Adelaide River Inn: Popular pub and resort sold for more than $5m to South Australian proprietor

One of the Top End’s most iconic properties has been sold for more than $5m.

AN ICONIC Territory inn has changed hands for the first time in two decades after selling for more than $5m to a South Australian proprietor.

Situated in the heart of the Top End, the Adelaide River Inn & Resort has become a treasured hub for local community members and tourist alike since it was founded in 1874.

But new owner Tim Carter, 63, said the inn was “well overdue for someone to love it”.

“We are not going to do anything drastic, but we will be upgrading a lot of the little things to spruce up the accommodation,” he said.

“That being said, we will put our own little feel on the place.

“We will be introducing more of a family-oriented pub where people can come and have good food and good times.

“Bringing back live entertainment on the weekends will also be a top priority for us.”

At 21-years-old, Mr Carter began his career with the purchase of a Peterborough car garage and then went on to acquire five supermarkets across South Australia.

Most notably, Mr Carter purchased the Daly Waters pub in 2017 and has since operated the establishment from the rural town with his family.

“We are a very hands-on family. I have never liked the idea of sticking a manager in a place and then turning the other way,” he said.

“My son Declan and his wife Callie have been here for the past three months with their daughter Mia running the place to get a real feel for it.”

The Adelaide River Inn and Resort. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Adelaide River Inn and Resort. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Stuart Hwy location caught the eye of Mr Carter after travelling through Adelaide River on his way to Darwin.

“I just love the Territory and the freedom that comes with it,” he said.

“I came past it a few times over the past couple of years and I just loved how green it is.

“The feel of the Adelaide River is just beautiful. It is a great spot.”

Adelaide River Inn & Resort sits on a significant land holding of 22,090 sqm – which includes a Puma Service Station – and has a gross annual income (2020/21) of over $9m.

Real Estate Central NT sales professional Daniel Harris said the sale marked a new beginning for the site and is a great story for the Northern Territory.

“Tim is a great operator. He has a long history working in this business,” he said.

“I have no doubt that he will have the Adelaide River Inn up and pumping in no time.”

Originally published as Adelaide River Inn: Popular pub and resort sold for more than $5m to South Australian proprietor