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Mackay Whitsunday Isaac pubs: The ultimate list for your next crawl

Come with us on the ultimate pub crawl as we check out the flurry of activity across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions as pubs undergo renovations, change hands or are in the midst of multimillion-dollar overhauls.

Crispy the Duck goes to the pub

Two brave souls are diving into the deep end of the watering hole as they take on a historic pub rumoured to be haunted.

New publicans Christie Moore and Shane Wright recently bought the General Gordon Hotel at Sandiford, west of Mackay, with plans to return the “old girl” to her former glory.

Their ambitions echo a flurry of activity across Mackay Isaac Whitsunday over the past two years as a score of pubs went under the renovation hammer, changed hands, or locked-in multimillion dollar design overhauls.

General Gordon Hotel owner Christie Moore is determined to restore the Mackay region pub to its former glory. Picture: Heidi Petith
General Gordon Hotel owner Christie Moore is determined to restore the Mackay region pub to its former glory. Picture: Heidi Petith

See the expansive list below.

“(The General Gordon’s) one of the only pubs that I’ve ever seen that still has an Ettamogah Pub vibe,” Ms Moore said.

“They reckon it’s haunted but I don’t think so.”

General Gordon Hotel owner Christie Moore is determined to restore the Mackay region pub to its former glory. Picture: Heidi Petith
General Gordon Hotel owner Christie Moore is determined to restore the Mackay region pub to its former glory. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Moore said they spent months giving the hotel a facelift including replacing windows and dressing up accommodation rooms, and will soon open a new Ladies Saloon for high teas.

“And we’re getting an eight-seater courtesy bus,” Ms Moore said.

“I don’t want the kids driving home after they drink here.”

This is believed to photo of the General Gordon Hotel at Homebush/Sandiford from 1908. Picture: Daily Mercury Archives
This is believed to photo of the General Gordon Hotel at Homebush/Sandiford from 1908. Picture: Daily Mercury Archives

But while parts of the pub are polished, others will be preserved including the 136-year-old original cold room, the scalloped tin roof, and the electric collection of antiques taking pride of place over the bar, gifted by generations of generous patrons.

“None of us have been publicans before … but we have no regrets,” Ms Moore said.

“We’re trying to take care of the Gordon as best as we can.

“A year from now, it’s going to be even better.”

Pubs which were updated, changed hands, or locked-in renovations since January, 2020

Eton Hotel, Eton

About 15 minutes’ drive west of the General Gordon, the Eton Hotel also has a fresh face at the helm.

Father of two and Airlie Beach Festival of Music organiser, Gavin Butlin, said he bought the lease to the pub about a month ago in what was a full circle moment.

“That was my first pub back in ‘98,” Mr Butlin said.

Eton Hotel along Telegraph St, Eton is looking schmick after the installation of a new beer garden in 2020. Picture: Heidi Petith
Eton Hotel along Telegraph St, Eton is looking schmick after the installation of a new beer garden in 2020. Picture: Heidi Petith

The experienced publican boasts an impressive number of the region’s pubs on his resume including Kinchant Dam, Bakers Creek Tavern, the General Gordon, Langfords Hotel in Mackay (formerly known as The Old Railway), Kuttabul Hotel, and the Calen Hotel.

Mr Butlin said he would continue Eton’s good food, service and country atmosphere and introduce live music every Saturday night.

Eton Hotel along Telegraph St, Eton is a pub with character. Picture: Heidi Petith
Eton Hotel along Telegraph St, Eton is a pub with character. Picture: Heidi Petith

“We’ve got three acres of land there at the creek next to the hotel and we have free camping,” he said, adding there had been “heaps of platypuses” recently spotted in the creek.

Pit Pony Tavern, Collinsville

Pit Pony Tavern part-owner Janet Lobegeier said they took full advantage of the “tough” Covid-induced closures to fully renovate their gaming room.

“We were closed for three months so it was a good opportunity to do a bit of stuff around the hotel,” Mrs Lobegeier said.

The dining room also got a spruce-up, adding another notch to the improvement list Mrs Lobegeier and her husband Nigel started since buying the pub in 2015 with Collinsville graziers Diane and Clive Watts.

