Country pub-loving grey nomads lucky enough to be travelling in the Quilpie region this weekend will be able to help celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the Queensland town’s historic pubs.
A century of Outback stories, cold beers, colourful characters and spectacular sunsets will come to life when the Brick Hotel’s three-day celebration kicks into gear across the October long weekend.
Built in 1926 by legendary local identity Jimmy Corones, the hotel was the first building in Quilpie constructed from bricks – earning it the nickname ‘The Brick’, which has stuck throughout the decades.
The landmark building remains a proud feature of Quilpie’s main street, with its heritage façade and many original features carefully retained through restorations.
Quilpie's historic Brick Hotel is celebrating its 100th birthday this weekend. PIC: Cardinal Spin
With a population that sits close to 800, Quilpie is located 1,000km west of Brisbane, and Brick Hotel Manager, Amber Vanderwerf, said the centenary was an opportunity to celebrate the venue’s remarkable past … while looking towards its future.
“We’re excited to celebrate the last 100 years of our beautiful venue, while looking ahead at the years to come,” she said. “We feel privileged to be the most recent custodians of this historic site that is such an integral and much-loved part of the Quilpie community.”
Quilpie Shire Mayor Ben Hall said The Brick was deeply woven into the history of the town and its pastoral heritage.
“Quilpie itself is a town steeped in history with a long and distinguished pastoral heritage,” he said. “We will celebrate the 110-year anniversary of the establishment of the town next year, and The Brick’s 100 years this year as a beautiful standout feature of our main street is a key part of the town’s history.”
Cr Hall said he was grateful that the heritage façade and so many of the features that make the building so special had been retained for both tourists and locals to enjoy.”
Built almost a century ago, The Brick has survived the changing fortunes of the Outback and remains a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors travelling through Queensland’s Channel Country.
Its character is etched into the building itself, from pressed-tin ceilings in the bar, dining room, reception, first-floor landing and bedrooms, to original Cyprus timber flooring and a grand stairwell chandelier. The façade remains unchanged, providing a striking reminder of the Quilpie of a century ago.
Folklore says that hotel’s upstairs corridors also have a permanent resident – the ghost of Jack, the original owner and builder of the hotel, who is rumoured to still wander the hallways.
The centenary festivities will kick off today with a glamorous 1920s Great Gatsby Gala Night, transporting guests back to the era when The Brick first opened its doors. Tomorrow will see an all-out Community Hoedown, with boots, country music and a big night of Outback fun, including performance fro country star, Luke Geiger. Sunday will be a Family Day from 4pm with carnival games, and a free community barbecue dinner.
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