Mackay’s Boomerang Hotel reopening with family-friendly restaurant focus

The Boomerang Hotel has been a hub in the Mackay region for more than 60 years and is set to reopen after a $2 million facelift. But there’s still more to come.

The landmark pub at the junction of the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway has been welcoming patrons with the promise of a cold beer for decades.

The renovated Boomerang Hotel will open its doors on Saturday for the first time in six months after a $2 million facelift.

A new undercover outdoor area will be ready for diners to enjoy a fresh menu while children can explore a new kids room.

Venue manager Ryan Wilkinson said staff, including a host of new chefs under the direction of Boomerang Hotel’s continuing head chef, were excited to welcome new and old faces.

A concept design of the The Boomerang Hotel’s $2 million renovations. Picture: Contributed

“It’s pretty exciting; it’s getting back to its roots of being a family-friendly place,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Mr Wilkinson said Sundays featured regular children’s entertainment such as balloon animals and face painting, with live acoustic sessions to follow for older patrons to enjoy.

The iconic Boomerang Hotel. Picture: Lillian Watkins

But Mr Wilkinson said former Boomerang punters would not need to shy away from the new facelift.

“It’s pretty much the same cornerstone pub with a refresh,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“We’ve kept all the historical items in the venue but just added a modern touch, returning it to the heritage of the area.”

Mr Wilkinson said despite a new menu, Mackay locals could still expect the same pub classics they knew and loved such as crumbed steaks and schnitzels, all about the $20 mark.

To celebrate its reopening, the Boomerang Hotel is putting on a Welcome Weekend, from April 29 to May 1, which will include a precursor of the pub’s new weekly entertainment, including live music and a Sunday Family Fun Day.

“We want to stay as close to heritage as we can,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Renovations to “brighten and lighten” the hotel’s 26 rooms will begin shortly.