The Australian Hotel, Cowra

Address: 1 Redfern Street, Cowra NSW 2794
Telephone: 02 6342 1596

The hotel was established in 1846 but unfortunately had to be rebuilt in 1909. With live bands on the weekends, a karaoke machine and plenty of prize draws throughout the week, this is the place to come if you want more than a quiet beer.

The bistro is open 6 days a week and gives affordable meals to families and individuals who like the atmosphere of old hotel charm.

Open Hours
Lunch – Mon – Saturday 12pm – 2pm
Dinner – Thurs – Sat 6pm – 8.30pm  

History

Originally known as the Fitz Roy Arms, The Australian Hotel sits on the original site in Redfern Street.

The Fitz Roy Arms was used for many different purposes in its early days. These ranged from auctions in the parlour to a school in the back shed. Around 1850 the first school teacher, Mr Pearce taught nine children in a small shed at the rear of the pub. Town meetings were held within the hotel and in 1854 the licensee Mr Tomas McKell was also holding monthly sales within the pub due to him having an auctioneer’s license. In the same year William Ousby took over the license until 1856 when the “Fitz Roy” was sold by the Government at the second lands sales held at Carcoar.

Mr. Daly of Carcoar was the purchaser of the inn and leased it out at £100.0.0 per year before taking possession in 1858. It was called “Daly’s Hotel” for many years before he changed the name to the “Australian Arms”
Daly was a colourful Irish character making frequent additions and improvements to the building. The western end of the hotel is testament to this and is part of the original hotel. After demolition of the old store next door in 1909 the eastern end of the hotel was built and is still standing today.

Over the next forty years the hotel changed hands many times. And during the 1950’s with Ken Knight as licensee, an outdoor musical evening was held on the verandah of the hotel each Friday Evening, for a three hour musical program. Local band, “The Melody Makers” appeared at the music nights which attracted huge crowds.

Re-built and renovated over the years, the Fitz Roy Arms/Australian Hotel can now be described as a fine example of colonial architecture.

All information sourced from the Cowra & District Historical Society & Museums book “Hotels of Cowra Past and Present”. This book can be purchased at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre.