Australian Venue Co has struck up a new partnership in Queensland, executing a multi-venue sale swap with local family-owned group Helliwell Hospitality.
Following approval by the ACCC last month AVC is taking over operations at Helliwell’s Stock Exchange Hotel in Brisbane, known as Stockies, and at Hervey Bay Hotel & Resort, in Pialba.
The large-format Hervey Bay Hotel offers a sports bar decked with big TVs, bistro, gaming room and onsite betting facilities, and 26 well-appointed accommodation rooms, all close to the beach, shops and the town’s famous water park.
Helliwell will remain the freehold owner and plans to progress on a staged development heralding four accommodation towers.
Additionally, Helliwell has agreed to the purchase of both the leasehold and freehold of the Surfair Hotel in Marcoola, adding to the five venues the group already owns and operates within 20 kilometres of the pub.
Built 1971, mere metres from the beach, the Surfair provides a sports bar, bistro, and picturesque garden bar, as well as multiple versatile function and event spaces. In the 80s it earned a reputation as a live music destination, hosting classic Australian bands such as Cold Chisel, INXS and Midnight Oil.
AVC bought the hotel operation mid-2021 from vendor Tony Scanlon, in association with the listed Hotel Property Investments (ASX:HPI) as freehold owner and landlord. Early 2025 HPI agreed to a wholesale takeover by Charter Hall.
Queensland-based Helliwell has venues across the state. Director Clayton Williams says they are excited to be working with AVC and for the opportunity to focus on the future development at Hervey Bay and uplift in the Sunshine Coast.
“Surfair Hotel Marcoola is a true coastal institution, and we look forward to building its conferencing, weddings and events business while creating further synergies through our local operating experience.”
Established 1863, the Stock Exchange is a heritage-listed pub in the Brisbane CBD.
Helliwell took on operations at Stockies early 2021, with the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane as the freehold owner.
“Stock Exchange Hotel has been a great venue and a significant part of our journey,” continues Williams.
“We sincerely thank our lessor and wish all parties the very best for the future.”
