Iris Capital has listed the picturesque Wiseman’s Inn Hotel as it pursues big-ticket projects and developments in multiple cities.
The historic riverside Inn was established in 1827, on a 5,123sqm landholding on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, just 300 metres from where the precinct now has a new 163-bay boat ramp. It provides a cosy public bar and bistro, five boutique pub rooms and six freestanding motel suites, but no gaming.
It also includes the historic Cobham Hall, the grand manor of convict, merchant and ferryman Soloman Wiseman, who inspired the name of the town Wiseman’s Ferry.
The Inn benefits from an enviable natural setting and recent proximal infrastructure upgrades bolstering its accessibility to the area’s day trip market, and enjoys regular trade from occupants of the multiple caravan parks nearby.
Its generous site lends to opportunity for expanded dining and family-friendly spaces or special events.
Sales literature states it currently reports annual turnover of approximately $3.2 million.
Iris purchased the Inn at Wisemans Ferry, approximately 75 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD, in 2022, from Bill Young.
The highly active group frequently tunes its portfolio, buying, selling or expanding. Early 2025 it picked up the gaming-centric Cabramatta Hotel and El Cortez from Redcape in a deal reported at more than $180 million.
Later in the year it secured approval through the Land & Environment court for an $8 million redevelopment of Manly’s famous Steyne Hotel.
This year is has acquired St Ives shopping centre and proposed a new Tavern for the site, and last month bought two more pubs from Redcape and sold them a package of six pubs and a QT Hotel in Newcastle.
Wiseman’s Inn amounts to the smallest asset in the group’s portfolio and Iris has sent the ‘non-core’ asset to market through JLL Hotels’ Kate MacDonald, Greg Jeloudev and Ben McDonald. Sale price guidance has not been specified.
“Wisemans Inn Hotel combines heritage appeal with genuine repositioning potential,” says Jeloudev, adding “there is clear scope for an engaged operator to unlock significant value through improved management and strategic capital investment”.
The Wiseman’s Inn Hotel is being offered via Expressions of Interest, closing Wednesday, 26 August.
“There is significant potential to transform this into a marquee destination venue offering live entertainment and an elevated food and beverage experience to capture the strong visitation this riverside precinct attracts,” furthers MacDonald.
