Historic Rollingstone Hotel on Bruce Highway hits market with $2m price tag
One of North Queensland’s most recognisable highway pubs with more than a century of history, a loyal following and a reputation for live music has hit the market, inviting offers over $2 million.
On the Bruce Highway about 53 kilometres north-west of Townsville, the freehold hotel has evolved from a stagecoach-era watering hole into a popular stop for tourists, truck drivers, grey nomads and live music fans, complete with true-blue Aussie memorabilia and a refurbished bus that serves as an outdoor stage.
“The pub is literally on the side of the Bruce Highway,” says Savills Hotels & Hospitality agent Kathryn Brassington. “People pull off the highway, have a yarn, grab a meal and stay the night. It’s become a destination in its own right.
“I love the history and heritage behind a pub, and this one’s pretty cool. To be in the middle of nowhere, and people just pull off the highway and bang, roll in – it’s unique.”
A century of history on the Bruce Highway
Occupying a 4047-square-metre site, the property comprises a public bar, bistro, al fresco dining area, gaming room with five electronic gaming machines, seven accommodation rooms, a two-bedroom manager’s residence, and unpowered caravan and camping sites.
While the current hotel building dates to 1962, the site’s hospitality history stretches back almost 120 years, to when it was established as the Armidale Hotel, serving travellers along the old stagecoach route between Townsville and Ingham.
Following the arrival of the North Coast railway line in 1915 and the renaming of the township to Rollingstone, the hotel adopted its current name. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1959, and the present-day hotel opened in 1962.
Live music helps build loyal customer base
Current owners Peter and Patricia Ford have operated the hotel for almost 11 years, building a reputation that extends well beyond the small coastal township thanks to the friendly atmosphere and lively music events.
“The vendor has really promoted live music and created a following around the hotel,” Brassington says.
“The beer garden is perfect for concerts and events, and when there’s music on, the locals come out and fill the place.”
Multiple income streams attract investors
The property also presents a strong investment opportunity. Rollingstone occupies a strategic position on Queensland’s primary north-south transport corridor, benefiting from year-round freight, commuter and tourism traffic. The location is widely regarded as a key stopover point between Townsville and Ingham, with limited hospitality competition along the corridor.
Brassington says buyers had also been attracted by the diversity of income streams, including gaming, food and beverage operations, accommodation and caravan trade, as well as the opportunity to further develop the site’s accommodation offering.
“A lot of people see it as a really good entry point into owning a freehold pub,” she says.
“You’ve got gaming income, strong food and beverage trade, accommodation, a manager’s residence and a large site with room to grow. There are a lot of opportunities for the next owner.”
Part of that growth story is being driven by infrastructure investment in the region.
The approved Sunshine State Solar Farm & Battery project, located just north of Rollingstone, is expected to generate significant demand for worker accommodation and dining during its construction.
