Canberra's oldest inn — licensed in 1876 and still pouring in an 1857 slab hut. Ten rotating taps of independent Australian craft beer, a kitchen serving all day, and three leafy beer gardens.
In 1857, Irish-born settler Joseph Shumack built a slab hut home beside the Yass–Queanbeyan road, on his hundred-acre lot. In 1876 he converted it into the Canberra Inn and took out a liquor licence — and the hut became a regular stop for the Yass–Queanbeyan mail coach and the coaches bound for the Araluen goldfields, with Bridget Shumack's kitchen serving travellers hearty meals from the garden.
Sold in 1887, the old inn settled into a long second life as a family home — "The Pines" — for almost ninety years. In 1974 it was bought, restored and relicensed, and the Old Canberra Inn opened its doors again in the hut Shumack built.
Today it's one of the earliest licensed pubs in the Canberra region — a family-friendly pub with great live music, amazing food and rotating independent Australian craft beer, three beer gardens, fireside lounges and a dog-friendly garden. The building pre-dates the city itself; the welcome hasn't changed since the mail coach stopped here.
The signature parmi, chef's specials fresh off the board, and ten taps that pour nothing but independent Australian craft.
A working inn since the mail-coach days — and still the week's meeting place. Gigs in the garden, parmi night Wednesdays, and room for your crowd.
Live music every weekend — bands in the beer garden and the bar, under the bunting and the festoon lights.
Free-range chicken schnitzel or eggplant parmi with chips or salad, every Wednesday night for $19.
Weekday happy hour 4–6pm, then Cocktail Happy Hour Friday & Saturday nights, 8–10pm.
The El Chapo × OCI Hot Wings Challenge — a ticketed showdown for the brave. Tickets via TryBooking.
German-style beers, pork knuckle, kranskis and pretzels — Oktoberfest at the inn, with live music in the garden.
Three beer gardens and function rooms for up to 120 guests. Groups of 8 or more book by phone or email — smaller groups just walk in; we keep over 100 seats unbooked.
Groups of 8+ — or email manager@oldcanberrainn.com.au
Photos from the Old Canberra Inn's own collection — the bar, the kitchen, the gardens.
Rated 4.5 stars across 2,000+ Google reviews — here's what guests say, in their own words.
"We stumbled on this wonderful pub on a road trip from Gold Coast to Geelong. There was heaps of space and different areas to choose from to sit. I had one of the best on tap stouts I've ever tried and the BBQ style food was wonderful. The staff were so friendly. We will definitely be coming back on our next trip to Canberra"
"I love a good chicken parmi & The Old Canberra Inn made the most amazing one I have ever tasted; the chicken was a great size & the topping was just spectacular, and cannot forget about the chips; they went perfectly with the parmi. Even though this place is in Canberra City it doesn't feel like a city venue, rather has a nice rustic homely vibe to it."
"whether you are going for lunch or just a quiet beer this place is a must do in Canberra, very reasonable price for lunch"
"This old style pub offers indoors and outdoors seating. One beer garden in the front and another one at the back. Staff is friendly and prices are at a medium range. Quirky decor and good atmosphere."
The slab hut on Mouat Street, Lyneham — older than the city around it, open seven days.
Old Canberra Inn
195 Mouat Street
Lyneham ACT 2602
The 1857 slab hut beside the old Yass–Queanbeyan road — a mail-coach stop long before it was a Canberra local.
(02) 6134 6000Email: manager@oldcanberrainn.com.au
| Monday | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Sunday & public holiday kitchen hours 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Closed Christmas Day · Food served all day from 12pm.
Passing through Lyneham? The kitchen's open from midday every day — call (02) 6134 6000 to hear today's specials and what's pouring on the taps.
