The Royal Hotel in Benalla has come to market as a freehold going concern, as the freehold owner and tenant join combine for greater sale potential.
Located in the heart of the idyllic town of around 15K residents, in north-eastern Victoria, the two-storey country pub has recently completed refurbishments. It incorporates a sports bar, gaming lounge with 30 EGMs, large bistro with children’s indoor playground and a recently added alfresco dining space directly overlooking Benalla’s popular Botanical Gardens.
It is licensed for 3am late night trade, with the only general hotel gaming licence in town and capacity of 631-pax.
The operation also includes a BWS-branded drive-through bottleshop, leased to Endeavour, which provides passive rental income.
Occupying a significant 4,809sqm plot, marketing literature cites “meaningful pathways for operational upside” and potential for additional revenue streams, such as motel-style accommodation, facilitated by the large landholding.
For nearly 15 years Benalla’s Royal has been operated by the Wood family, who also own other regional pubs, including the Lara Hotel near Geelong.
They have joined with the landlord, marking the first time the freehold interest has been available in over 25 years. Both parties feel “their journey at the Hotel is over” and it is time to move on.
The rare Victorian business and title offer is expected to attract commensurate interest in a market that shows no signs of slowing from the lofty heights of 2025.
It is being sold via Private Treaty through JLL Hotels’ Will Connolly and Cody Marx, looking at a price point circa $10 million.
“Having the ability to secure as freehold going concern unearths significant value-add opportunities for owner-operators,” offers Connolly.
