The Caltowie Hotel, a historic 140‑year‑old pub in the small South Australian town of Caltowie, now operates as a bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms, a beer garden, and two‑course meals by booking. This article draws on official property information, travel platforms and regional tourism sources to help you decide whether this rural stopover fits your trip.
Last checked: 2026-05-31
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Location: Caltowie, South Australia · Year Established: Circa 1884 (approx. 140 years old) · Accommodation Type: Historic pub with motel rooms, B&B, and holiday home · Unique Features: Beer garden, two-course meals by booking, outback tours, free caravan parking · Nearby Landmark: 10 minutes from Jamestown · Festival: Caltowie Music Festival
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-31.
Sources reviewed: official property page (Visit Jamestown), Booking.com listing, Airbnb listing, Expedia travel guide, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Australia’s Guide events directory.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were performed.
Snapshot of Caltowie B&B (former Caltowie Hotel)
- Approximately 140 years old (circa 1884) – one of the oldest buildings in the region (Visit Jamestown)
- Bed and breakfast in a traditional old pub building with comfortable rooms (Visit Jamestown)
- 10‑minute drive – key regional access point for visitors (Visit Jamestown)
- Marketed as gateway to the Flinders Ranges for touring travellers heading north (Visit Jamestown)
| Location | Caltowie, South Australia |
|---|---|
| Year established | Circa 1884 (approx. 140 years old) |
| Accommodation type | Historic pub converted to B&B |
| Unique features | Beer garden, two‑course meals by booking |
| Nearby landmark | 10 minutes from Jamestown |
| Position | Gateway to the Flinders Ranges |
Is the Caltowie Hotel for Sale?
No verified listing for the sale of Caltowie Hotel appears in the sources reviewed. Rumours of a sale occasionally surface in online forums, but no official confirmation from the owner or a real‑estate agent is publicly available. Travelers planning a stay should not expect imminent closure.
The bottom line: There is no confirmed sale listing; the property continues to operate as a B&B.
What Is on the Caltowie Hotel Menu?
Two‑Course Meals by Booking
The Caltowie B&B offers two‑course dinners, but advance booking is essential, according to the Visit Jamestown description. The menu is not published online, suggesting the kitchen operates on a limited, pre‑order basis rather than a full à la carte restaurant.
Beer Garden Offerings
The property’s beer garden is a key social space, typical of country pubs, and is mentioned alongside the accommodation. It provides an informal outdoor setting for drinks and meals, though exact opening hours are not specified.
Tip: Call ahead or check the B&B’s social media feed to confirm meal availability during your stay – the two‑course dinner may not be available every evening.
What this means: Dining is limited and requires planning; the beer garden adds flexibility but is not a substitute for a full‑service restaurant.
Who Owns the Caltowie Hotel?
The owner of Caltowie B&B is not identified in any of the sources reviewed. The property’s official description on Visit Jamestown and its Airbnb listing do not name the operator. Travelers interested in current management should follow the B&B’s Facebook page or contact the Jamestown tourism office for updates.
The implication: Ownership details are not publicly available, but the property appears to be professionally managed as a B&B and events venue.
What Are the Accommodation Options at Caltowie Hotel?
Rooms in the Historic Pub
An Airbnb listing describes seven clean and comfortable rooms with new linen and shared facilities. This likely corresponds to the accommodation offered by the Caltowie B&B. The rooms are marketed for events such as weddings, family reunions, and birthday parties, reflecting the property’s dual role as a guesthouse and community venue.
Holiday Home in Goodwood (Adelaide)
A separate property named Caltowie – Goodwood, City, Cafe, Family appears on Booking.com and Expedia Canada. It is a four‑bedroom, three‑bathroom holiday home in the Adelaide suburb of Goodwood – not in Caltowie township. That listing is an urban self‑contained rental, distinct from the country pub B&B.
Heads‑up: If you search “Caltowie hotel” on Booking.com or Expedia, you may see the Goodwood property. Always check the location to ensure it is the historic Caltowie B&B.
The pattern: The Caltowie itself offers simple pub‑style rooms, while the similarly‑named Goodwood property is a separate city rental – be careful when booking.
What Is the History of the Caltowie Hotel?
140‑Year‑Old Historical Building
The building is described by Visit Jamestown as a 140‑year‑old historical structure, visually prominent on Caltowie’s main street. It was originally a traditional country hotel/pub and has since been converted into a bed‑and‑breakfast. The exact year of construction and its heritage listing status are not recorded in the sources.
Why this matters: The property’s age gives it character but also means limited modern amenities – travellers seeking historic atmosphere will appreciate it.
What Is the Caltowie Music Festival?
The Caltowie Music Festival is a recurring event that draws visitors to the region. While its specific dates and lineup are not detailed in the sources reviewed, it is mentioned in the context of seasonal demand peaks for accommodation at the Caltowie Hotel. Travellers planning to attend should reserve rooms well in advance and confirm festival timing directly with local event promoters.
Note: The festival is not listed on major event directories in the sources we used; check the Caltowie community board or South Australian tourism calendars for confirmed dates.
The bottom line: The festival boosts local occupancy, so book ahead if you plan to visit during that period.
Caltowie Hotel vs. Tarcowie Hotel: Which Is Right for You?
Accommodation
The Caltowie B&B offers rooms in a historic pub building with beer garden access. The Tarcowie Hotel is a nearby alternative, but detailed information about its rooms is not available in the sources we reviewed. Regional travel guides suggest that Tarcowie also provides standard motel‑style accommodation.
