What's On Tablelands December 2017 / January 2018

GOOD FOOD GREAT BEER Malanda Hotel Photo: Steven Nowakowski H otels have long been a social centre for rural communities across the Tablelands since towns were settled. Whether for a cold beer after a long day’s work or somewhere to take the family for a meal, pubs are a meeting place for locals, visitors and tourists alike. Stories are told, world problems are solved and new friendships are formed in pubs. Nothing quite matches the warm feeling you get from eating a great counter meal and washing it down with an ice cold beer. If it’s winter and there’s a fire – even better. OUR PUBS 1880 - Royal Hotel, Herberton 1881 - Australian Hotel, Herberton 1885 - Tolga Hotel 1890 - Kuranda Hotel 1890s - Barron Valley Hotel, Atherton 1890s - The Gateway Hotel, Mareeba 1900 - National Hotel, Mt Molloy 1900s - The Atherton Hotel 1903 - The Anthill Hotel, Mareeba 1908 - Peeramon Hotel 1910 - Yungaburra Hotel 1911 - The Club Hotel, Ravenshoe 1911 - Malanda Hotel 1912 - Kairi Hotel 1921 - Millaa Millaa Hotel 1927 - Ravenshoe Hotel unknown date - Junction Hotel, Dimbulah The Tablelands is rich in hotel history, but sadly many no longer exist whether for economic reasons, or due to fire, dams or severe weather events. It’s hard to imagine that in the 1880s Herberton once hosted 18 hotels! Today two of those hotels remain standing and trading — Royal Hotel and the Australian Hotel. The Royal Hotel is the oldest continuously licenced premises on the Tablelands with the Australian Hotel second. Most hotels were built with quality local timbers, which meant they were strong and would stand the test of time, cyclones and weather. The beauty of the timbers and craftmanship that went into these buildings is nothing short of astonishing and we are fortunate to still have them to treasure and admire today. Built in 1908, the Peeramon Hotel withstood decades of bad weather but was badly damaged in 2006 by Cyclone Larry. It is currently being renovated and looking fantastic. Malanda Hotel, built in 1911, is the largest timber hotel in Australia, complete with stunning ballroom, large dining room and ornate timber staircase. Note: this list does not include all Tablelands hotels. Names listed are the current day names - many hotels have had various names over their history with many also rebuilt after the original hotel was destroyed. December 2017-January 2018 What’s On & Where To Go 7

What's On Tablelands December 2017 / January 2018 | Page 7