Goulburn Pub Group has listed a portfolio of three pubs in Goulburn, presenting opportunity to secure immediate scale in one of regional NSW’s tightly held and consistently performing markets.
Goulburn is a key regional hub found between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, supported by a diverse economy and population of around 33k people, forecast to grow 15 per cent in the next decade. It sees reliable trade capturing both commuter and intercity traffic, with high visitation of approximately 909k visitors annually, generating an estimated $281 million in tourism expenditure.
The city has seven hotels, meaning a high pub-to-population ratio of approximately one hotel per 4,700 residents, and Goulburn Pub Group (GPG) holds three leaseholds.
Built 1858, the Empire Hotel is a high-performing CBD venue close to key regional demand drivers with nearly 29 years remaining on its tenure. It reports strong average weekly revenue through multiple departments, including gaming room with 18 machines (Band 3 entitlements, with three leased in), and nine accommodation rooms operating at high occupancy.
Clear upside is seen in the introduction of a bistro and further optimisation of the accommodation on the 1,578sqm site.
Built 1886 as the Prince of Wales, the Gordon Hotel is proximate to key elements of the city and has almost 32 years remaining on the leasehold. It reports strong weekly revenues through diversified streams, counting a main bar, bistro, gaming room with nine machines (entitlements), commercial kitchen, large outdoor beer garden and kids’ playground, plus 14 pub-style accommodation rooms and a three-bedroom manager’s residence, on a 1,498sqm landholding.
The Southern Railway – the former Coolavin Hotel – is a character-rich hotel located opposite the railway station, defined by its restored mid-Victorian architectural façade, constructed 1872. It features main bar, bistro, gaming room with nine machines (entitlements, with three currently leased out), commercial kitchen, outdoor beer garden and the renovated and repurposed horse stables, used for private functions and dining.
There are also 18 accommodation rooms and a manager’s residence, with strong upside potential through refurbishment and greater utilisation. Set on a 1,531sqm lot, the hotel’s leasehold has close to 29 years remaining.
Vendor on the portfolio sale is Goulburn Pub Group, established by Simon Paterson in 2024, who is understood to have his eye on a freehold asset.
He has reportedly repositioned and added significant value to the pubs, underpinned by diversified income, established trading and long-term lease security.
Being offered either individually or in one line, pundits tip the collection will likely fetch sale price north of $5 million.
They are being marketed via Expressions of Interest closing Wednesday, 22 April, with inspections strictly by appointment. Selling agents, HTL Property’s Blake Edwards and Ben Kennedy, expect interest from both private operators and larger groups.
“Goulburn continues to demonstrate resilient trading conditions, supported by its strategic position and diverse economic base, which underpins consistent hotel performance.”
