Marree Hotel for sale in South Australia’s outback – with Avid Air on the side

It sits at the crossroads of two famous outback tracks but the buyers of this famous hotel could be getting more than just the pub.

The Marree Hotel. Picture: AAP/Colin Burgess

The historic Marree Hotel is up for sale, offering its new owners an adventure in a remote part of South Australia’s outback – 589km north of Adelaide.

Situated at the junction of Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks, the pub is a popular stopping point for tour groups, four-wheel-drivers and tourists.

Publican Phil van Wegen, who along with his wife took over the hotel in 2021, said it was time to “wind down” and “travel”.

Exterior of the Marree Hotel. Picture: SA Tourism Commission.

The owners will consider selling their aviation business as part of the deal. Picture: Marree Hotel

“As far as it goes, it’s a cracking business and it’s done well for us, but it’s time for us to slowly start winding down,” Mr van Wegen said.

“We’ve met some pretty unreal people over the time and it’s given us a really good outback experience.”

The couple also own Arid Air, a scenic flight and charter business based in Marree and would consider selling that business as part of the hotel sale.

“We put the pub and planes together three and half years ago, which is what we wanted to do,” Mr van Wegen said.

“Ideally, if someone came along we’d sell them both, otherwise we’ll continue to operate the aircraft.”

Built in 1883, the hotel consists of a bar, gaming, four dining rooms, 28 ensuite cabins, traditional hotel rooms and a swimming pool.

One of the hotel’s dining rooms. Picture: Marree Hotel

Ensuite cabins and swimming pool. Picture: Marree Hotel

One dining room has been converted into the Tom Kruse museum – an outback legend and Birdsville Track mailman.

“This place would be good for a range of people,” Mr van Wegen said.

“If there’s a couple that are keen to have a crack there’s a good dollar in it, or it could be a larger organisation looking to put management in.”

The business was being offered for lease or freehold.