Flower Hotels has expanded its local wheelhouse, picking up the Traveller’s Rest Hotel of Long Flat from long-term private owners the Thompson family.
The subdued Traveller’s Rest resides on a huge lot of almost four hectares, on the banks of the Hastings River, with direct access to the Oxley Highway.
It offers guests a welcoming public bar, gaming with four machines and a midnight licence. The River is popular for bass fishing and canoeing.
Long Flat is found at the foot of Walcha Mountain, on the Oxley Highway, around 50 kilometres west of Port Macquarie. The route was recently voted one of the best motorcycle rides in the country and the pub has become a ‘must-do’ stop for two-wheeled travellers.
Alistair and Renee Flower drive Flower Hotels, with partners Debbie and Aage Christianson – who live close to the new venue.
The freehold going concern makes the group’s seventh pub in the Port Macquarie Hastings LGA, and ninth pub overall, following the recent acquisition of two passive investments, in Gunnedah and nearby Frederickton.
Sale of the Traveller’s was through JLL Hotels, with settlement today (26 November), and Alistair has every intention of capitalising on the landholding and furthering its appeal.
“We are excited to be incorporating camping within our offering,” he says.
“Stopping in at the Travellers Rest is iconic and known as an institution to travelling riders.
“We are excited as the regions open up and more people are looking to explore the country.”
