Listed: 28 pubs and hotels for sale in South Australia as a publican reveals why he’s selling up
From heritage-styled classics to multimillion-dollar money makers, there are plenty of pubs for sale across the state to fit every budget and level of experience.
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Shouting “last orders” or even “round on the house” at your own hotel is undoubtedly a pipe dream for many.
But with a flux of new hotels for sale across the state, that dream can easily be turned into a reality for surprisingly little.
There are currently 28 hotels up for grabs in South Australia, spanning from the old heritage classics, million-dollar money makers and those nestled deep in quintessential SA countryside.
One of the hotels up for sale is the Rising Sun Hotel, a gem between the rolling lush vines of Auburn and the riesling trail of Clare Valley.
Its current owner, Mick Geurin, is retiring now he’s reached 70 but said his tenure had been one he would never forget.
“I’ve said this many times but if I was younger there’s no way I would be putting the hotel on the market,” he said.
“It’s been a terrific experience for both myself and the wife Allyson but we’re a bit tired and we want to do other things.
“We’ve brought ourselves a van and then we want to set sail and then a bit of caravanning.”
Since its establishment in the 1860s, the hotel has undergone dramatic changes, especially, under the instructions of the Guerins.
The hotel has been refurbished, the rooms have been upgraded, the stables have been transformed into an entertainment and function centre, which hosts Fringe Shows and live bands for people to dance to.
But the owner’s success did not begin on day one when he walked into the hotel as an inexperienced publican seven years ago.
“I did not even know how to change a keg when I came into the hotel,” Mr Guerin said.
“And on our first day, that day was the day the whole of SA was pitched into darkness when the whole state had a blackout. Our power was out for 24 hours.
“We sat in the front bar with candles burning and made platters up for those who were in the bar until everyone went home.”
The hotel is up for sale for $1,100,000.
Here’s full list of hotels currently for sale, with some offering a lease option too, across South Australia.
HOTELS FOR SALE
Corio Hotel
Town: Goolwa
Price: Price on application
While agents are keeping the price tag under wraps, the Corio Hotel is on the market.
It has always enjoyed a steady stream of customers thanks to it being smack bang in the middle of the high street of tourist favourite, Goolwa.
Considered a National Trust hotel, it origins go back to 1858 and it has traded and acquired various historical items like the infamous Great Yankee Doodle Tobacco ceiling posters.
The country style hotel itself is family friendly and offers something for every visitor from theme nights, live music or happy hour.
Curramulka Hotel
Town: Curramulka
Price: Price on application
The Carramulka Hotel is centrally placed in the middle of the Yorke Peninsula, making it the ideal meeting spot for the local community and tourists alike.
The single stone hotel is known for its perfectly cooked meals, sporting memorabilia decor, but the true standout feature is the comedy night which attract comics that make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
The ‘L’ shaped hotel with a large land veranda also offers private accommodation, a character dining room and an attractive beer garden.
Agents say it’s the ideal purchase for someone pursuing hospitality when they have a young family or are semi-retired.
Federal Hotel
Town: Port Pirie
Price: Price on application
In the heart of Port Pirie, the Federal Hotel is considered one of the region’s most iconic heritage building and a destination for tourists travelling through the Southern Flinders Ranges.
It has a historic facade but the interior and exterior have been restored to showcase the charm and character of the building.
Its old fashioned front bar has been kept intact and the lack of gaming machines is keeping its “true pub” ambience alive, according to agents.
Franklin Harbour Hotel
Town: Cowell
Price: Price on application
Next door to the local caravan park and a three-minute walk from the foreshore and jetty, the Franklin Harbour Hotel is up for sale.
Located on Eyre Peninsula, Cowell is best known for boating and fishing and after a day out on the water, locals and tourists will want to relax with a drink in hand at the local watering hole.
The hotel itself is a spacious two-storey building with the owner’s residence and 14 guest bedrooms on the first floor, a large bar with TAB, a formal dining area with a commercial kitchen, a beer garden in the back and 10 poker machines in the gaming room.
Georgetown Hotel
Town: Georgetown
Price: $525,000
The Georgetown Hotel in the Mid North could be described as something of a celebrity among pubs.
It’s starred in a West End Brewery commercial called Pub that fell from the Sky and made an appearance in TV hit Seachange.
With eight rooms upstairs the hotel could be converted into anything like a boutique bed and breakfast, a cafe or bakery, a large house for a big family.
Grand Hotel Millicent
Town: Millicent
Price: $1.8m + stock
With a population of around 5000 people, Millicent it the perfect destination for someone looking for a quieter lifestyle.
The Grand Hotel Millicent is considered an iconic and architectural gem of the South-East town.
Agents say purchasing the hotel would be a smart move for someone looking to start in the business as the space has been recently renovated and is just waiting to be brought to life with entertainment.
