Ride on Cowboys!: Historic Cairns pub to become spiritual home for Cowboys NRLW team

The North Queensland Cowboys have taken a crucial step in their Cairns expansion plans, with the Cape York Hotel earmarked to become its NRLW team’s spiritual home from 2027. See the plans.

One of the city's oldest pubs, the Cape York Hotel, which closed its doors in 2022, is earmarked to become the spiritual home of the North Queensland Cowboys’ NRLW team.

The North Queensland Cowboys have taken a crucial step in their Cairns expansion plans, with the Cape York Hotel earmarked to become its NRLW team’s spiritual home from 2027.

The Cowboys Leagues Club has submitted a development application to Cairns Regional Council to transform the historic pub into a new social club for the team and supporters.

As exclusively reported by the Cairns Post last year, the Cowboys plan to hitch their wagons and relocate their NRLW program from Townsville to the Far North to coincide with planned upgrades to Barlow Park ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

The North Queensland Cowboys will lease the historic Cape York Hotel, with the venue proposed to become the heartbeat of the soon to be relocated NRLW team.

In a sign of the club’s commitment to the region, the property has been leased from a Cairns business syndicate for 10 years with a series of options to extend the agreement for up to 30 years.

The lease, brokered by CBRE senior sales agent Jay Beattie, is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

The proposed redevelopment would convert the long-standing hotel into a licensed club and serve as a meeting place for fans from across the region, Cowboys Leagues Club general manager Clint Williams said.

“This is a significant and exciting step forward in our mission to be a true team for all of North Queensland,” Mr Williams said.

“Cairns is a passionate rugby league city and with our NRLW team set to make Cairns their home town, it is important we create a social home for members and fans to come together and share in the Cowboys spirit.”

Francesca Goldthorp of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the round one NRLW match against the Gold Coast Titans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Emma Manzelmann of the Cowboys runs the ball during the clash. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Cowboys Leagues Club chairman Lewis Ramsay said the move reinforced the NRL powerhouse’s long-term vision for the Far North.

“We’ve always understood that we represent all of North Queensland, not just Townsville, and this venture reinforces that philosophy” Mr Ramsay said.

“Establishing a club in Cairns is a natural progression.”

The hotel, which closed its doors in 2022, has been located on the corner of Bunda and Spence streets for more than 120 years.

Under the proposed redevelopment, the site would undergo a major refurbishment, blending modern hospitality offerings with a respectful nod to the venue’s heritage.

“In conjunction with our very successful community programs and the proposed NRLW Centre of Excellence, this move will deepen our engagement across the region, create new jobs and, importantly, support the continued growth of rugby league in North Queensland,” Mr Ramsay said.

The venue would feature a cafe and lounge area for Cowboys supporters following the proposed redevelopment.

The new club would feature dining, bar and entertainment facilities, Cowboys merchandise and memorabilia, as well as spaces designed to host fan events, player appearances and live games on a big screen.

The club has pledged to engage local tradies and suppliers throughout the build, and once open, the venue was expected to support more than 50 ongoing hospitality and events roles.

The redevelopment is subject to approval from both Cairns Regional Council and the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.

The Cowboys Leagues Club has donated more than $13m to sports clubs, community groups and charities since 2001.

Originally published as Ride on Cowboys!: Historic Cairns pub to become spiritual home for Cowboys NRLW team