Mole Creek Hotel
Finding a family-base that combines captivating stories, local heritage, and proximity to outdoor exploration makes a Tasmanian holiday incredibly rewarding. The Mole Creek Hotel has been welcoming guests since it was constructed between 1907 and 1908.
Though originally built as a hotel, an unusual historical clause prevented the sale of alcohol until the building had changed hands three times, with each owner retaining it for at least 25 years. Consequently, it operated as the Mountain View Guest House from 1910, later hosting a grocery and hardware store before a liquor licence was finally granted in June 1953. Today, the property operates as a vibrant gathering place for both travellers and residents, offering classic country hospitality at the foot of the Great Western Tiers.
Mole Creek
The small town of Mole Creek serves as an excellent staging point for families looking to explore the natural wonders of the Meander Valley region. It is situated a short drive from the fascinating geological formations of the Marakoopa and King Solomon Caves, the dramatic wilderness of the Walls of Jerusalem, and is just a 45-minute drive from the world-famous Cradle Mountain.
After a busy day spent hiking local trails or exploring underground caverns, families can head to the dining room to sample an extensive menu that combines traditional pub favourites with unique European culinary influences. The regular menu features fresh local seafood like beer-battered Tasmanian gummy shark, salt and lemon pepper calamari, and grilled Tasmanian salmon served with a creamy garlic sauce. Hearty options include an Italian lasagne with a rich beef ragout, a steak sandwich on a Turkish bread roll, and a specialized Halloumi burger with pesto mayonnaise.
Distinctly, the chef’s selection highlights authentic Bavarian cuisine, including German-style pork schnitzel served with mash and cranberry sauce, and Fleischpflanzerl—Bavarian pork and beef rissoles paired with a traditional German potato salad and mustard gravy. For a special treat, the kitchen prepares Schweinshaxe, a slow-roasted local pork knuckle with beer gravy, sauerkraut, mash, and crackling, which requires a 24-hour pre-order.
Younger diners under 12 have their own dedicated kids’ menu for $15 AUD, with all options served alongside chips and salad. Children can choose between chicken nuggets, battered fish, a cheeseburger, or a chicken schnitzel. Desserts provide a sweet conclusion to the meal, featuring homemade sweets, a light, shredded Kaiserschmarrn caramelised pancake to share, or a warm, spiced apple strudel served over vanilla custard.
Mole Creek Accommodation
For families looking to turn their day trip into an overnight stay, the Mole Creek Accommodation options within the hotel include 10 clean, comfortable, and affordable country-style guest rooms. These rooms are flexible enough to accommodate solo travellers right through to large family groups. To help families kick-start their morning smoothly, every room booking includes a complimentary self-serve continental breakfast. To secure a room, bookings should be planned in advance, keeping in mind that the hotel requires at least 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations, date changes, or reductions in guest numbers to avoid a room charge.
While staying on the property, parents and older children can visit the famous Tassie Tiger Bar located inside the hotel. This unique bar is home to the world’s largest Tasmanian Tiger display and is entirely dedicated to preserving the history of Australia’s most elusive marsupial. The space is filled wall-to-wall with historical information, artwork, news articles, and fascinating artefacts that serve as a fantastic, informal history lesson for curious young minds.
The bar provides a friendly, casual atmosphere where adults can enjoy a selection of beers, local wines, and spirits, play a game of pool, or talk with the locals. The venue is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and remains open from 11:00am until late from Thursday to Saturday, making it a highly convenient spot to relax and swap stories after a day of family adventures.
