History, Hospitality And A Few Unexpected Twists Have Helped Make The Overland Corner Hotel A Riverland Icon
If you’ve spent any time exploring the Riverland, chances are you’ve heard someone mention the Overland Corner Hotel.
There’s something pretty special about it too.
From hosting an electronic music festival that draws more than 1000 people to serving schnitzels beneath towering river gums for grey nomads and locals, there’s nowhere quite like it.
The historic hotel has worn plenty of hats throughout its 160-plus year history. At one point, it operated as a pub, post office, police station, general store and, according to local history, even a morgue, all at the same time.
Today, it’s one of the Riverland’s most popular destinations.
The River Got Into Their Blood
Owners Brad and Nicole Flowers took over the hotel in 2020 after finding themselves unexpectedly stuck in the Riverland during the COVID pandemic.
Before swapping city life for the Riverland, the family regularly holidayed along the Murray River and found themselves returning more and more often.
Anyone who has spent time on the river will understand what happened next.
The river got into their blood.
When the opportunity came up to take over the historic hotel, saying no wasn’t really an option.
A Pub With Plenty Of Stories
Built in 1859-60, the Overland Corner Hotel is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Riverland and among the earliest stone structures still standing in South Australia.
Long before towns like Renmark, Berri and Barmera were established, Overland Corner was the region’s hub.
The settlement took its name from the overlanders who drove sheep and cattle through the district on their way from New South Wales into South Australia.
Police officers, postal workers, river travellers and pastoralists all passed through the tiny settlement, making it one of the most important stops in the early days of the Riverland.
These days, visitors come for the food, live music and country hospitality, but a trip to the Overland Corner Hotel is also a step back in time.
From the stone walls to the stories hanging inside them, reminders of the hotel’s fascinating past are never far away.
Think Local, Eat Local, Drink Local
At the centre of everything Brad and Nicole do is a simple philosophy.
Think Local. Eat Local. Drink Local.
“Supporting local producers isn’t just about what’s on the plate or in the glass—it’s about keeping money in our region, creating opportunities for local families and businesses, and proudly showcasing everything the Riverland has to offer. If every visitor leaves with a greater appreciation for our region and falls back in love with the Australian pub scene, then we’ve done our job.”
— Brad & Nicole Flowers
Seasonal menus showcase produce from more than 30 local growers, while the bar features wines, beers and spirits from more than 100 independent makers.
The couple have built a strong reputation for supporting local growers, makers and producers, while its schnitzels have become a delicious drawcard in their own right.
It’s an approach that’s earned the hotel a loyal following and recognition through a string of tourism and hospitality awards.
More Than A Meal
While the food keeps people coming back, Brad and Nicole have also turned the hotel into a year-round destination.
Live music has become a regular fixture, while events like Drag Queen Bingo, Oktoberfest, OC Soundfest and food and wine festivals draw crowds throughout the year.
The hotel has also become a popular stop for all kinds of travellers, from day-trippers and caravanners to camper trailers and houseboats moored along the nearby riverbank.
Bringing People Together
For all its history and growing reputation, Brad and Nicole believe the Overland Corner Hotel remains what it has always been, a place where people come together.
“For the locals, whether they stop in once a year or every day, this place means something,” Mr Flowers said.
If the walls of the Overland Corner Hotel could talk, they’d have more than 160 years of stories to share. For now, visitors will just have to settle for hearing a few of them over a schnitzel and a cold beer.
THE HISTORIC OVERLAND HOTEL
WHERE: 205 Old Coach Road, Overland Corner SA 5330
HOURS:
Wednesday: 11am to 4pm
Thursday: 11am to 9pm
Friday: 11am to 9pm
Saturday: 11am to 9pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm
KITCHEN:
Lunch: 12pm to 2pm
Dinner: 5pm to 7pm
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Find out more at the Historic Overland Hotel Facebook Page
