A frothy pub market in Australia has underscored a series of mega deals for landmark hospitality venues, ushering in new owners in 2025. Leading the high-profile trades is the $140 million sale of Byron Bay’s Beach Hotel, marking the nation’s second most expensive hotel sale on record.
Businessman Scott Didier, the group CEO of Johns Lyng Group, has added ‘The Beachie’ to his family’s expanding portfolio in the region. The venue, popular with locals and celebrities alike, including Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth, is a beloved part of the Byron Bay landscape. “We are sure it will continue to thrive under the guidance of the Didier family,” said Chris Unger, managing director of Redscape Hospitality, when confirming the sale in May.
A Surge in High-Profile Pub Sales
In another notable transaction, billionaire Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis completed a $50 million deal for Queensland’s iconic Caxton Hotel. This sale marks the end of an era for the Farquhar family, which owned the famous rugby league hotel for 28 years. The Caxton, first opened in 1864, remains a magnet for fans, especially during State of Origin clashes, thanks to its proximity to Suncorp Stadium.
The sales highlight a growing trend of interest in Australian trophy pubs among family offices and high-net-worth individuals. According to JLL, there has been a significant shift towards “the outsized role of private capital” in 2025, with transaction volumes in the hotel sector surpassing $2 billion.
South of the Border: More Deals and Developments
South of the border, several owners are capitalizing on the strengthening market by selling long-held venues. Sydney’s landmark Crystal Palace Hotel, located across from Central Train Station, was sold to the Feros family’s JDA Hotels in an off-market deal for $13.5 million. In North Sydney, publican Mark Barry sold the Firehouse Hotel after 25 years, during which it was converted from a heritage-listed fire station to a popular watering hole. Meanwhile, The Good Beer Group sold the Union Hotel to Aston Waugh’s Watering Hole Hotels for $22 million.
Further south, the original Ettamogah Pub, located near Albury and famous for its quirky architecture, is currently on the market for around $50 million, including rights to the brand.
Melbourne’s Hospitality Landscape Transforms
In Melbourne’s CBD, billionaire Justin Hemmes has unveiled plans to transform a car park into a high-end entertainment precinct. Hemmes acquired the eight-storey complex on Little Collins Street for $55 million, describing it as a “passion project” where he envisions creating restaurants, bars, a boutique hotel, and a sky garden. “We want to create the most exciting and iconic destination, not only for the city of Melbourne and the people of Melbourne, but an iconic destination within Australia,” he stated.
Nearby, the hospitality group behind Nomad has taken over Guy Grossi’s suite of venues, including Florentino, The Grill, Cellar Bar, Ombra, and Arlechin. New owners with a commitment to continue the legacy of the Great Ocean Road dining institution, Chris’s Beacon Point, have also been found. The eatery, which has hosted celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, and Joe Montana, sold for $3 million in July.
International Dining Destinations on the Market
Adding to the flurry of activity, the Birregurra farm that houses the world-renowned Brae restaurant hit the market in November with hopes of fetching $5 million. This move underscores the dynamic shifts in the hospitality sector, as both local and international dining destinations attract significant interest.
The current wave of sales and acquisitions reflects a robust confidence in the Australian hospitality market, driven by both domestic and international interest. As the sector continues to evolve, these transactions are likely to shape the landscape of Australia’s iconic hospitality venues for years to come.
