Two pub sales in regional Queensland have been announced this week, with the Black Rhino Group buying an Ingham pub, and the Pelizzari family selling their long-held pub in Barcaldine.
Victorian-based pub group Black Rhino Group have continued to expand their Queensland presence with the acquisition of Hotel Hinchinbrook in Ingham.
The freehold and leasehold interests were sold on behalf of industry veterans, Brett Watson and Marty Smith respectively, via an off-market process by JLL’s Christian Tsalikis and Tom Gleeson.
Located on the Bruce Highway, Ingham is a town servicing a population of circa 4,500 plus a much wider population via the neighboring rural communities. It also serves as a popular stop for tourists traveling between Cairns and Townsville.
Hotel Hinchinbrook sits on a 2,509 sqm block in a high-profile location within Ingham. It also includes 20 high-value coastal gaming authorities and has had continual reinvestment by the previous owners in recent years.
It becomes the fifth Queensland pub within the Black Rhino portfolio. On LinkedIn, the Black Rhino Group sang the praises of the hotel.
“Centrally located, this iconic hotel features something for everyone from quality dining at The Harvest Restaurant to a refreshing drink at our lively Sports Bar, truly the best pub in Ingham.
“We’re committed to delivering great food, great drinks, and memorable experiences to the local community. Black Rhino Group were very lucky to take on this pub so we’re excited about the future of this fantastic venue and look forward to what’s ahead.”
The Hotel Hinchinbrook sale is the second pub to transact within Ingham in the last six months, following the sale of The Royal Hotel in March by the Quagliotto family after 65 years of ownership.
Pelizzari family sells the Union Hotel Motel
In another sale of a long-held family-owned pub, the Pelizzari family have sold the Union Hotel Motel in Barcaldine after nearly 70 years of operations.
Operated by the family for 67 years, the sale of the hotel marks a significant chapter for the town, renowned for its rich heritage and pivotal role in Queensland’s development.
The historic pub was named after union tickets issued to shearers from the hotel during the Shearers Strike of 1891, and is situated approximately 580 kilometres west of Rockhampton and 1,215 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, acting as a gateway to Queensland’s western regions.
In the heart of the town on a prominent 1,012-square-metre corner site, the Union Hotel Motel has been a cornerstone of the community for over 130 years, continuously operating under the same hotel license since its inception.
Affectionately known as the “Garden City of the West,” this historic town is easily accessible via the Capricorn Highway, the Spirit of the Outback passenger train service and Barcaldine Airport, ensuring it remains a vital hub for both residents and visitors exploring the Queensland outback.
However, after 67 years of continuous operation, the Pelizzari family made the decision to divest the property, marking the end of an era in Barcaldine.
Ben Pelizzari commented on the sale noting his family’s legacy and welcoming the new owners.
“Sixty-seven years is probably enough for our family. We’re ready to pass it onto the next people that want to put their stamp on it.”
Having owned and operated hotels in the region since 1957, the family purchased the Union Hotel in 1963, with Ben and Pam Pelizzari at the helm until 1970, when their son Sergio and his wife Neroli took over.
In 1991, Neroli established the renowned ‘Witches Kitchen’ bistro, which became a beloved dining destination in the community.
After over six decades of stewardship, the sale reflects a legacy of dedication and resilience in the face of the challenges inherent in running a country pub.
Kath Brassington, associate director, Hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand said while the sale marks the end of an era, it also welcomes new opportunity.
“The sale is a poignant moment for the Pelizzari family, symbolising both the end of a significant chapter and the beginning of new opportunities,” she said.
“Their enduring commitment to the community and the hospitality industry has left an indelible mark on Barcaldine, and their legacy will continue to be remembered by all who have been touched by their service and dedication.”
The sale follows a series of regional pub sales in 2025 which have highlighted increasing demand for hospitality assets, with several regional and rural Queensland areas emerging as a key area of interest.
Leon Alaban, national head of hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand noted the emerging trend, suggesting it is set to continue in the latter half of the year.
“The recent sale of the Union Hotel Motel highlights the heightened demand for hospitality assets across Queensland, encompassing metropolitan centres, coastal regions, and the outback,” he said.
“Investor interest in pubs has intensified, with both operators and investors actively seeking opportunities throughout the state. Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to continue this momentum, with Queensland’s hospitality market attracting buyers seeking stable, high-yielding returns.”