The O’Hara Group has exited Queensland with the sale of Rockhampton’s legendary Gracemere Hotel to Anthony Fargas’ Central Queensland Hotel Group (CQHG).
‘The Gracie’ is a classic Queenslander established in 1885, expanded to make more of its generous 3,970sqm corner plot on a busy intersection, opposite the Woolworths-anchored Gracemere Shopping World shopping centre. The large-format pub offers public bar with TAB and gaming, bistro, large beer garden and kids’ play area, and a busy drive-through bottleshop.
Sean O’Hara and family quietly snapped up the historic Rocky hotel in 2023 for what was said to be a record price, from a Melbourne syndicate headed by Stephen Beaumont.
Rockhampton is a leading regional centre of nearly 14k residents, often known as the Beef Capital of Australia due to its 3 million-plus head of cattle, and an agricultural ‘powerhouse’ courtesy of its location straddling the bountiful Fitzroy River. It is one of the most stable regions in the state, with comparable economic drivers to far larger towns.
Earlier this year the O’Haras sold their nearby Parkhurst Tavern to an undisclosed buyer and sale of The Gracie represents the Group’s exit from the sunshine state, although they are said to already be close to settlement on two more NSW assets.
“Rocky is an awesome town,” explains Sean.
“The people have been great. We’ve been really well supported, but it’s simply too hard for me to get there regularly from Sydney.”
More focused on the area, Fargas’ CQHG adds the hugely popular Gracie to its growing portfolio of ten Queensland hotels. In 2023 CQHG picked up the Montague Hotel from Platinum Group.
Fargus says the Rocky pub made good sense for them, and tips they’ll “look to continue the heritage” of the 140-year-old venue.
“Our company has held a long-term interest in central Queensland, investing in and owning multiple hospitality assets within the region.
“The Gracemere was a logical purchase on these grounds, enabling us to extend our portfolio and acquire an asset that has shown consistent historical trade, while being at the forefront and a social hub of the local community.”
The sale campaign was managed by HTL Property’s Glenn Price, Andrew Jolliffe and Dan Dragicevich, in conjunction with Robert Hunter of Power Jeffrey, and Price notes the “several hundred million dollars’ worth of cross-border deals” that have already happened in 2025.
“We’re delighted to have transacted again successfully on behalf of our interstate clients, and in respect of another iconic Queensland Hotel,” Price says.