Hawker Hotel Motel
Town: Hawker
Price: Price on application
The iconic Hawker Hotel is known as the gateway to the Flinders Ranges and attracts plenty of locals and distant visitors curious about Australia’s natural beauty.
The hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere and a classic country pub look transporting visitors back in time but with the perks of modern entertainment.
The dining room is clad in pressed irons and has nine poker machines.
Hotel Peterborough
Town: Peterborough
Price: $650,000 + stock
The impressive two-storey hotel is located in a popular tourist town known for its Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre.
Sitting on the crossroad of Australia, the Hotel Peterborough is the third oldest hotel in town.
According to agents it is “very profitable” with two accommodation units downstairs and 24 rooms upstairs.
The hotel is on the market as both a freehold with a price tag of $650,000 plus stock, or for lease for $95,000 plus stock.
Jamestown Hotel
Town: Jamestown
Price: Price on application
Located on the main street of town, the Jamestown Hotel in the state’s Mid North is a favourite among locals.
The current owners of the two-storey hotel have made many improvements and upgrades to its interior.
They have even offered to help train up the buyers prior to settlement – making it suited to one or two couples, a family or sole trader with or without experience, according to agents.
Lucindale Hotel
Town: Lucindale
Price: $855,000 + stock
The Lucindale Hotel has recently been put on the market.
The South-East town is best known for its annual March field days which draws in around 25,000 people.
The rest of the year, the one-pub country town is home to 673 people but the watering hole is also a popular destination for those living in the surrounding rural area.
Agents say it would be an ideal purchase for a first-time publican as well as those with more experience.
Lucindale Hotel is for sale for just over $850,000 but also available for lease for $135,000, plus stock.
Magpie & Stump Hotel
Town: Mintaro
Price: Price on application
Located in the heart of Mintaro, the Magpie and Stump Hotel has only recently been put on the market.
Established in 1851, it’s the oldest pub in the Clare Valley wine region and has been restored by Amanda Henry and Paul Rofenich who purchased it five years ago.
The heritage listed hotel and adjoining bakery have been returned to is original splendour with wood fires in every room.
It includes a front bar, three dining rooms, commercial kitchen, four accommodation rooms, the parlour and a huge beer garden.
Mount Pleasant Hotel Motel
Town: Mount Pleasant
Price: $1.7m + stock
This popular Adelaide Hills hotel is considered one of the state’s best country pubs by Advertiser readers.
But the family owned Mount Pleasant Hotel Motel has recently been put on the market by owners Staci McKenzie And Richard Turner.
It’s ideally positioned in a tourism hot spot, popular among locals and described as a “rare opportunity” by agents.
The hotel is decked out with a front bar, two dining floor, a newly developed walk in bottleshop, beer garden, gaming areas and six motel rooms.
Mundulla Hotel
Town: Mundulla
Price: $680,000 + stock
Mundulla Hotel was once a bakery and general store before reopening as a hotel in 2003 and now the restored heritage building is for sale.
The South-East town is the proud three times winner of Best Small Town in SA, described as “oozing pride and community spirit” with agents saying it offers a “great lifestyle”.
The hotel is a popular gathering spot for the locals with a bar area, commercial kitchen, dining rooms, beer garden and expansive lawn area.
It is on the market for less than $700,000 plus stock, or for lease for $65,000 plus stock.
HOTELS FOR LEASEHOLD
Beachport Hotel
Town: Beachport
Price: $990,000 + stock
Set in a coastal town that swells to a population of more than 2000 during the peak summer tourism season, this country business is also for sale.
Beyond the bar, bistro, dining room, beer garden, veranda, gaming room and drive inn bottle shop, the Beachport Hotel also has an owner’s residence large enough for two families.
Agents say the current owners will also provide training to get the buyers up to speed no matter how little hotel experience they have.
Blanchetown Hotel
Town: Blachetown
Price: Price on application
With a large deck overlooking the magnificent River Murray, the Blachetown Hotel has no competition in this river shack town.
Blanchetown is a weekend and summer holiday destination with three caravan parks and is home to around 300 people year-round who can regularly be found at the pub.
The hotel itself has a main bar, dining room, bottle shop, 100-seat deck and gaming machines with two separate owner or manager homes offering a “most enjoyable lifestyle”, according to agents.
Blumberg Hotel
Town: Birdwood
Price: $480,000 + stock
The Blumberg Hotel is the only hotel in the growing Adelaide Hills town of Birdwood.
It’s set on the main street, near the Motor Museum and only 44km from the Adelaide CBD with the town described as a “growth centre”.
Located on large acreage, the hotel has room to grow and already has a popular al fresco dining area, front bar, dining room, function space, beer garden and private accommodation.
Coffin Bay Hotel Motel
Town: Coffin Bay
Price: Price on application
A traditional hotel motel located in a popular holiday spot known for its oysters just 47km west of Port Lincoln is available for lease.
