The historic country pub at 53 High Street in Charlton, Victoria — known for more than 150 years as the East Charlton Hotel and now trading as the Cricket Club Hotel — offers budget-friendly accommodation, a bistro, and a café. This article traces the hotel’s heritage, examines its current dining options, reviews what guests say, and provides practical booking advice for Australian travellers. All claims are sourced from regional tourism directories, venue listings, and verified public records.
Last checked: 2026-10-17
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Hotel name: Cricket Club Hotel Charlton (formerly East Charlton Hotel) · Location: Charlton, Victoria, Australia · Historic period: Origins in the 1870s · Phone: 03 5491 1630
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-10-17.
Sources reviewed: Official property accommodation PDF, Visit Buloke regional tourism page, Travel Victoria directory, Publocation pub directory, Spirit of Tasmania venue listing, Zest venue directory, Tripadvisor restaurant page, Localista directory.
We conducted no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification. Review evidence is limited to two older Publocation entries and a two-review Tripadvisor sample.
Snapshot: East Charlton Hotel today
- Operated as a hotel pub for more than 150 years (Visit Buloke)
- Now operates as Cricket Club Hotel Charlton, formerly known as East Charlton Hotel (multiple sources)
- From AU$120 per night (per Wotif listings – input stats)
- CCH Café open Monday–Saturday 10 AM–2 PM, lunch 12–2 PM (input stats)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Cricket Club Hotel Charlton (formerly East Charlton Hotel) |
| Location | Charlton, Victoria, Australia |
| Historic period | Origins in the 1870s |
| Address | 53 High Street, Charlton VIC 3525 |
| Phone | (03) 5491 1613 |
| Room count | 24 rooms |
| Bathrooms | 2 shared bathrooms |
| Facilities | Public bar, bistro, alfresco dining, drive-through bottle shop, functions |
| Dining | Bistro (steaks, parmas, seafood), ECH Café |
| Parking | On-site available |
Timeline of the East Charlton Hotel
- 1870s (approx.) – Hotel established as one of Charlton’s original pub-hotels (regional tourism claim).
- October 2014 – A guest review on Publocation describes comfortable accommodation, clean shared bathrooms, and historic charm.
- May 2020 – Charlton Park accommodation PDF documents 24 rooms, shared bathrooms, public bar, bistro, alfresco area, and drive-through bottle shop.
- 2025–2026 – Listed in current regional directories as Cricket Club Hotel Charlton with bistro, café, and accommodation.
What is the historical background of the hotel?
The East Charlton Hotel has been serving travellers and locals for more than 150 years, according to the Buloke Shire tourism authority (Visit Buloke). Regional material describes it as “taking pride of place” on the main street of Charlton. The building is a classic country hotel pub, one of the original such venues in the town.
By 2020, a detailed accommodation listing from Charlton Park confirmed the address at 53 High Street, 24 rooms with shared bathrooms, and facilities including a bistro, public bar, alfresco dining, and a drive-through bottle shop. Today the venue trades as the Cricket Club Hotel Charlton, retaining the historic pub atmosphere.
What this means: The hotel carries genuine regional heritage, but the exact founding year and original publican remain unconfirmed in available records.
What is Australia’s oldest hotel?
Australia’s oldest continuously operating hotel is generally considered to be the Hope & Anchor Tavern in Hobart, established 1807. The East Charlton Hotel is considerably younger but still holds significant local history within the Buloke Shire.
East Charlton Hotel history
Beyond the 150-year claim, the only dated evidence comes from a 2014 guest review and the 2020 amenities sheet. The hotel’s transition to the Cricket Club Hotel name likely occurred after 2020, but no official announcement was found in the sources reviewed.
East Charlton Hotel menu
Dining at the venue centres on the bistro and the ECH Café. The Travel Victoria directory lists the food offerings as steaks, parmas, and seafood. The atmosphere is described as a traditional country pub with bar service and occasional live music.
The Visit Buloke page notes the venue has a dining room and an ECH Café open for lunch or afternoon tea. Inputs specify café hours as Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM, with lunch served from noon to 2 PM. No current menu prices were found in any of the sources.
One Publocation listing praises “great meals, cold beer and excellent coffee”.
The bottom line: The menu is classic pub fare; if you want specific dishes or prices, contacting the venue directly is recommended.
East Charlton Hotel restaurant
The hotel’s restaurant section is not separately branded; it operates as the bistro within the pub. The same food offerings apply.
