Hivesville Hotel: History, Menu & Prices

Perched on the highway through the small South Burnett town of Hivesville, the Hivesville Hotel has been serving travellers and locals since 1911. This single-entity review brings together guest reports, social-media comments and tourism-listing data to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this classic Australian country pub-hotel – from its shared-bathroom rooms and cabins to its hearty pub menu and budget-friendly tariff. (Tripadvisor lists it as the only named hotel in town.)

Last checked: 2026-06-19

Address: Main Street, Hivesville, South Burnett, Queensland · Phone: 07 4168 9876 · Year built: 1911 · Daily specials: Beef stroganoff $20, Crumbed lamb cutlets $24, Curry prawns $20 · Accommodation includes: Air conditioning, full breakfast · Location note: On the highway at Hivesville

Key facts at a glance

What is the history of Hivesville Hotel?

The red brick building that houses the Hivesville Hotel dates to 1911, making it more than 110 years old. Built when the town was a stop for teamsters and travellers, it reflects the classic Australian “pub-hotel” model – a combination drinking house and accommodation. The hotel has operated continuously as a pub and lodging since its early days, though precise ownership records are not publicly available online.

When was Hivesville Hotel built?

Guest reviews and social media posts consistently refer to the venue as having been around for over a century. The Tripadvisor listing places it among historic properties in the South Burnett region, where several early‑20th‑century pub-hotels still trade today.

Who originally built the hotel?

No name of the original builder or owner appears in the sources we reviewed. The hotel’s Facebook page (Hivesville QLD – Hotel) does not include historical background, and no local heritage register entry was found in indexed search results.

What are the menu and prices at Hivesville Hotel?

The hotel offers a “hearty pub menu,” according to a Tripadvisor guest (2016 review). Daily specials include beef stroganoff with mash for $20, crumbed lamb cutlets with vegetables and mash for $24, and curry prawns with rice for $20. A Facebook commenter (2022?) noted after seeing the menu that “prices are pretty cheap” and later reported having “a good feed.”

What daily specials are offered?

The three listed specials represent the only concrete menu items confirmed through multiple sources. There is no full menu published on any indexed website; the hotel relies on its Facebook page for updates. The specials change regularly – the examples above were current at the time of our research.

What is the price range of specials?

All three specials fall between $20 and $24 AUD, consistent with the “pretty cheap” characterisation. For context, Hotels.com (Hivesville accommodation page) lists area hotel stays from around $120 per night, so dining here is notably lower than typical urban pub meals.

What are the opening hours of Hivesville Hotel?

Neither the Facebook page nor any review explicitly states the opening or closing times. Country pubs in rural Queensland typically open for lunch (around 11:30 am–2 pm) and dinner (5 pm–late), with the bar often open from early afternoon. The Hivesville Hotel likely follows this pattern, but we cannot confirm exact hours from available sources. Contact the hotel at 07 4168 9876 for current times.

Is the hotel open for lunch and dinner?

Given the mention of daily specials and the “hearty pub menu,” it is reasonable to infer that meals are served at standard lunch and dinner periods. One Tripadvisor reviewer mentioned enjoying the food during a stay, which suggests evening service.

What are the hours for the pub?

No reliable data exists in indexed sources. Bedding down for the night should be possible – the hotel offers accommodation that can be booked by phone or through the Facebook page.

Why is a pub called a hotel in Australia?

The term “hotel” for a pub dates to 19th‑century licensing laws. To obtain a liquor licence, publicans were required to provide overnight accommodation, even if it was just a few basic rooms. Many Australian country pubs, including Hivesville Hotel, still carry the “hotel” name while continuing to offer both bar service and lodging.

What is the legal definition of a pub-hotel?

Under Queensland’s liquor regulations, a “hotel” must be licensed to sell alcohol and also provide accommodation. Hivesville Hotel satisfies both – it has a public bar and shared-bathroom rooms and cabins. The arrangement allows it to operate as a social hub for the local community while serving travellers.

How does this relate to Hivesville Hotel?

The hotel’s dual function is evident from guest feedback: one review calls it “the best place to stay in the area” (Tripadvisor), while a Facebook visitor simply wanted “a feed.” The building’s continued operation as a pub with rooms reflects a tradition that other South Burnett pubs (such as the Maidenwell Hotel) maintain.

Who is Hivesville Hotel best for?

• Budget travellers – the low room tariff and cheap pub meals make it an affordable stopover for road-trippers and solo travellers.
• History enthusiasts – the 1911 building and continued operation as a classic pub-hotel appeal to those interested in Australian heritage.
• Country pub lovers – if you enjoy the unpretentious, social atmosphere of a rural Australian pub, this is a genuine example.

Location and how to get there

Hivesville Hotel sits on the main highway through Hivesville, a small town in the South Burnett region of Queensland. The town is about 220 km north‑west of Brisbane (approximately a 2.5‑hour drive via the D’Aguilar Highway). The hotel is the most visible building on Main Street, making it easy to spot when arriving by car. There is no public transport service to Hivesville; driving is the only practical option. On‑street parking is available outside the hotel.