Swagman Jack Cafe’s Helen and Darren Shaddock put business on the market

It’s the landmark cafe that you just have to visit on any drive through Ouyen, but after a sweet 16 years, the owners are looking to move on.

Swagman Jack Cafe is a popular spot for a feed in Ouyen.

Famous for its homemade pizzas, pies and enormous range of hot sauces from all over the world, Swagman Jack Cafe in Ouyen is a hit with locals, tourists and truckies alike.

The cafe has been under the ownership of Helen, 56, and Darren Shaddock, 58, since opening in 2008.

In November 2023, Mr and Mrs Shaddock decided to list the cafe on the market after getting some renovations done and head off on the mother of all road trips across Australia in their new car and off-road caravan they christened ‘Lappin Oz’.

However, those plans took a hit in January 2024 when a freak storm hit Ouyen, resulting in flash flooding causing extensive damage to the landmark cafe.

The Swagman Jack Cafe after the flash flooding event in January.

“All of the floors need to be ripped up, and the concrete below needs to be assessed for water damage,” Mrs Shaddock said.

“The walls from about 1200ml high need to be redone, the front of shop ceiling has to be replaced. And a lot of our equipment has water damage and needs to be replaced too.”

The havoc the flood wreaked was compounded by the sheer surprise that the flooding even happened.

The rain from the freak storm floods into the Swagman Jack Cafe

“You know you’re going to have rain, you can deal with that, but for a flash flood, you just can’t believe it happened. Especially when it is such a dry area,” Mrs Shaddock said.

Despite all the setbacks and with their business still on the market, the Shaddock’s plan remains in play as they eye a September reopening and selling their business soon after.

“The husband and I will get back in there and reopen it and go from there. We’ll keep it listed on the market,” Mrs Shaddock said.

“It’d make for a great family business for the next owners.”