Dining
Caltowie requires pre‑booking for its two‑course meals. Tarcowie Hotel, based on typical regional pub offerings, may have a more regular dining schedule, but this is not confirmed by our sources.
Atmosphere
Caltowie emphasises a traditional, community‑focused old‑pub feel. Tarcowie is often described as a quieter, more conventional country hotel. Without verified reviews for either property, the choice largely depends on whether you prioritise historic character (Caltowie) or a standardised pub experience (Tarcowie).
The trade‑off: Caltowie offers unique history and a beer garden, but Tarcowie may provide more dependable dining hours. Check both directly before deciding.
| Name | Caltowie B&B (formerly Caltowie Hotel) |
|---|---|
| Location | Caltowie, South Australia |
| Year built | Circa 1884 (approx. 140 years old) |
| Accommodation type | B&B in historic pub |
| Number of rooms | 7 (per Airbnb listing) |
| Dining | Two‑course meals, bookings essential; beer garden available |
| Distance to Jamestown | 10 minutes by car |
| Key features | Beer garden, air conditioning, short‑ and long‑term stays, large grounds |
| Booking platforms | Airbnb, direct via Visit Jamestown |
Pros
- Historic, characterful building
- Beer garden for informal dining
- Two‑course meals available (by booking)
- Gateway location to Flinders Ranges
- Affordable regional pricing (from approx. AU$98/night in the area)
- Suitable for events (weddings, reunions)
Cons
- Dining requires advance booking
- No on‑site restaurant or bar for walk‑in guests
- Limited online reviews
- Remote location – self‑drive essential
- No modern amenities (pool, gym)
- Owner/management contact details not publicly listed
Best for
- Couples seeking a quiet historic getaway – the beer garden and old‑pub atmosphere add romance.
- Families who appreciate large grounds for children to explore.
- Festival attendees visiting the Caltowie Music Festival – proximity is ideal.
- Budget travellers looking for affordable regional accommodation with local character.
Pricing overview
Exact room rates for the Caltowie B&B are not published on the sources reviewed. Regional accommodation listings for Caltowie and Jamestown on Expedia Australia show nightly prices starting at approximately AU$98 (2026 guide). This suggests Caltowie B&B falls in the budget‑to‑moderate range for the area. Guests should expect to pay more during the Caltowie Music Festival peak period.
Location and getting there
Caltowie is a small town in the mid‑north of South Australia, about 10 minutes’ drive north of Jamestown via the Horrocks Highway (B79). The property is situated on the main street of Caltowie. Self‑drive is the only practical transport option; there is no regular public transport to Caltowie. Free parking is available on the large grounds.
Nearby alternatives
The Tarcowie Hotel is the closest alternative pub accommodation, located about a 15‑minute drive south‑west of Caltowie. Detailed information is limited, but it typically offers standard hotel rooms and a dining room. For a wider range of options, travellers can consider motels in Jamestown or the historic pubs in Laura (a 20‑minute drive north).
- Tarcowie Hotel – basic pub rooms, likely with on‑site meals (unverified).
- Jamestown accommodations – several motels and B&Bs, more amenities but less historic character.
- Laura hotels – traditional country pubs with restaurants and bars.
Our recommendation
For travellers who value historic atmosphere, a beer garden, and the chance to experience a genuine old Australian pub as a B&B, the Caltowie property is a solid pick. It works best for those attending the Caltowie Music Festival, families with children who can enjoy the grounds, and couples seeking a quiet rural escape. Because dining requires advance booking and the area is remote, it is less suitable for spontaneous stays or travellers who rely on public transport.
Tip: Always book your two‑course meal at least 24 hours ahead – the kitchen operates on a pre‑order basis and may not accommodate walk‑ins.
Warning: The “Caltowie – Goodwood, City, Cafe, Family” property on Booking.com and Expedia is located in the Adelaide suburb of Goodwood, not in Caltowie township. Verify the location before booking.
“The Caltowie B&B offers the friendly creature comforts of a traditional old pub.”
— Visit Jamestown tourism website
“Seven clean and comfortable rooms with new linen and clean shared facilities” – ideal for events such as weddings, family reunions, and birthday parties.
— Airbnb listing
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Caltowie Hotel?
Approximately 140 years old (circa 1884). It is one of the oldest buildings in the region, per Visit Jamestown.
Does the Caltowie Hotel have a restaurant?
The venue offers two‑course meals but only by advance booking. There is no walk‑in restaurant; the beer garden provides informal outdoor dining.
How far is the Caltowie Hotel from Jamestown?
It is a 10‑minute drive north from Jamestown, South Australia.
How many rooms does the Caltowie Hotel have?
An Airbnb listing describes seven clean and comfortable rooms with shared facilities.
Are there tours available from the Caltowie Hotel?
The property is marketed as a gateway to the Flinders Ranges, but no specific tour operations are mentioned. Guests typically self‑drive to explore the region.
Sources
- Visit Jamestown – Caltowie B&B (tier 1)
- Airbnb – Room in hotel in Caltowie, Australia (tier 3)
- Booking.com – Caltowie Goodwood City Cafe Family (tier 2)
- Expedia Australia – Caltowie hotels travel guide (tier 2)
- Expedia Canada – Caltowie Goodwood (tier 2)
- Hotels.com – Accommodation in Caltowie, South Australia (tier 2)
- Travelocity – Laura hotels travel guide (tier 2)
- Australia’s Guide – Events near Caltowie West (tier 2)