The Pit Pony Tavern in Collinsville was extensively renovated over three months during Covid-induced closures. It was part of the town's reimagining as the pit pony capital of Australia, which has proved lucrative for tourism. Picture: Facebook
The Pit Pony Tavern in Collinsville was extensively renovated over three months during Covid-induced closures. It was part of the town's reimagining as the pit pony capital of Australia, which has proved lucrative for tourism. Picture: Facebook

“When we first bought the hotel, it was called the Town and Country Hotel,” she said.

“It was very, very run down.

“We thought we needed to reinvent this hotel and of course, Collinsville is famous for its pit ponies … hence the name.

“We never anticipated it would be as busy as it is … so yes, some people have thought we were crazy but we knew the hotel had potential.”

The Pit Pony Tavern in Collinsville was extensively renovated over three months during Covid-induced closures. It was part of the town's reimagining as the pit pony capital of Australia, which has proved lucrative for tourism. Picture: Facebook
The Pit Pony Tavern in Collinsville was extensively renovated over three months during Covid-induced closures. It was part of the town's reimagining as the pit pony capital of Australia, which has proved lucrative for tourism. Picture: Facebook

Mrs Lobegeier, who also owns Collinsville’s Foodworks supermarket, said Collinsville had re-imagined itself as Australia’s pit pony capital with the new free recreational vehicle park helping to lure grey nomads from nearby Lake Elphinstone.

Boomerang Hotel, Mackay

The landmark pub at the junction of the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway at Mackay’s city gates had a $2 million facelift towards the end of 2021.

The Boomerang Hotel at the corner of the Peak Downs and Bruce highways in Mackay underwent a $2 million renovation. Picture: Markus Ravik
The Boomerang Hotel at the corner of the Peak Downs and Bruce highways in Mackay underwent a $2 million renovation. Picture: Markus Ravik

It reopened in April this year with a new menu and kids room while paying homage to “its roots of being a family-friendly place”.

Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay

Following Australia Venue Co’s snazzy upgrade of the ‘Boomer’ is the company’s $1.6m overhaul of its Metropolitan Hotel.

Renovations are already under way on a new beer garden with a vision to create the ideal grounds for a few drinks and a bite before or after live shows.

The beer garden at Metropolitan Hotel in Gordon St, Mackay, before extensive renovations currently under way. Picture: Facebook
The beer garden at Metropolitan Hotel in Gordon St, Mackay, before extensive renovations currently under way. Picture: Facebook

The pub will shortly host muso Alex Lloyd and has previously been a stage for more cheeky talent like cast members from comedy series, Housos.

Works have also begun on the pub’s new sports bar with a refreshed gaming room and bistro soon to follow.

AVC CEO Craig Ellison said they were excited to give the “tired venue a modern upgrade”, making it a “contemporary pub experience” and a hub for functions and events.

The beer garden at Metropolitan Hotel in Gordon St, Mackay, before extensive renovations. Picture: Facebook
The beer garden at Metropolitan Hotel in Gordon St, Mackay, before extensive renovations. Picture: Facebook

“The Mackay pub will soon be the ultimate celebration destination for local residents all groups and sizes,” Mr Ellison said.

“The Metropolitan will also be home to an exciting line-up of entertainment, with an upcoming calendar jam packed with interstate and local acts locked in.”

Inside the Metropolitan Hotel in Gordon St, Mackay, before major renovations. Picture: Facebook
Inside the Metropolitan Hotel in Gordon St, Mackay, before major renovations. Picture: Facebook

Renovations are expected to be complete by early 2023.

Ambassador Hotel, Mackay CBD

Also temporarily closing while Covid-19 was new in Australia, the Ambassador Hotel reopened with a sophisticated twist.

Alan Haber, Manager Tania Mackie, David Egan and Megan Gray before the official opening of the MOJO Rooftop Bar at the Ambassador Hotel. Picture: Tony Martin
Alan Haber, Manager Tania Mackie, David Egan and Megan Gray before the official opening of the MOJO Rooftop Bar at the Ambassador Hotel. Picture: Tony Martin

The hotel’s Mojo Rooftop Bar opened in June, 2020, introducing gourmet platters, table service and private bartenders – all while overlooking the sparkling blue Pioneer River.

Kooyong Hotel, North Mackay

It is three for three for Australian Venue Co with its iconic North Mackay pub also undergoing a total overhaul.