The highlight of the Coffin Bay Hotel Motel is its ceiling to floor windows overlooking the lawn beer garden area.
It also boasts a large front bar, dining room for 135 people, bottle shop and eight motel rooms.
The price for this gem is on the downlow but would interest any publican with a penchant for fishing.
Cummins Hotel Motel
Town: Cummins
Price: Price on application
Located on the Eyre Peninsula, the Cummins Hotel Motel is a community gathering point servicing the surrounding farming area.
It offers a dining room, beer garden, al fresco area, gaming room, large drive thru bottleshop and takeaway food pick up.
Plus a popular adjoining coffee lounge and 16 accommodation options in a range of styles.
Gungellan Hotel
Town: Freeling
Price: $198,000 + stock
A celebrity SA hotel made famous by long-running TV series McLeod’s Daughter, the Gungellan Hotel continues to attract the show’s fans.
It was also set to star in the unreleased 2021 feature film McLeod’s Daughters Drover’s Run.
The hotel, with beer garden, front bar, gaming machines and managers accommodation is located in Freeling on the edge of the Barossa Valley.
It is also a popular overnight stop for wine tours.
Hannahville Hotel
Town: Port Augusta
Price: $300,000 + stock
Located in the regional city of Port Augusta, the Hannahville Hotel has been expanded and renovated into a modern bar.
Known as The Hanny to locals, the provincial city hotel is at the crossroads of Australia attracting tourists, truckies and those heading to nearby mining towns.
It boasts a main bar, dining room, beer garden, al fresco dining and a manager’s flat.
Hotel Maitland
Town: Maitland
Price: $120,000 + stock
Hotel Maitland is set in a country township home to 1000 residents on the Yorke Peninsula.
Originally the hotel was a one-storey building but a second level has been added to keep up with the growing interest from travellers.
Alongside the main bar, beer garden, 10 guest rooms and pokies, there’s a six-bedroom owner’s residence waiting for a new publican.
Light Hotel
Town: Eudunda
Price: $130,000 + stock
This historic hotel is located on the main street of the regional town of Eudunda.
The Light Hotel, exactly 100km north of Adelaide, has been carefully upgraded to maintain its country ambience with pool tables, bar and large beer garden.
There are also 15 rooms of accommodation available plus manager’s accommodation.
Mallala Hotel
Town: Mallala
Price: $298,000 + stock
This popular country hotel, just 58km north of Adelaide, has been upgraded over the last few years.
The Mallala Hotel is conveniently situated on the crossroads linking Balaklava and Gawler in the Adelaide Plains.
The pub, with a front bar, beer garden and function area, is a focal point for the community.
With private accommodation, agents say it would be an ideal purchase for a couple or family.
Mannum Hotel
Town: Mannum
Price: $395,000 + stock
It’s one of only two hotels in the historic river town of Mannum.
With a permanent population of 6750, the rapidly growing town is also home to shackies and enjoys a thriving tourism trade.
And if you ask the agents the leasing the Mannum Hotel offers a “great lifestyle” for those looking to get their start in the industry or an experienced operator.
Located on the main street, it presents a good opportunity to do business with an inbuilt customer base while relaxing by the river.
Old Bush Inn
Town: Willunga
Price: Price on application
This heritage listed country pub with a welcoming atmosphere has forged a reputation as a destination for great food and service in a charming town only 45 minutes from Adelaide.
Old Bush Inn, known as the Top Pub by locals, is situated in Willunga on the Fleurieu Coast and McLaren Vale wine region.
Perks include a bar, restaurant, gallery function room, veranda and beer garden with untapped potential.
Port Germein Hotel
Town: Port Germein
Price: $110,000 + stock
Situated in a seaside town between Port Pirie and Port Augusta is the Port Germein Hotel.
It’s the only hotel in town servicing locals and travellers alike and its exterior has been restored to its original stonework to keep its historic character.
The first floor includes bedrooms and lounge rooms, while there is also a dining room seating 40 customers, a beer garden and a front veranda.
Agents say it’s perfectly suited for first time hotel buyers seeking “a pleasant country lifestyle” and self-employment.
Railway Hotel Motel
Town: Jamestown
Price: $245,000 + stock
The second hotel located in the fertile farming country of Jamestown on this list.
The Railway Hotel Motel is considered a profitable business, ideal for a new publican looking to get their start in the industry, according to agents.
Its standout features include a wood fire, a popular bottleshop, nine motel rooms and manager’s accommodation.
Sevenhill Hotel
Town: Sevenhill
Price: $850,000 + stock
Situated in the picturesque township of Sevenhill this hotel is just a 10-minute drive out of Clare on the main road.
The Sevenhill Hotel is complete with a walk-in cellar, beer garden and al fresco area.
It has been described by agents as in the top 10 best-presented hotels in the state and a “rare opportunity” to live and work in a brilliant Clare Valley location.
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