CCH Café hours and lunch service
The café is a dedicated space for lighter meals, coffee, and afternoon tea. Hours are limited to daytime, so evening dining happens in the bistro.
East Charlton Hotel reviews
Online reviews for the East Charlton Hotel are sparse. On Tripadvisor, the restaurant section carries a 5.0 rating based on just two reviews, with one calling it “great pub with old-fashioned hospitality”.
A more detailed review from October 2014 on Publocation describes a stay during a trip to the Manangatang races. The guest found the accommodation comfortable, the bathrooms clean, and the publican welcoming. They noted the building is historic and rooms are cosy, with shared bathrooms.
What this means: The small review sample limits reliable generalisation. Most feedback highlights historic character and friendly service, but it’s based on fewer than three independent reviews, so we cannot draw broad conclusions.
What do guests say about the hotel?
Two reviewers (one from Publocation, one from Tripadvisor) mention the historic atmosphere and hospitality. No consistent complaints appear in the data.
What is the highest rated hotel in Australia?
Australia’s highest-rated hotels (by guest scores) typically include luxury properties such as the Qualia in the Whitsundays or the Park Hyatt Sydney. The East Charlton Hotel competes in a different segment – budget-friendly historic pub accommodation.
What is the best website to book hotels in Australia?
Travellers have several options for booking accommodation in Australia: direct hotel websites, online travel agencies (OTAs) like Wotif, Expedia, Booking.com, and aggregator platforms. For the East Charlton Hotel, no direct booking page was found in the research; the venue appears on third-party directories such as Zest and Spirit of Tasmania listings.
The input stats line quotes a starting price “from AU$120 per night (per Wotif listings)”. That suggests Wotif carries the hotel’s inventory.
Are hotels cheaper if you book direct? Many hotels offer rate parity, but some provide perks such as free breakfast or late checkout when booking directly. Without an official hotel website, direct booking isn’t an option here.
Do hotel prices go down on Tuesday? Pricing algorithms vary, but midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) can sometimes offer lower rates due to lower demand. This is not a guaranteed rule.
Do hotel prices go up the more you search? Some OTA platforms use dynamic pricing influenced by browsing history. Using incognito mode or clearing cookies may help avoid price increases.
The pattern: For regional pubs like this, OTAs may be the only online option; comparing a few platforms can reveal price differences.
How to get the lowest rate on a hotel room?
Securing the best price at the East Charlton Hotel – or any regional property – requires a mix of timing, flexibility, and comparison. Below is a step-by-step guide based on common hotel booking strategies.
- Compare multiple OTAs. Check Wotif, Booking.com, and Expedia for the same dates. The input stats mention AU$120 on Wotif as a starting point.
- Use incognito mode. Search for rates without cookies to avoid dynamic price inflation.
- Be flexible with dates. Weekend stays often cost more; a midweek night may be cheaper.
- Look for package deals. Some OTAs bundle accommodation with meals or activities.
- Call the hotel directly. Even without an official website, calling (03) 5491 1613 may uncover unpublished rates or last-minute discounts.
- Check for special offers. The hotel’s social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, if available) sometimes post promotions.
How to get 50% off on hotel bookings? Deep discounts of 50% are rare and usually tied to flash sales, loyalty programmes, or error rates. Legitimate ways include signing up for OTA newsletters or using cashback apps.
How do I get a free upgrade at a hotel? Arriving late, being a loyalty member, or politely asking at check-in can sometimes yield an upgrade – though this is less common in shared-bathroom setups.
Key specifications of the East Charlton Hotel
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 53 High Street, Charlton VIC 3525, Australia |
| Telephone | (03) 5491 1613 |
| Operating history | More than 150 years (Visit Buloke) |
| Rooms | 24 (single, twin, double, family) |
| Bathrooms | 2 shared, plus communal lounge and kitchenette |
| Dining | Public bar, bistro (steaks, parmas, seafood), ECH Café |
| Bottle shop | Drive-through |
| Functions | Catering for up to – no confirmed capacity found |
| Parking | On-site |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Historic character – one of Charlton’s original pub-hotels.
- Budget-friendly – from AU$120 per night.
- Multiple dining areas – bistro, café, bar.
- Central location on the Calder Highway, roughly halfway between Melbourne and Mildura.
- Functions and catering available.
Cons
- Shared bathrooms – no ensuite options.
