossible odds rather than leave a man behind. This action of selfless gallantry led to a posthumous awarding of Australia’s highest military gallantry medal, the Victoria Cross. Wheatley was a member of the legendary Australian Army Training Team (AATV) and his story is still taught today in the Australian Army as an example of sacrifice, valour and mateship. In addition to the Victoria Cross, in other separate actions this fearless Aussie soldier was also awarded the Silver Star and Medal for Gallantry. The South Vietnamese government also awarded Wheatley the Knight of the National Order of Vietnam, Cross of Gallantry and Military Merit Medal.

The Times

In the world’s leading armies, it was once customary for artillery units to fire a few rounds and then quickly change positions to complicate enemy counter-battery fire. This tactic, known as “shoot and scoot,” aimed to minimise the risk of retaliation. However, Russia’s expanded invasion of Ukraine and the widespread use of small drones by both sides have fundamentally altered this battlefield practice.

Small, highly manoeuvrable, and resistant to jamming, Russia’s most advanced fibre-optic drones have introduced a new dimension to modern warfare. When operated by skilled personnel, these drones can slip into buildings and underground shelters to locate Ukrainian vehicles hidden from conventional surveillance methods.

The omnipresence of surveillance drones along the 800-mile front line of this prolonged conflict means that any vehicle moving in the open is swiftly detected. Artillery units have adapted by tucking their howitzers into well-concealed dugouts or blending them into existing structures between fire missions. This strategy reduces the risk posed by larger, less flexible drones that struggle to navigate confined spaces or deliver precise strikes on hidden targets.

However, first-person-view (FPV) drones—small, lightweight, and controlled remotely through a visor displaying the drone’s live feed—can bypass these defences. Unlike larger reconnaissance drones, FPV drones can fly close to the ground and enter tight spaces where artillery units attempt to hide.

Most FPV drones rely on radio signals for control, making them susceptible to jamming. To counter Ukraine’s highly effective electronic warfare capabilities, Russian drone units have increasingly turned to fibre-optic drones, which maintain a physical connection to their operators via spools of millimetre-thin wire extending over miles.

While fibre-optic drones offer significant advantages, they are not without drawbacks. Their high cost limits their widespread deployment, and their trailing wires, visible under certain conditions, can reveal the operator’s location to enemy forces. Additionally, the wires are prone to tangling, requiring exceptional skill for effective deployment.

Recognising the effectiveness of fibre-optic drones, Ukraine is also investing in the technology, ensuring that the tactical advantage is not one-sided. As both nations refine their drone warfare capabilities, the battle for supremacy in the skies—and in the hidden spaces of the battlefield—continues to evolve.

The shift towards fibre-optic drones underscores a broader trend in modern warfare: the continuous adaptation of tactics in response to emerging technologies. As concealment and electronic countermeasures become less reliable, success on the battlefield increasingly hinges on innovation and operator expertise.