Bold opening: The Araluen Hotel, a beloved cornerstone of its town for nearly a century, is now up for sale.
Norman Van Den Broek, currently overseeing the sale, has owned the pub since 2014 after a suggestion from a friend that he would be a good publican. He acquired it in 2014 and has since guided its operations, even staying there as a guest on several occasions.
Reg O’Connell, the current owner, speaks with a deep familiarity with the property. He recalls how the hotel served as a weekend anchor for adventures—when he was younger, riding trail bikes, and making annual trips through Deua National Park, ending each day with a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a drink at the pub during winter.
The Araluen Hotel dates back to 1928, when the former establishment burned down and was rebuilt as the historic hotel that locals know today. Over the years, only a handful of owners have steered the business, each respected by the community. O’Connell emphasizes that the hotel has long been the town’s centerpiece and meeting place, a social hub for residents and visitors alike.
The property is being offered as part of a sale by Nutrien Harcourts Braidwood. It features a full bar, two pool tables, a jukebox, and a notably large beer garden with undercover seating for about 60 people, along with a commercial kitchen. The hotel also includes an attached private residence, an eight-megalitre water license, and 10 kW of solar panels.
In terms of capacity, the hotel provides 10 bedrooms across single and family rooms, accommodating up to 37 guests. A unique resident feature is a cockatoo, believed to be more than 50 years old, which also comes with the sale.
O’Connell notes that the property has attracted significant interest from former guests and local groups eager to preserve their community’s local pub. There are several local bidders with hospitality experience and financial means who have expressed interest in taking over and continuing its legacy.
The property’s appeal extends beyond locals. It remains a draw for adventure tourists and visitors exploring the region’s natural beauty, as well as travelers from Canberra and nearby areas.
Tenders for the sale were being accepted through February 28. The listing, which previously carried a price of around $1.5 million, provides additional details for prospective buyers.
Address: 5943 Araluen Road, Araluen, NSW 2622. For more information, see the Nutrien Harcourts listing page.
Thought-provoking note: This sale invites an important question for the town—what kind of stewardship will continue the Araluen Hotel’s role as a community hub, and how might new ownership balance tradition with innovation? As readers, would you consider purchasing a landmark like this to preserve its heritage, or would you prefer a more modern, reinvented space? Share your thoughts in the comments.