Plans were recently approved to demolish the existing building to make way for a bold new venue.

“The appearance of the hotel and accommodation is dated (and) unattractive and as such significant improvements are needed to provide a more inviting and vibrant setting for locals to visit and socialise,” documents state.

O’Sheas Hotel, Walkerston

O’Sheas Hotel publican Andrew Guthrie said they had “basically gutted the whole hotel” in recent months.

“It’s gone from a little country pub to being like a tavern,” Mr Guthrie said.

He said the renovations also included creating a private TAB area and painting the whole back wall as a dedication to the Anzacs.

Publican Andrew Guthrie at O'Shea's Hotel Walkerston. Picture: Lillian Watkins
Publican Andrew Guthrie at O'Shea's Hotel Walkerston. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Mr Guthrie, who co-owns the pub with wife Karen, said he had about 10 veteran family members who served in Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Korea and Afghanistan.

But with staffing “impossible at the moment”, Mr Guthrie was seeking a publican to lease the hotel so the family could “get back into one pub”.

The Guthries also own the Pinnacle Family Hotel located on a 1ha block with full camping facilities in the Pioneer Valley, currently listed for sale near the $900,000 mark.

The new mural at Pinnacle Family Hotel, commissioned by pub owner Andrew Guthrie. Picture: Contributed
The new mural at Pinnacle Family Hotel, commissioned by pub owner Andrew Guthrie. Picture: Contributed

The real estate listing for the hotel world-famous for its Pinnacle Pies states seven couples have already tried buying the pub but their finances fell through.

Baker’s Creek Tavern, Baker’s Creek

What is happening inside the Baker’s Creek Tavern remains a mystery after a Facebook post in May advertised it had shut for renovations.

This publication has tried contacting the tavern but the phone number has been disconnected.

Prince of Wales Hotel, Proserpine

Moving north to the Whitsundays, Russell Hutchinson is the new publican behind the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Proserpine.

The historic Prince of Wales Hotel along Proserpine’s Main St.
The historic Prince of Wales Hotel along Proserpine’s Main St.

“I was working for a business when this was offered to me,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“We had a look at it and decided we’d have a crack at it.

“It’s our first time owning a hotel.

“It’s certainly been challenging but certainly, it’s paid off so far.”

Inside the Prince of Wales Hotel in Proserpine. Picture: Facebook
Inside the Prince of Wales Hotel in Proserpine. Picture: Facebook

Mr Hutchinson, who relocated to the Whitsundays from Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coas, t said it was great to be a part of the “very tight knit” Proserpine community.

Kuttabul Hotel, Kuttabul

The pub that opened in the same decade the infamous outlaw Ned Kelly was executed unveiled a new bar in his honour.

Kuttabul Hotel lessee Frank Petschauer was excited to unveil the new Ned Kelly Bar in December, 2021. Picture: Heidi Petith
Kuttabul Hotel lessee Frank Petschauer was excited to unveil the new Ned Kelly Bar in December, 2021. Picture: Heidi Petith

The lovingly-crafted bar, which opened at the Kuttabul Pub in December last year, is made from recycled timbers from around the district and includes a jail cell adorned with authentic ball-and-chain ankle cuffs.

The Retreat Hotel, Epsom

This little pub had been shuttered since 2016 before falling into the lap of Kylie Fyer-Hearn and her husband Kevin.

Mrs Fyer-Hearn said they had planned to move from Mulgowrie to Townsville when they “sort of found” the Epsom pub.

About 12 months of hard yakka went into extensively renovating The Retreat Hotel in Epsom, west of Mackay, so it could re-open 2022 after being shut for years. Picture: Facebook
About 12 months of hard yakka went into extensively renovating The Retreat Hotel in Epsom, west of Mackay, so it could re-open 2022 after being shut for years. Picture: Facebook

“Because it had been closed for four years, it was pretty run down,” she said.

Mrs Fyer-Hearn said they renovated for a year which included redoing the entire kitchen, bar, dining room, front veranda, and 12 motel rooms.

