To those people from far away places who are wondering why so much importance was placed on the Hotels (Pubs), it should be pointed out, that the Pub was the hub of the wheel, so to speak. The pub provided the local town people and the people who worked on the cattle stations, with a place to meet, socialise, conduct business and anything else that came to mind. Many of the towns that sprang up when gold was found or land was opened up for farming, only had maybe a single store which sold everything from buttons to farming implements, a blacksmiths forge and handful of houses and the 'Pub'. So, this was the reason that the pub was so important to everyone in those days. It should also be pointed out that, even today when you are holidaying or just passing through, the best feed and value for money will always be found at the pub. Very generous helpings of wholesome food at very reasonable prices can always be found, along with good company and a good laugh or two. Another good reason for the hotels doing a good trade was, that the stagecoaches generally stopped there for meals or an overnight stay or a change of horses, which not only brought in visitors but supplies and mail.

The hotel and stage stop above is built from slab timber and shingles and was typical of the building style of the gold rush era. The beautiful 'York Hotel' in Kalgoorlie WA, shows the contrast in building styles, after gold was discovered and people became wealthy. These great old hotels are a part of the Australian Heritage Foundation these days. 

This lovely old hotel is situated at Ross in Tasmania and was built by convicts sent out from England. The limestone blocks were mined locally  and used widely for such buildings, bridges etc. Throughout Tamania many such fine examples of the era can be seen, it is testament to the skill of some of the artisan convicts who built them with such skill. Doubtless, they will stand the test of time.

This beautiful example of Victorian architecture shown above in this Perth Hotel shows the opulence and intricate design of that era. In complete contrast is the 'Excelsior Hotel' in Paddington a suburb of Sydney which was built on the corner of two roads on a very oblique angle. Sadly it was demolished as a grandiose plan of some misguided developer and is no more. This building was well known and was a landmark and a navigational point for many travellers. As a young man I had many a beer and enjoyable times in this 'Pub'. Wherever you go in Australia you will find countless fine old pubs today, that still operate and will give hours of enjoyment to all those who venture inside.