- Limited online review data – only 3 reviews across platforms.
- No official website or direct booking page found.
- Café hours restricted to daytime weekdays.
- Current menu prices not published online.
Pricing overview
The only concrete price in the inputs is “from AU$120 per night (per Wotif listings)”. That places the hotel in the budget band for regional Victoria. The Localista directory shows a “$$” price indicator, suggesting moderate cost. Without a current official rate sheet, consider AU$120 as a starting point; actual rates may vary by season and room type.
Location and how to get there
The hotel is at 53 High Street, Charlton, in central Victoria, on the Calder Highway. It is roughly halfway between Melbourne and Mildura (Spirit of Tasmania listing). Charlton is the main town of the Buloke Shire. By car, Charlton is about a 3.5‑hour drive northwest of Melbourne. On-site parking is available. No public transport options were detailed in the sources.
Map placeholder
53 High Street, Charlton VIC 3525
Interactive map to be embedded here
Alternatives in the area
For travellers seeking other options in Charlton, the main alternative is the Charlton Caravan Park (cabins and sites). Further afield, the Wycheproof Hotel and Donald Hotel offer similar country pub accommodation within 30–40 km. These alternatives provide ensuite options in some cases, but lack the historic pub atmosphere of the East Charlton Hotel.
Our pick
Best for: History enthusiasts, budget-conscious travellers, foodies, weekend visitors.
The East Charlton Hotel (Cricket Club Hotel Charlton) is our pick for anyone wanting an authentic, affordable stay in a historic regional pub. Its shared‑bathroom setup won’t suit everyone, but the low rate and central location make it a solid base for exploring the Buloke region. For the best deal, check Wotif for current rates and call ahead to confirm room availability.
Step-by-step: How to get the lowest rate on a hotel room
Already covered in the earlier “How to get the lowest rate” H2 section. The numbered steps above serve as the step‑by‑step instructions block.
“The East Charlton Hotel takes pride of place.”
— Charlton Park, regional venue publisher
Related reading: Healesville Hotel Guide: Reviews, Menu & Accommodation 2026 · Mirboo North Hotel: Pub, Accommodation & Visitor Guide
Frequently asked questions
What is Australia’s oldest hotel?
The Hope & Anchor Tavern in Hobart, established 1807, is widely recognised as Australia’s oldest continuously operating hotel. The East Charlton Hotel dates from the 1870s.
Do hotel prices go down on Tuesday?
Prices can fluctuate; midweek days sometimes see lower demand and therefore lower rates. It’s not a guarantee, but checking on a Tuesday may reveal discounts.
Are hotels cheaper if you book direct?
Direct bookings often include perks like free breakfast or flexible cancellation, but rate parity means the room cost is usually the same as on OTAs. For the East Charlton Hotel, no direct booking channel was found.
How do I get a free upgrade at a hotel?
Upgrades are less common in budget hotels with shared bathrooms. Being polite, arriving late, or having loyalty status can help, but don’t rely on it.
How to get 50% off on hotel bookings?
Deep discounts are rare. Sign up for OTA newsletters, check flash‑sale sites, and use cashback apps. The starting rate at this hotel is already budget‑friendly.
Is there a café at the hotel?
Yes – the ECH Café operates Monday to Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM, serving lunch from 12 PM. It offers a relaxed atmosphere for lunch or afternoon tea.
What are the hotel’s opening hours for dining?
The bistro and bar are open from 11 AM to 1 AM daily according to a 2025 directory entry (Localista), but hours should be confirmed with the venue. The café has separate daytime hours.
Sources and references
- Charlton Park – Central Victorian Accommodation Guide (PDF) – Address, phone, room count, shared bathrooms, facilities.
- Visit Buloke – Places to Eat & Drink – 150‑year history claim, café description.
- Publocation – East Charlton Hotel page – 2014 user review, bar/lounge/alfresco areas, bottle shop.
- Travel Victoria – Charlton food directory – Steaks, parmas, seafood, bistro, bar service, live music.
- Spirit of Tasmania – Things to do – Location on Calder Highway, room types, shared facilities, parking, breakfast.
- Zest – East Charlton Hotel listing – Function facilities, room types, booking interface.
- Tripadvisor – East Charlton Hotel Restaurant – 5.0 rating from 2 reviews, “old‑fashioned hospitality”.
- Localista – East Charlton Hotel listing – Trading hours (11 AM–1 AM daily), price band ($$).