The name "Bellbrook" was officially adopted for the first Post Office in 1882, suggested by James Chapman Toose, who established it at the junction of Nulla Nulla Creek and the Macleay River; prior to this, the site had served as a Telegraph Station.

The town was laid out and gazetted as Bellbrook in 1892, named by Caroline McMaugh, wife of early settler John McMaugh. At that time, Bellbirds thrived in the dense scrub along the creek, inspiring the name of the village.

The character of Bellbrook is reflected in the Hotel’s traditional architecture, featuring weatherboard and corrugated iron materials typical of the period.

The Bellbrook Hotel was built in 1913 by R. Furniful and originally consisted of 15 rooms. The licence was transferred from the Uralgurra Hotel and was managed by Mr. A.J. (Ap) Davis.

The Hotel displays a collection of photographs honouring service personnel, a tradition started by Mary Gaden Davis (née Woodcock) during World War I, when local soldiers sent their photographs to her. Notably, Tommy Woodcock, the strapper for the legendary Melbourne Cup winner Phar Lap, was Mrs Davis's nephew and lived at the hotel with his family while his father drove a mail coach between Bellbrook and Kempsey.

Designated as a UNESCO Heritage-listed site, the Bellbrook Hotel is constructed from red cedar sourced from the Nulla Nulla Creek timberlands. The establishment has served locals and travellers for more than a century and overlooks the scenic Macleay River, making it a cherished watering hole for the late Australian country music legend Slim Dusty.

In 2018, the Bellbrook Hotel was nominated for the Best Bush Pub category in the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence. It was also featured as one of 25 historic pubs listed in "Historic Pubs, New South Wales," published by the creators of "Australian Bush Pubs." It’s rich history and cultural significance contribute to its enduring legacy.