A public house is an establishment licensed to serve alcohol for on-site consumption. A pub, also known as a tavern, inn or hotel, was more often than not one of the first structures built in any new colony. Victoria’s public houses proliferated during 1850s gold-rush; with establishments tending to incorporate a bar separating patrons from publicans and which initially tended to be male-dominated.

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Fyans’ Ford, a shallow river-crossing named after police magistrate Foster Fyans, became important to travellers moving between Geelong and Ballarat during the 1830s and '40s and, as a watering hole, for bullock teams

en-route to or from Victoria’s western district wool market.

 

Fyansford rapidly became a growing community, one which serviced the needs not only of the travellers but also the settlers who moved into the area beside the confluence of the Moorabool and Barwon Rivers seeking to take advantage of the rich, fertile soil and the reliable water supply; ideally suited for grazing and the growing of crops. It was natural, therefore, that pubs should be among the first buildings in the district.

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The Swan Inn was the first public house located within a very short distance of the ford. However, the construction of the 1854 bridge across the Moorabool River, saw an additional two local establishments operating - the Fyansford and Balmoral hotels. The ensuing years saw the rise (and fall) of other similar establishments,

the Small Black Bull Inn, the Fair View, Junction, and Friend in Hand hotels.

 

Currently, there are four venues in Fyansford with liquor licences -

• Fyansford Hotel,

• Truffleduck

• The Door Gallery Cafe - Cafe Bar

• Provenance Wines cellar