7 cheap pubs around Australia that will tempt you to quit the rat race
It’s a classic Australian dream: to leave the rat race behind, pack everything up and start running your own pub.
Whether it’s in a country town or a bit closer to a metropolitan hub, there are many opportunities to embark on this dream without breaking the bank too badly.
There are plenty of options out there for the active owner-operator or for someone looking for a more a passive investment, with the perks of owning a pub.
Mangoplah, NSW – $390,000
The Mangoplah Hotel. Photo: Supplied
Located 36 kilometres south of Wagga Wagga in the Riverina, this small town has a population of just a tick over 300.
The freehold hotel looks like a classic village-style pub and dates back to the 1920s.
Along with it being a favourite haunt of loyal locals, it’s also popular with those travelling to or from Wagga.
The 500-square-metre building includes a main bar with rear dining area, a function room and free outdoor camping areas, along with a four-bedroom owner’s residence.
Werrimull, Victoria – $415,000
The Werrimull Hotel. Photo: Supplied
Self described as “Victoria’s most outback pub”, the Werrimull Hotel is exactly what you want in a regional drinking hole.
It’s located between the towns of Karawinna and Bambill, and just a 45-minute drive from Mildura.
While the town only has a population of 112, it is a popular stopover spot for visitors to the nearby Millewa Pioneer Forest.
The public bar features the obligatory pool table, while there is also a function room, commercial kitchen, dining room, beer garden and seven hotel-style rooms.
Augathella, Queensland – $435,000
The Ellangowan Hotel. Photo: Supplied
This leasehold business, which includes motel accommodation and the pub, has 35 years left to run.
Located about 750 kilometres west of Brisbane, it is supported by a local population of 449 people and an increasing number of tourists, which is contributing to annual revenue growth for the business of about 20 per cent, according to the listing.
The sale includes 21 accommodation units, seven hotel rooms, a cafe, gift shop, bar and bottle shop, all in a one-pub town.
Koorda, Western Australia – $480,000
The Koorda Hotel. Photo: Supplied
This freehold business is the only pub in a town of 260 people, 236 kilometres east of Perth in the wheat belt.
The building features a bottle shop, main bar, restaurant, games room and upstairs accommodation.
Mathoura, NSW – $350,000
The Pastoral Hotel. Photo: Supplied
If you’re looking for the perks of owning a pub without the responsibility or commitment of running it, then this hotel is the one for you.
Sitting on almost 3000 square metres, the oldest pub in town enjoys strong support from locals, holiday makers and tourists passing through.
With a lease in place until 2025 and a 7.5 per cent return on investment, it could be the perfect passive investment.
Adelaide, South Australia – $50,000 + stock
The Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Photo: Supplied
With the tagline of “why run a small bar when you can own a pub?”, this longstanding venue has a 230-person capacity and a late night permit until 3am.
The Edinburgh Castle Hotel has a bar, dining room, balcony and beer garden, and the leasehold and business is up for grabs.
Blighty, NSW – $340,000
The Blighty Pub. Photo: Wikicommons/Mattinbgn
Built in the 1940s, this country pub sits on a 2-hectare block with a private yard and dam.
Located in Blighty, with Riverina Highway exposure, the pub features an island bar, large dining area, pool tables and a beer garden, along with a four-bedroom residence for the owner.
It currently has rental income of approximately $36,400 a year and is leased until March 2019, with two four-year options.
