Gallagher and Co have consolidated back to the capital, passing their large-format Terrigal Hotel to locals the Hunter family’s Hunter Hotel Group.
One of the most prominent venues on the Central Coast, it occupies a large site of roughly 4K sqm in the heart of Terrigal’s beachfront precinct, with expansive bar and dining spaces, high-capacity function areas, and a high-performing gaming lounge.
Pub veterans Patrick and Angela Gallagher bought the big multi-level corner pub in partnership with long-time friend John Daly in early 2017 for around $28 million.
In the years since they have worked it into a beachfront institution, building rapport with the community and enjoying year-round patronage from both tourists and locals, averaging weekly revenues north of $285K.
“We’re very sad to be leaving Terrigal and the local community we have enjoyed such a close, positive relationship with during our tenure,” says Patrick.
“From the Surf Club to the Terrigal Sharks and the Fishing Club, owning and operating this hotel in such a vibrant community has been a real joy for John and I and our respective families.
After the better part of a decade travelling to Terrigal, Gallagher told PubTIC he is happy with the result and expects to find a future for the appreciation.
“We’re just coming back to Sydney reality now, but it’s nice to get a lick of cash after 10 years.”
Settlement in September will see the Gallagher Hotels collection down to five pubs, which includes the Longueville Hotel and recently re-acquired Jackson’s on George, both also in partnership with Daly, and Hunters Hill Hotel, also acquired in 2017, due to reopen in coming weeks following a comprehensive $10 million refurbishment.
Taking over at Terrigal for a reported $47 million is Hunter Hotel Group (HHG), adding to a portfolio spanning the central to mid-north coast of NSW, now comprising ten pubs.
Paul Hunter, managing director and son to Bill Hunter, says they’re excited to be taking on such an iconic venue in a great location.
“We look forward to building on its strong reputation and continuing to deliver great hospitality for the local community and visitors alike.”
This purchase follows HHG picking up the Short family’s long-held Seabreeze Beach Hotel at South West Rocks for about $32 million late 2023.
Coastal assets remain hot property, in both value and desirability, attracting buyer competition from operators and investors. This year has already seen big-ticket transactions with Glenn Piper buying another, the Bermagui Beach Hotel, and Redcape recording the highest figure for 2025 so far and one of the largest in Australian pub history with sale of the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay to the Didier family for $140 million.
Sale of the Terrigal followed the same trajectory, in a campaign through JLL Hotels Ben McDonald and John Musca.
“This discreet off-market transaction highlights the continued appetite for premium coastal pub assets,” says McDonald.
“Terrigal Hotel’s scale, trading performance, and blue-chip location made it a highly attractive acquisition for experienced operators like the Hunter family.”
