Prairie Hotel

The first thing that strikes you about Prairie Hotel is its isolation. Located in the remote former railway town of Parachilna, this outback lodge is a favorite of Aussies in the know. Eight spacious bedrooms are sunk in the ground up to the windows, protecting guests from the scalding summer heat. The rustic 1876 bar and dining room turn out classic country cooking, like rabbit-and-bacon potpie. The espresso is as good as any you’ll find in Sydney; the Fargher lager, named for the owners and brewed only for the hotel, is even better.