Key Takeaways:
- The Dargo hotel, a 144-year-old pub in Victoria’s Alpine region, is up for sale after being owned by the same family for nearly three decades.
- The pub is a popular stopover for people traveling through the region and is filled with memorabilia and character.
- The current owners, Helen and Steven Hall, have done extensive work to modernize the pub while maintaining its historic charm.
- The couple is selling the pub due to their age and desire to pass it on to new owners who can bring new ideas and energy.
- The Halls hope that the new owners will preserve the pub’s unique character and the collection of mementoes left by patrons over the years.
Introduction to the Dargo Hotel
The Dargo hotel, a 144-year-old pub in Victoria’s Alpine region, is a beloved institution that has been a popular stopover for travelers and locals alike. With its rich history and unique character, the pub has become an integral part of the community, and its sale has sparked interest and concern among those who have come to know and love it. One of the pub’s most distinctive features is a motorbike hanging from the roof, which belongs to a man who used to organize motorbike trips through the region with his mates. The bike was suspended from the roof in 2018 as a tribute to the man, who had passed away, and his friends still gather at the pub every September to pay their respects and feel like they’re having a few drinks with him.
The History of the Pub
The Dargo hotel, originally called the Bridge hotel, was first opened in 1881, after goldminers settled in the area following the mining boom. The pub has had only four owners since then, with Helen and Steven Hall being the current owners. The couple has a deep connection to the pub and the town, with Helen’s family having lived in Dargo for four generations. They first bought the pub in 1993, sold it in 2004, and then bought it again in 2017 after their kids left home. Over the years, the Halls have worked tirelessly to bring the historic pub into the modern era, while maintaining its unique character and charm.
Modernizing the Pub
The Halls have done extensive work to modernize the pub, including opening up the separate rooms to create a more open and welcoming space. They also built cabins using local timber and added an outdoor area in the 1990s. The outdoor area has become a popular spot for patrons to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Halls have also preserved many of the pub’s original features, including a large ashtray made from local timber that still sits on the bar. The ashtray is a throwback to the days when patrons would smoke at the bar, and it has become a conversation piece among visitors.
The Pub’s Unique Character
The Dargo hotel is filled with memorabilia and character, with the walls lined with a collection of stubby holders, number plates, hats, business cards, and T-shirts. The collection has been contributed by the thousands of patrons who have stopped in for a beer or lunch over the years. The pub’s unique character is a major part of its appeal, and the Halls are keen to see it preserved. Helen Hall is particularly fond of the aerial motorbike and the stories it tells, and she hopes that the new owners will keep it and the other mementoes as part of the pub’s charm.
The Decision to Sell
After nearly three decades of owning and operating the pub, the Halls have decided to sell. Helen says that they are getting older and feel that it’s time for someone else to bring new ideas and energy to the pub. While they are sad to be leaving, they are also excited to see what the future holds for the Dargo hotel. The couple is keen to see the pub remain a "good old country pub" and hopes that the new owners will preserve its unique character and the collection of mementoes that make it so special.
The Future of the Dargo Hotel
As the Dargo hotel goes up for sale, there is a sense of uncertainty about its future. However, the Halls are confident that the pub will continue to thrive under new ownership. With its rich history, unique character, and stunning location, the Dargo hotel is an attractive proposition for anyone looking to own a piece of Australian history. As Helen Hall says, "It’s a good old country pub," and she hopes that the new owners will love it just as much as she and her family have over the years. The Dargo hotel’s story is far from over, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this beloved institution.