This much-loved riverside pub and accommodation is up for sale. Photos: HTL Property.
A riverside pub in Moruya with an almost 200-year history is about to pass into a new pair of hands.
The Moruya Waterfront Hotel Motel began as the Plough Inn, which was licensed in 1848.
HTL Property director Blake Edwards said the hotel boasted “amazing views” of the Moruya River and was popular with locals and visitors.
“It’s on a beautiful riverside location – it’s quite an attractive place to have a beer and a meal,” he told Region.
Located off the Princes Highway, the venue is a freehold going concern hotel and motel upon a 5422 sqm allotment.
It boasts a bar, bistro, gaming room and a walk-in bottle shop.
For those looking to lay their weary heads, it has 22 motel rooms, while relaxation can also be found in the sprawling covered beer garden.
The venue also has a 2 am liquor licence (Monday to Saturday), and operates eight gaming machines.
“They all operate as one business, but there’s two different offerings … [in the] the traditional food and beverage operation, and food, beverage and gaming,” he said.
“That’s two distinct markets they’re targeting.”
The hotel joins the market shortly after the sale of another South Coast institution – the Narooma Hotel.
Mr Edwards said that sale, which he described as a “good, strong result for the bar and the seller”, showed confidence in the market.
“The hotel market is really strong … People love the South Coast – anywhere near the coast (especially the South Coast) is usually pretty coveted.
“The hotel industry is performing really well.”
He believes this is a perfect opportunity for someone to “capitalise” on the growing region.
“I’m hoping to sell the asset to an operator that will bring it up to its potential. … I think that someone will refurbish the hotel.”
The sale is being managed by HTL Property. Photos: HTL Property.
Mr Edwards said the ongoing Eurobodalla Hospital build (expected to finish in early 2027) was drawing people to town.
“I’ve heard from other motel operators and other accommodation operators that there’s a shortage of accommodation in Moruya.
“[For] nurses and doctors and and builders and everyone to do with that hospital, there’s really not enough beds around. … There is the strong accommodation demand from the new hospital.”
It is expected that the hotel will sell for about $6 million.
The Moruya Waterfront Hotel Motel will be sold after expressions of interest close at noon on 17 March (if it is not sold prior). Find further information on HTL Property’s website.
