History
The mighty Station Hotel, erected in 1925 and formally inaugurated in 1926, has a rich history spanning nearly a century.
During its early years, the hotel was under the ownership of Francis Fraser, witnessing subsequent changes in ownership until 1952, when it was acquired by the Harvey family. Remarkably, the hotel remained within the family’s possession until 2021.
In 1926, the Station Hotel made waves by becoming the first establishment in the region to boast amenities such as running water and electricity. Despite the passage of time, the hotel has preserved its historic allure, largely unchanged throughout the years.
Notably, it stands as the sole original hotel in the Hinchinbrook district, a testament to its resilience amidst the perils that have befallen other establishments, many of which succumbed to fire and required reconstruction.
After a hiatus spanning two decades, the Station Hotel recently reopened its kitchen, dining rooms, and air-conditioned accommodations. Despite the modernization efforts, the accommodation retains its rustic charm, with much of the original furniture still adorning its interiors. This revival marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga of the Station Hotel, reaffirming its enduring presence within the community and beyond.
About the Harvey Family
Eric Harvey acquired the license for the Station Hotel in 1952 and passed away in 1971. The family maintained stables behind the hotel for their racehorses, which competed not only locally but also in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where his daughter Shirley owned another hotel. Running pubs ran in the family’s veins.
In 1971, Dulcie Harvey assumed the license with her partner Keith Hogg (pictured). Dulcie was honored with golden kegs after 50 years of skillful beer pouring.
Following Dulcie’s death in 2018, Keith managed the license until 2021 when the pub was sold to Gavin Bacchiella. Since then, the Station Hotel has undergone renovations while preserving its historical charm.
Heritage Gallery
Browse through the photographical history of the Station Hotel below. Click on images to view a larger version.
