The Royal Hotel in Hughenden, north-west Queensland, has been sold through an off-market process by Savills Australia and New Zealand.
The hotel has long been a cornerstone of Hughenden’s hospitality scene, offering a welcoming environment for locals and tourists alike.
The Flinders Shire pub occupies a substantial 6,222 sqm site, boasting a central location, strategically positioned in the heart of the renowned tourist town.
Approximately 380 kilometres west of Townsville, Hughenden is situated on the banks of Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders.
It is a popular destination for tourists exploring the region’s natural attractions, including Mount Walker, Porcupine Gorge and fossil discoveries from The Flinders Discovery Centre.
Easily accessible via the Flinders Highway, Queensland Rail Inlander Service, or plane, the town attracts a steady flow of domestic visitors.
The venue features a public bar, dining area, gaming room with 17 EGMs, Keno and TAB facilities, and a motel, catering to both the town’s residents and tourist market. On-site facilities have been carefully maintained and offer guests a range of activities for overnight and longer stays.
The sale comes as a string of recent regional pub sales have indicated continued high demand for quality hospitality assets right across the country.
Joseph Ganim, senior executive – hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand said that this latest sale points to a growing interest in regional pubs in far north Queensland.
“This transaction underscores the sustained and growing interest in regional Queensland’s pub and hotel sector,” he said.
“Investors are increasingly recognising the enduring value and potential of these establishments, not only as community hubs but also as robust economic assets. As such, this sale exemplifies a broader trend of investment in Queensland’s regional hospitality landscape, reflecting confidence in the sector’s resilience and long-term prospects.”
Leon Alaban, head of hotels – national – at Savills Australia and New Zealand agreed adding that the sale also underscores continued investor confidence in north-west Queensland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“The buyer’s acquisition of the leased asset reflects a strategic commitment to the long-term growth of Hughenden and the broader Flinders Shire. This decision is underpinned by the transformative potential of the CopperString 2032 project and the burgeoning renewable energy sector, encompassing both wind and solar initiatives.
“As these developments unfold, they are poised to catalyse regional economic expansion, enhance infrastructure, and position the area as a pivotal hub in Queensland’s renewable energy landscape,” said Alaban.
In addition to the sale of pubs in the region, renovations are also pointing to growing investment in the local hospitality and tourism sectors.
Recently, the Royal Hotel in Ingham was sold by the Quagliotto family after 65 years of ownership, with the new purchaser promising renovation and additional amenities.
The hotel is popular with locals, tourists, and adventure seekers due to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the popular Hinchinbrook Island, and Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall.
In addition, the Commercial Hotel was recently restored by Ghanem Group, with the addition of a new craft brewery – Boonah Brewing Co. The hotel is located in Queenland’s increasingly popular Scenic Rim region with the full refurbishment of the historic hotel expected to be complete by late-2025, positioning it as a boutique, short-stay destination for visitors.