Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
Situated in the heart of Nagambie, this hotel serves as a key asset to the town and the wider region.
Nagambie boasts an impressive array of restaurants, cafés, pubs and clubs that can easily rival those in larger towns.
The hotel is proudly owned by the Nagambie Rowing Club, a local institution dedicated to fostering the growth of rowing in the area.
The Nagambie Rowing Club is committed to nurturing talent at all levels, with a strong representation of both masters and junior rowers. The club consistently performs well at both local and metropolitan regattas, often finishing among the top competitors. With members ranging in age from 12 to 90, the club is fortunate to have three former Olympians who volunteer their time to mentor aspiring rowers. Open to rowers of all abilities, the club encourages anyone interested in the sport to get involved. Rowing offers a low-impact, full-body workout that’s both therapeutic and enjoyable, with social rowing particularly popular at Nagambie, allowing participants to row at their own pace without the pressure to compete.
In 1996, the club took a significant step forward by purchasing the Valley Hotel, located on the town’s main street, with a vision for redevelopment. This transformation was completed in 2003, turning the hotel into a modern and lively venue with convenient access to High St and stunning lakeside views. The redevelopment has provided the club with a welcoming, professional space for both local members and visiting athletes.
Nagambie’s proximity to Melbourne and nearby towns such as Shepparton makes it a popular weekend destination. The hotel prides itself on its experienced and friendly staff, ensuring every guest feels welcome from the moment they arrive. The club’s facilities include a bistro, function rooms, accommodation, a bar, a bottle shop, rowing equipment, boats and a gym.
Our visit to the club exceeded expectations. The venue’s rich history, fascinating memorabilia and great pub food made for an enjoyable experience. We were joined by members of the Wahring Flying Group, who all agreed it was a fantastic spot for dining and socialising. One of our group, Mick Muller, won the meat raffle, adding to the night’s excitement.
We started with bruschetta and salt-and-pepper calamari, followed by the traditional Indian curry and lamb shank for mains—each dish was simply delicious.
Special thanks to Aaron and Zerlinda for being exceptional hosts.
Food pricing for Nagambie Rowing Club, rated by Jan and Paul: $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $)