‘Last drinks’: The Lions Den Hotel up for grabs near world’s oldest rainforest
A golden Far North opportunity has emerged to own “probably the most iconic pub in the country” after its longstanding publican called last drinks.
A GOLDEN opportunity has emerged to own “probably the most iconic pub in the country” after its longstanding publican called last drinks.
The legendary Lions Den Hotel is up for grabs for the first time since 2015 and presents an exciting opportunity for the right buyer to snap up one of Australia’s most famous pubs.
Owner Jude Fry, 70, said it was time to “give someone else a crack” at running the seven acre Rossville property, which comes with the pub and a spacious camping and caravan park along the Annan River.
The pub is a must stop for tourists travelling to-and-from Cooktown along the Bloomfield Track, which cuts a magical coastal swath through the Daintree Rainforest.
It also attracts the ballooning Cape York Tip bucket list crowd.
Ms Fry said she was only selling because of her age and a desire to explore Australia.
“I’m really sad about it because I love it, but it’s time to move on as it’s a big job on your own,” she said.
“I had never run a pub before, it’s probably the most iconic pub in the country, and that’s why I bought it.
“I knew when the time came to sell I’d be able to move it on pretty quickly because of its reputation.
“It has been a lot of fun but I’m selling the whole lot, and it will sell itself.”
The pub, established in 1875, sits across almost three hectares and comes with powered and non powered sites, safari tents and “glamping” options.
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The venue hosts live music and events and is a haven for travelling tourists.
Ms Fry said she would miss the characters and conversations.
“Coming from the land, when people walk in and if they have a pair of jeans or a cowboy hat on I like to go and introduce myself, it has so much character,” she said.
“I’m going to miss it all and everyone, it has been a great challenge.
“I’ll stay busy, I don’t want to sit in an armchair and watch TV, so I’ll get out and do what everyone else does and go see the rest of Australia.”
Harcourts Innovations agent Shaun Bishop said he was already receiving strong interest from interstate buyers keen on owning a slice of history.
“We’re getting a lot of traction from potential buyers outside of Queensland keen to get out of lockdowns and run a successful business,” he said.
“It’s a prime opportunity and is obviously such a well known place.
“People even detour to go to the Lions Den.”
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