Nhill’s forgotten hotel
John Williams. Nhill’s Royal Hotel once claimed to have lost a talking black cockatoo a bird that supposedly said far more than “pretty cocky.” According to the tale, it could recite: “Jack Kierse’s drinks are the coolest and best at the Hotel Royal Nhill” ... What can be explained is why the Hotel Royal was also known as the Royal Hotel.
New passion powering local favourite
With a new year comes change, and one of the exciting changes that came to Donald was the new ownership for popular eatery Spud's Cafe. Kieran White and Julie Robinson are stepping into business owner shoes, with all the excitement and anticipation that follows.
2026 Saleyards Australia Canteen of the Year announced
Saleyards Australia has today announced The Mustering Yard Cafe at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange as the 2026 Saleyards Australia Canteen of the Year ...
What future for tourism?
Hopes that growth in tourism will lift Alice Springs out of its economic slump in 2026 look like wishful thinking. There are no major projects. There are still no accommodation facilities other than camping in the West MacDonnell National Park (2,568 km2), the jewels in our tourism crown, nor in the East Macs. Ross River is available only for special functions and Glen Helen is still closed.
Western Australia leads the nation for international tourism recovery: Whitby
International tourists have descended on WA in nation-leading numbers, with the State out-performing the rest of Australia for growth in overseas visitors. The latest visitor data has WA on track for full recovery to pre-pandemic international visitor numbers by the end of 2025, with the State achieving 99.5 per cent of 2019 numbers in the year ending September 2025.
Face scanning before entering pub
More than 20 restaurants may be permitted to serve full-strength alcohol only with a full meal between 11.30am and 3pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Liquor Commission also proposes to require the Todd Tavern, the NT Rock Bar, Bojangles and Uncles Tavern to establish an identification system, similar to the one used in bottle shops, but including scanning the person's face.
Reinforcing the iconic Pacific Hotel
The 91-year-old Pacific Hotel is undergoing multi-million-dollar stabilisation works designed to future proof the iconic Yamba pub that was lauded as being "the most perfectly appointed place of all seaside resorts north of Sydney” when it opened in 1934.
Wheatsheaf turns over new leaf
Local couple Isaac Anderson and fiancé Matilda Moore have taken over the reins at East Greenmount's Wheatsheaf Hotel and have bold new plans for the historic establishment. Isaac and Matilda officially took over the pub and the adjoining café The Wheatsheaf Store on Sunday, 28 September and it has been closed ahead of a grand re-opening taking place this Saturday, 18 October from 11am until late.
The Clare Valley wine region
Recently, my wife and I visited the Clare Valley as part of our wedding anniversary and a short five day holiday to catch up with family and friends ... Part of the time was spent visiting the wineries in the Clare Valley Wine Region. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia. There are five districts or sub-regions in the valley: Auburn, Clare, Polish Hill River, Sevenhill and Watervale.
Sweet stopovers put Birchip on the map
Sharp's country baking excellence and their recent win in Australia's Best Vanilla Slice competition is proving a winning recipe for Birchip's tourism economy, with recent visitors arriving by rail, road and even by air to sample the town's famous treat.
Barrel Farm – A labour of love and family
Barrel Farm is one of Albany’s newest food and beverage venues and its creation was just a labour of love and very much a family affair. Owned and operated by the Buxton family, Barrel Farm has been the decades-long dream of parents, Peter and Peg Buxton ... Situated on one of Albany’s old dairy farms, it is a creative blend of old and new.
Postcode exclusion is killing hospitality in Hay
A two-and-a-half-year battle to secure a chef through the Skills in Demand Visa program for popular dining spot, The Riverina Hotel, has finally come to an end for hoteliers, Dave and Kelly Sloan. It has been a hard slog while Hay is not included on the eligible postcode list for hospitality workers to gain a Working Holiday visa.
First Nations communities may get massive Ayers Rock Resort assets
The Ayers Rock Resort land "to be divested to the First Nations communities" and to traditional owners is understood to include all hotels, restaurants, shops and staff accommodation, assets worth several hundred million dollars ... The populations are 269, about 300 and 124, respectively ...
Treasurer must repeal Holiday Tax says Lovell
Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has urged Treasurer Jaclyn Symes to repeal Labor’s Holiday Tax that is harming Victorian tourism businesses. Recently released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that international visitors are choosing other states over Victoria, as the Allan Labor Government’s Holiday Tax has made taking a holiday in Victoria more expensive than ever.
Local cafe up for best brekkie in Australia
Michelle Daw. Moonta's Taste the Yorke cafe is in the running to win a national hospitality award following its recent win in the Best Breakfast at the state catering industry awards. The cafe received top brekkie honours at the 2025 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence for South Australia, announced at a gala event held at SkyCity in mid-August.
Bottoms up for the final time
As they closed the doors for the last time on Tuesday, it was a sad but memorable occasion for Corryong Hotel Motel publicans Wendy Kirley and Peter 'Pockets' Kasuba. The couple had a rocky start to their venture, taking over the lease of the 'Bottom Pub' in September 2020 during the pandemic restrictions but they have since developed the business and clientele.
Iluka lands a hole-in-one: as Durrington tees up a new era
Chris Durrington started his tenure as General Manager of Iluka Golf Club this month after more than two decades working for Yamba Golf and Country Club and he already is implementing changes as part of his dynamic vision for the growing club.
Voucher tourism
Sarah Herrmann. Coastal regions impacted by the algal bloom are set to benefit from a travel voucher program this spring. The Coast Is Calling, delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission, will release 20,000 vouchers for accommodation and experiences valued at up to $500 ahead of the September school holidays.
Businesses urged to prepare for FOGO waste mandates
The Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) hosted an informative presentation in Lockhart last week, focusing on the impacts of the new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) waste mandates for businesses.
New hub a community legacy
Christine Webster. The completion of the $4.6m Waikerie Riverfront Community Hub was celebrated with a Grand Opening at the venue on Saturday, attended by about 100 people. Waikerie Football Club president Brendan Sidhu officially welcomed those who attended the event, including Barker MP Tony Pasin, Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone, and Elizabeth MP Lee Odenwalder...
Secrets of survival of a business related to agriculture
The hotel business for animals can improve its efficiency if it is more closely connected with agriculture. Here is an inside look at how to do this ... In Kramatorsk, ten miles from the fighting with the Russians, pet hotel services are booming.
First tree in the ground for Gwen and Roger’s new adventure
A major milestone was reached for Roger McGrath and Gwenda Wall, when the first tree was planted in their intended beer garden recently. Pictured is Roger on the excavator, with Jason Wall and visiting tree expert Mr Lin guiding the tree into its new home.
