Cartoon hotels and private islands: The most-read articles of 2025
From cartoon hotels and private islands to “Australia’s worst motel” and a MasterChef home, it’s safe to say you loved checking out all the fun and quirky commercial properties that were on the market this year.
We ran the numbers and have compiled a list of the 10 most-read stories of 2025.
Here’s what got your attention.
1. Original 1890s butcher shop listed for sale
In the heart of Clunes’ character-filled main street, a beautifully preserved former butcher’s shop with more than a century of history in its bluestone walls hit the market for the first time in 140 years. The article about its sale was the most-read story of 2025.
2. Australia’s most iconic cartoon pub is listed for sale
Is there any watering hole that strikes a chord with everyday Aussies more than the famous cartoon-inspired Ettamogah Pub with its wonky walls and high bull-nose verandah?
It appears not as the story about its sale, with a $50 million price tag, was our second most-read story of the year.
3. Former MasterChef home up for lease as South Sydney market lights up
The former home of the TV show MasterChef was up for lease earlier this year, and it got people clicking.
The 1424-square-metre heritage-style brick building at 9-13 Doody Street in Alexandria naturally came with a functioning kitchen, the setting for many dishes plated up by nervous budding chefs.
4. Australia’s ‘worst motel’ finally sells for a pretty penny
A boarded-up motel notorious for its crime, drug use and shocking guest reviews dubbed “Australia’s worst” sold for a pretty penny this year.
Following decades of controversy, the deal marks a new chapter for Melbourne’s tightly held north, with the former StayInn Motel in Coburg North set to be repurposed following a six-month settlement.
5. $5m gold bullion twist in hunt for collapsed pub group’s millions
The former director of the collapsed hospitality empire, Virtical, was asked about the mysterious purchase of $5 million in gold bullion as liquidators opened court proceedings in their hunt for tens of millions of dollars linked to fake GST refunds claimed by the group.
6. Why historic Tullaree is a grazier’s dream
An iconic 411-hectare South Gippsland property was listed publicly for the first time in 70 years. It comprised extensive farming land, state-of-the-art infrastructure, new fencing, and a widely renowned circa 1907 homestead that was once open to the public.
7. ‘Sydney institution’ Badde Manors cafe seeks new owners
What’s next for Sydney’s famous Bohemian corner cafe that “changed the city forever”?
That’s the question that was on everyone’s lips when Glebe’s former Badde Manors was listed for $2.9 million.
8. Work alongside the pristine waters of Brunswick Heads
A tightly held commercial space in the heart of Brunswick Heads hit the market, presenting a rare opportunity for business owners to secure a property in one of the Northern Rivers’ most desirable beachside towns.
9. Ninth Island in Tassie awaits its next chapter
The ninth-most-read article, fittingly, was about Ninth Island in Tasmania.
The 16-hectare landholding sits about 12 kilometres from Bridport, is accessible via boat or helicopter and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and birds.
10. Former 17-hectare estate of late Australian billionaire up for grabs
A 17-hectare Tuscan-style estate with horse stables, once owned by the late billionaire Robert Holmes à Court, was offered to the market with a very flexible settlement of up to four years and a price tag in excess of $10 million.