About 12 months of hard yakka went into extensively renovating The Retreat Hotel in Epsom, west of Mackay, so it could re-open 2022 after being shut for years. Picture: Facebook
About 12 months of hard yakka went into extensively renovating The Retreat Hotel in Epsom, west of Mackay, so it could re-open 2022 after being shut for years. Picture: Facebook

The hotel – nestled in-between cattle properties – now lives up to its retreat name with a “beautiful fireplace” and plentiful wildlife including koalas and kangaroos.

“We class it a family hotel,” Mrs Fyer-Hearn said.

“We take caravans as well and we take a lot of grey nomads.”

Dingo Beach Hotel, Dingo Beach

Almost $400,000 has been splashed on the Dingo Beach Hotel which boasts “perfect” weather all year round.

The pub is located between Proserpine and Airlie Beach and fronts the ocean.

A chef speciality of spaghetti with scallops served up at the Dingo Beach Hotel in the Whitsundays which has stunning views of the ocean. Picture: Dingo Beach Hotel
A chef speciality of spaghetti with scallops served up at the Dingo Beach Hotel in the Whitsundays which has stunning views of the ocean. Picture: Dingo Beach Hotel

Publican Ian Murphy said they had refurbished the units, re-roofed the hotel and installed new refrigeration creating the “coldest” beer in North Queensland.

“The beer lines normally run between -1C to -1.9C; it’s always chill,” Mr Murphy said.

He said they were proud of their own Dingo branded heavy lager as well as the “mellow musos” who entertained the crowd every Saturday night and Sunday lunch.

The Dingo Beach Hotel at Dingo Beach in the Whitsundays overlooks the aquamarine ocean. Picture: Dingo Beach Hotel
The Dingo Beach Hotel at Dingo Beach in the Whitsundays overlooks the aquamarine ocean. Picture: Dingo Beach Hotel

The pub is currently for sale as part of a 2800 sqm package deal with the corner store, a unit and a granny flat for $3.5 million.

Commercial Hotel, Clermont

As Covid-19 forced Australians to take stock on how they socialised, a Clermont watering hole zeroed in on “great memory-making”.

The Commercial Hotel at 80 Capella St in Clermont. Picture: Commercial Hotel
The Commercial Hotel at 80 Capella St in Clermont. Picture: Commercial Hotel

Commercial Hotel bartender Georgia Allwood said they installed a new beer garden with picnic tables on a large grassy area, lit with fairy lights.

The new beer garden at Commercial Hotel in Clermont. Picture: Commercial Hotel
The new beer garden at Commercial Hotel in Clermont. Picture: Commercial Hotel

“So it’s suitable for dogs on leads and it’s a good area for kids to run around,” Ms Allwood said.

“Honestly, it’s just a great atmosphere for everyone … it’s beautiful, great photos and great memory-making.”

Leo Hotel, Clermont

It is a case of “watch this space” as the Leo’s publican Les Boal heads for retirement after almost 20 years behind the bar.

The Leo Hotel in Clermont. Picture: Facebook
The Leo Hotel in Clermont. Picture: Facebook

“I’ve been here since 2003 when I bought the place,” Mr Boal said.

He said the pub held “many, many memories” for him but if he wrote them down, he would have to leave town.

Leo Hotel publican Les Boal (centre) is saying goodbye to the Clermont hotel after 20 years behind the bar. Picture: Contributed
Leo Hotel publican Les Boal (centre) is saying goodbye to the Clermont hotel after 20 years behind the bar. Picture: Contributed

“After the 1916 flood … it was pulled up here holus bolus and it’s still mostly still all here,” Mr Boal said with a laugh, adding he planned to spend his retired years travelling Australia.

Tandara Motel Hotel, Sarina

The bottle-o at the ol’ Tandara Hotel is switching over from Celebrations to BWS.

Tandara Motel Hotel in Sarina along the Bruce Highway. Picture: Facebook
Tandara Motel Hotel in Sarina along the Bruce Highway. Picture: Facebook

Bar supervisor Amy Amiguet said while the pub had not undergone major renovations in the past 24 months, it had been extensively changed in 2018 with a new “open plan living” design and updated pokies room.

Langfords Hotel (formerly The Old Railway Hotel), Mackay

The hotel has extended the area where bands play creating more space for eating and dancing.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/whitsunday/business/mackay-whitsunday-isaac-pubs-the-ultimate-list-for-your-next-crawl/news-story/0afb5cb33ca94bbee43dd598dd3a73f3