The site of the ill-fated Federal Backpackers hostel has gone on sale

It was the site of one of the Bundaberg CBD’s most iconic buildings, which was tragically destroyed by fire. Now, this prime piece of real estate has hit the market.

The 2163sq m block of commercial land that once housed the historic Federal Backpackers building as well as the Spotted Dog Tavern has gone on the market.

Number 217 Bourbong St has been empty for more than a year following a catastrophic fire that started in the kitchen of the Spotted Dog, before spreading to the Federal and destroying both buildings.

Thanks to the quick actions of staff and fire crews, no one was seriously harmed in the fire.

Embers could still be seen smouldering the next day and the burnt out buildings were eventually demolished.

The Spotted Dog has now found a new home at North Bundaberg.

The Federal Backpackers before the fateful fire in 2020.

A listing for the property states “you just don't find this much prime commercial land available in a main CBD street”.

The land comes with three titles, two-street access and has been listed as a space for a potential motel, hotel, service station, car yard or car wash.

The Federal Backpackers, originally the Federal Hotel, had been iconic in Bundaberg since 1889.

Even in 1986, a valuation on the hotel listed it as being worth $700,000.

The land is for sale by “expressions of interest”.

For more information on the property, call John Pappalardo on 0427 875 396.

The site of the Federal Backpackers and Spotted Dog Tavern a year after the blaze destroyed both buildings.

Originally published as The site of the ill-fated Federal Backpackers hostel has gone on sale