Australian mining history: Broken Hill pub (with two homes) could be yours
An outback pub located in the birthplace of BHP – the frontier mining town of Broken Hill – has hit the market, with an unusual twist.
For $650,000, buyers can pick up not only the Junction Hotel but also a standalone three-bedroom brick home and a two-bedroom cottage, making it one of the most versatile regional hospitality offerings around.
The listing, marketed by Manenti Quinlan & Associates, includes the freehold going-concern of the hotel at 560 Argent Street, right in the heart of Australia’s original mining powerhouse.
The sale includes all inventory and fit-out (excluding stock), providing a ready-to-operate business with multiple revenue angles and valuable on-site accommodation.
A pub in a ‘true outback country town’
Although Broken Hill might be remote – sitting in far-western NSW, with Adelaide its closest major city about six hours away – interest has been strong.
“Broken Hill – although it’s a long way from the metropolitan areas – is still a city in its own right. So, yeah, there has been a fair bit of interest,” says agent Leonard Bongiovanni.
“We’re in discussions with a few people.”
While not to the scale of previous decades, Broken Hill – with a population of around 18,000 – still benefits from its mining-driven economy, with high-grade silver, lead and zinc extraction and exploration underway by Broken Hill Mines (BHM) with activity at Rasp and a renewed push at nearby Pinnacles.
It also benefits from strong tourism trade and the growing appeal of affordable regional living, with a three-bedroom home setting buyers back around $224,000.
“It’s what you imagine an outback country town to be,” he says.
BHP – originally incorporated in 1885 as the Broken Hill Proprietary Company to mine silver, lead and zinc – was founded in Broken Hill, making it the birthplace of one of Australia’s most significant companies.
“The town goes really strong for that,” he adds, noting the importance of BHP’s historic roots and profile to the tight-knit community.
A pub with all the essentials – and rare extras
The Junction Hotel offers the flexibility and features you’d expect from a classic outback pub, including two bar areas, a separate dining room and large bistro seating 150 patrons, an outdoor barbecue and beer garden, commercial kitchen, good quality cool rooms and beer systems and several sheds, storage rooms and a partly converted function space.
But what sets this watering hole apart from the rest is its residential component, which Bongiovanni says is an asset always in demand.
“The house helps, because you can live on-site – you’re getting a business and a residence, which is good … there always seems to be demand in the town for accommodation. So, it ticks a few boxes.”
The three-bedroom brick home sits on a side street with its own entrance, entirely separate from the hotel. The two-bedroom cottage, currently used as an office, adjoins the hotel structure under the same roofline.
“It’s all on one title, though,” he adds.
Owner-operator dream or accommodation play
With the current vendor running the hotel under a separate management structure with hospitality operators Don Hodge Group, a new investor has options.
While it could remain an investment property, Bongiovanni believes the best future lies with someone ready to pull the taps themselves.
“A pub like this probably thrives from having a hands-on owner-operator … someone who’s entrenched in the town, who can really get themselves behind the town and become part of it,” he says.
Versatility at its core
Above all, Bongiovanni describes the Junction Hotel as “a good all-rounder.”
“It’s got the different areas where you want in a pub … the bistro, the bar seating, the accommodation, and beautiful large open beer garden areas. It’s just a really versatile trading space.”
