Farmers Julie and Russell Gillie retire to Echuca’s Cock N Bull Hotel

A couple of retired dairy farmers have switched milking cows for pulling pints, as they put their own touch on a historic Echuca hotel.

The Cock N Bull Boutique Hotel.

Four months ago, Julie and Russell Gillie hung up their dairy farming hats and jumped into a different seven-days-a-week lifestyle as the new owners of the Cock N Bull Boutique Hotel at Echuca.

The couple had been farming in the district for 40 years and decided to semi-retire so leased out their farm but Russell soon got bored.

The Cock N Bull Boutique Hotel at Echuca is under new management with former dairy farmers Julie and Russell Gillie.

Julie said when she saw the hotel for sale, she knew it would be the perfect fit for them and so they joined the tourism sector.

“The only similarities to dairying is that it’s seven days a week but we were used to that and we like to be busy,” Julie said.

“We have five children and 10 grandchildren so now that the last grandchild’s at school this year, I thought it was time to do something for myself.”

The Cock N Bull was built in the 1800s and was originally known as the Saleyards Hotel.

“I was told there was a saleyard for bulls and a saleyard for chooks so that’s where they got the bull and the rooster – the Cock N Bull Hotel,” Julie said.

The Gillies have already put their own touch on the business, opening a wine and tapas bar alongside the five apartments.

“We are located in the Port but just around the corner in Warren Street so away from the hustle and bustle but only five minutes’ walk to the restaurants,” Julie said.

“Autumn is a great time to come because it’s not as hot. We have a beautiful courtyard here overlooking the river and Echuca has something on all the time – the river boats, festivals and events.”

Cock N Bull Hotel, Echuca.