Dongara Hotel

Parent Place or Precinct

18626 Dongara Townsite

Statement of Significance

The Dongara Hotel has high historic and social significance being the first hotel in the district and having operated for 130 years. Further, its prominent position on Moreton Terrace adds significantly to the character of the town centre.

Physical Description

This is a large 'U' shaped building with a hipped corrugated iron roof. The separate verandah roof is supported on a mixture of metal and chamfered timber posts. The stone work has been rendered and painted, there is quoining to the timber double hung windows to the west side. A decorative stone parapet to the front facade features the hotel name and date of construction (1867) set in a triangular pediment. There is a new facade to the north-east section of the building where originally a stone parapet was sited. The north-east section of the building has been renovated and features new large aluminium framed windows and entry doors. The original stables and walls to the rear yard have been demolished while a new large motel and dining room has been erected to the west.
2004
The roof to the north and eastern sections of the building has been reploaced with green colorbond.

History

Built in 1867 by expiree Joseph Walton, who also built the Old Police Station and Courthouse (Place No. 23)., this was the first inn in Dongara and was known as the Irwin Arms. The original structure forms the core of the present building, (see attached plan for details). The hotel licence was gazetted on 28 of April 1868 and was licensed only to sell liquor and meals with no accommodation being available. Court proceedings were held at the Irwin Arms prior to the construction of the Police Station and Courthouse in 1870-71.
(Source: IDHS Records, "Government Gazette".)
2004
The owners received a federal AHC Historic Hotels grant. in 2002 which was used to reroof a large section of the building with green colorbond, covering the front bar and original accommodation section to the west side.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium
Modifications: Some roofing replaced in 2004.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.