About The Coolamon Hotel
The village of Coolamon was gazetted on 3rd October 1881. “Coolamon” is an Aboriginal name meaning “dish or vessel for holding food or water”.
Settlers had begun to take up land in the district as early as 1870. By 1885, the railway was established, and the town had a population of around 200. There were several stores and offices and 2 hotels, one being the Coolamon Hotel,
The Coolamon Hotel is the longest established hotel in the Coolamon Shire. The first weatherboard hotel was built on the present site by Charles Spiller in approximately 1880 however some publications note this as 1876. Mr Spiller ran the hotel himself for a number of years before selling it to Mr TJ (Tom) Webster in around 1884. Its ironic that the Webster family is regionally, still close by. Being directly across the road from the railway station, the hotel attracted a lot of travellers to the hotel.
Mr Webster built an assembly hall on the side of the hotel in 1885 at a cost of 150 pounds. It was able to hold up to 200 people and was fitted with a stage and shifting scenes, enabling it to be used for concerts.
Newspaper records report the extension of the hotel with a second level providing accommodation rooms and dining facilities in 1910.
It is believed that the assembly hall burnt down in the fire of 1917 and the present double storey brick building was undamaged. The exterior of the building has remained virtually unchanged since its construction.
Coolamon Hotel, 1950
Coolamon Hotel, 2025
Why buy a dilapidated country hotel?
The new owners originally grew up in Coolamon & this building, to young kids, was such an iconic place. It was a place of “worship” and a meeting place for many (we were only allowed in the ladies lounge in those days) where there was music & laughter where people talked about their triumphs, their family and friends but also their pain and their sorrow. It was our football & cricket “club”
These places are vital to a community like Coolamon and the broader community and region. To bring this once great dame back to life as a destination pub for us has been something we really want to achieve.
Its not without its challenges around heritage constraints, fire, civil & structural engineering. Not one element of this hotel was compliant with the current building code of Australia. And once you throw the dice and make structural changes everything is in play to fix. That’s why these buildings ultimately end up being closed up as the cost to correct the issues becomes uneconomic.
For us its about giving back to a community that gave my family so much support many years ago. That is the essence of small communities. That’s why rebuilding this is so special, important and so personal.
The veranda all 50 metres of it that wraps around the entire front of the building has been repaired and reinstated to protect the heritage elements (steel balustrade) and so it meets current standards. It was previously unsafe to walk on.
The roof has been replaced as it was so old the many hail dents on old soft sheet iron could tell a few stories.
The building internally has been gutted to make way for a new century. The historical features such as the pressed metal ceilings and its cosy open fire places will be a feature however doing something that makes this property the “Queen of the Riverina” and not just the bottom pub in Coolamon is where the design features make this dream come true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you hiring?
We’re always on the lookout for experienced and passionate people to join our team, both front of house and back of house, in the kitchen and behind the bar.
Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected] and we’ll be in touch!
Is there an ATM at the Coolamon Hotel?
No. However there are 3 ATM’s in Coolamon located at 113 Cowabbie St, 117 Mann St and 84 Cowabbie St.
Do you have TAB facilities?
We don’t. However, we have three large screen TV’s situated around the hotel where you can enjoy watching your favourite game while enjoying a drink and something to eat.
What beers do you have on tap?
Great Northern Super Crisp 3.5%
Carlton Dry 3.5%
Carlton Dry 4.6%%
Carlton Draught 4.6%
Reschs 4.9%
Melbourne Bitter 4.6%
Asahi Super Dry 5.0%
Coopers Original Pale Ale 4.5%
Coopers Dark Ale 4.5%
Balta XPA 5%
*Beers on tap may be subject to change
Can I book the Coolamon Hotel for an event? Is it possible to book the entire venue exclusively?
Yes. We have a number of different areas in the hotel that are suitable for different types and sizes of events. It is also possible to book the entire hotel exclusively. Please visit the Events section of our website for more information or contact us at [email protected]
Do you have a fireplace?
Yes, we have a few! Over the winter months you will always find a cosy fire going in our Front Bar, Lounge and Glasshouse. We also have an external fireplace in the beer garden for those who love to be in the outdoors in the colder months.
Do you have air conditioning?
Yes, the hotel is air conditioned throughout.
Can we BYO?
No, the Coolamon Hotel is a fully licensed venue and BYO is not permitted.
Can I bring a cake?
You sure can but cakeage fee applies, please contact us for further information.
Which dietaries do you cater to?
There are a range of menu items which are suitable for different dietary requirements. Please refer to our menu or speak with our staff on the day for further guidance and information.
Important – Our menu contains allergens and is prepared in a kitchen that handles nuts, shellfish, and gluten. Whilst all reasonable effects a are taken to accommodate guest dietary needs, we cannot guarantee that our food will be allergen free.
Is your venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all areas of the venue are wheelchair accessible. Please ask our venue staff for assistance.
Are there wheelchair accessible bathrooms?
Yes, we have an accessible bathroom located on both levels of the hotel.
Do you have a baby change table?
Yes, we have a baby change tables located in each of our accessible bathrooms.
Do you have highchairs?
Yes, we have a limited number of highchairs available.
Is there a kid’s menu?
The Coolamon Hotel is family friendly, and yes, we have a kid’s menu available.
Are children and guests under 18 welcome?
Yes, children and guests under 18 yrs are welcome but MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Is the Coolamon Hotel dog friendly?
Yes, well behaved dogs on leash are welcome in our beer garden. Dogs will need to be on leash at all times when visiting the Coolamon Hotel.
Is there parking at the hotel?
Yes, we have our own carpark with Disabled Parking spaces and level access into the hotel. There is also ample free street car parking.
Do I need to make a reservation to dine?
We always welcome walk-in’s at the Coolamon Hotel and we will always do our best to seat you. However, at weekends and at other busy times we would always recommend that you make a booking to ensure that there is a table waiting for you when you arrive.
