Iconic 130-year-old Aussie pub hits the market
After serving drinks in Queensland’s far north for over 130 years, The Lions Den Hotel has been listed for sale.
The hotel is one of Australia’s most iconic pubs and one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Queensland.
Its current owner, Judy Fry, has run the pub since 2005 but has said it’s time for her to retire.
“It’s become a bit too much for me,” the 70-year-old said.
“I don’t want to sell it - I really love it, but I have to be realistic about it.”
Sitting on almost three hectares of land along the Bloomfield Track that cuts through the Daintree Rainforest, the pub has seen a long list of adventure seekers exploring Cape York.
The pub is still housed in the original building, and boasts the signatures of tin miners and other visitors on the walls and ceilings dating back to the 1800s
“I love that it’s not in a town - the people that come here are genuine people that like to come here to learn a little bit about the history and spend a few days,” she said.
“It’s part of Australian history and I would really like to see it preserved.
“The building is still original, the floors are still original and the place still tells a story.”
The sale includes the pub - which also houses a museum and a shop - as well as a caravan park and camping grounds.
After running the place for so many years, Ms Fry hopes the new owners can keep up the hotel's storied traditions.
“I really hope whoever takes it on keeps the history going and keeps it the way it is,” she said.
“It’s a fair bit of work and ideally it would be suited to two couples to run it.”
The property is being sold by Harcourts International, with agent Shaun Bishop describing the Lions Den as a “genuine slice of history with a loyal following”.
Images: Harcourt International