The historic Star of the West Hotel in Port Fairy is being sold by long-time owners ready to retire, offering a blank slate opportunity for its next chapter.
The Star is a vast two-storey bluestone structure built for West Indian-born hotel entrepreneur John Walwyn Taylor, in 1856. At the time, it was the largest and most spacious hotel in western Victoria.
It has become a landmark property in the region, set on a 1,295sqm block, and heritage-listed by both council and the National Trust.
Designed in the colonial Georgian-style, it features a distinctive wraparound balcony on the upper level, available to the 11 rooms and self-contained apartment. Downstairs there are multiple modern dining and entertainment areas, including a TAB, commercial kitchen and large outdoor space.
The original design included a ballroom upstairs, for “when the governor would hit town”, later converted into accommodation.
The 170-year-old pub previously served as a Cobb & Co staging post, and was later owned by Collingwood legend Ronnie Wearmouth and two teammates, in the 80s.
Its fame even translated overseas, giving rise to the Star of the West in Kimberley, South Africa, which is said to be “almost identical” to its Victorian mentor.
Port Fairy is an historic fishing town of around 4k residents, known for its maritime and whaling history and natural attractions, including 19th-century cottages and streets flanked by majestic Norfolk pines.
Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, around 280 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, Port Fairy has emerged as one of coastal Victoria’s most in-demand locations, with the population tripling during seasonal tourism.
The Star is a hub and popular hangout for social life in town, licensed for 900-pax inside and another 300 people in the beer garden, where it hosts local and cover bands beneath its timber-covered stage and major events such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
In 2003 Damian and Sue Gleeson were operating a pub in Geelong, having previously had the Carlton Hotel and Cremorne Hotel.
Port Fairy is Damian’s home town, and returning to be closer to family they took a chance and put in a tender on the pub’s lease. Four years later they took the extra step and bought the freehold.
But after more than two decades and innumerable memories on the job the Gleesons say they are “just about done” and ready to move on.
Braced for its next chapter, the vacant freehold is being sold through Harris & Wood Real Estate’s Danny Harris, with price expectation of $3 million.
“The Star of the West is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to renovate or repurpose and capitalise on its heritage charm and central position,” says Harris.
“It’s been an iconic property for many years. A large portion of the local population would have a story to tell of times at The Star – some possibly not for publication.”
