Our Story

The Bunyip Hotel has been an institution in Cavendish since the 1840s and has had a long line of publicans who have taken the helm. After many ups and downs, James Campbell and Matt Nettleton have formed a partnership that they hope will not only deliver great food, beer and wine to the people of Cavendish, but also to be the caretakers of this iconic local watering hole.

Our aim is to deliver delicious, locally grown meals in a true Country Pub setting.
Our produce is sourced from local producers and we pride ourselves on developing relationships with these suppliers. We are also lucky to receive produce from the gardens of the residents of Cavendish and surrounds, which allows our menu to adapt and change to what is ripe, in season and filled with flavour.

T H E T E A M

James Campbell - Owner/Executive Chef

Georgie Bell - Manager

Elisha Nettleton - Owner/Social Media Chick

Lachlan Price - 3rd Year Apprentice

Matt Nettleton - Owner/Front of House

Bronte Robinson - 2nd Year Apprentice

Elisha - The Work Mum/Wife

Elisha might not often be seen during business hours, but her position is simple. Keep the boys of the Bunyip organised and generally on task. In spare moments she is also busy keeping on top of The Bunyips social media ramblings on Facebook and Instagram.

James - The Shearing Chef

He has moved home to Mooralla and now James Campbell is using his cooking skills at his local rather than in the big city, good news for us! He dances, he sings (off-tune), and shears sheep on his days off, but most importantly the food that comes out of his kitchen is delicious, local and mostly inspired by good country cooking.

Lachlan - Apprentice A

A local Hamilton boy, Lachlan (aka Pricey) has been with us since the start and is now a third year apprentice soaking up as much as he can from James' experience. He makes us laugh, and probably more often shake our heads, but we can't help but like our resident giant.

Bronte - Apprentice B

She only gets a 'B' because she was hired second! Bronte, our second year apprentice, is an amazing part of our kitchen team and comes to us from Casterton. In her short time here she has proven she's super keen and she's able to cope with the antics of James and Pricey all day long.

Matt - The Bar Man

Most people would know him as the man behind the bar, and fair enough, he pours a mean pint and knows how to shake a cocktail. The whole truth is he runs all the finer details and keeps things in order behind the scenes when the pub is closed.

Georgie - The Bar Chick

She is Matt's right hand woman and keeps the fires burning (literally) and the drinks flowing when Matt isn't able to. Georgie is always a smiling face and both The Bunyip staff and customers couldn't do without her!