An iconic North Queensland pub has changed hands just two weeks after hitting the market, with the Malpass Hotel snapped up by the owner-operators of Townsville Brewing Co, the Bredhauer family.
Located on a prominent 4,292sqm corner site along the Bruce Highway in Home Hill, around an hour south of Townsville, the century-old hotel was sold by Mariano Jr Banares and Lilibeth Myles in a deal negotiated by Glen Cummins of Knight Frank.
First opened in 1924 by local identity Joseph Malpass, the Malpass Hotel has been a cornerstone of the Burdekin Shire’s community since its early days.
The venue features a public bar, bistro, family-friendly beer garden, children’s playground, renovated accommodation and a successful drive-through bottle shop.
Strategically positioned in the heart of Home Hill, the hotel benefits from both loyal local patronage and significant passing traffic along one of Queensland’s busiest transport corridors.
The acquisition strengthens the buyer’s North Queensland footprint, adding to an existing portfolio spanning Townsville and Magnetic Island. The Bredhauer family identified the venue as a strong regional opportunity, with plans already underway for a July relaunch.
The reopening will include the return of the kitchen, live entertainment and TAB and Keno facilities, with the operators aiming to further cement the hotel’s position as the town’s key hospitality destination.
Cummins said the campaign generated significant interest from a broad range of buyers, resulting in a swift transaction.
“We had strong enquiry from locals, as well as operators from across Queensland and interstate.”
The Malpass Hotel has established itself as a key social and hospitality destination for locals and visitors, enjoying diversified revenue streams and recent renovations minimising capital expenditure requirements. Literature noted both its immediate cashflow and opportunities for further growth through enhanced marketing, new events and North Queensland’s expanding tourism market.
“The level of interest reflects the ongoing demand for quality regional pub assets, particularly those with established trading performance and opportunities for future growth,” added Cummins.
