Built in 1904 on Imlay Street, the Hotel Australasia reopened in late 2022 as a boutique heritage hotel after a meticulous restoration by local builder Neil Rankin. This review draws on historical records from the South Coast History Society, recent guest feedback from Booking.com and TripAdvisor, and official property listings to help you decide whether this restored Eden landmark suits your next South Coast escape.
Last checked: 2026-07-12
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Name: Hotel Australasia · Location: Eden, New South Wales, Australia · Built: 1904 · Type: Historic boutique hotel with restaurant, bistro and cocktail bar · First food offering: Pikes Bistro (opened December 2022) · Website: hotelaustralasia.com.au
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-07-12.
Sources reviewed: official property website, South Coast History Society, Booking.com listing and reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, Visit NSW, Hotels.com, Southbound Escapes.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification was conducted.
Snapshot: what we know
- Hotel Australasia was built in 1904 as the last of nearly two dozen hotels in Eden (South Coast History Society).
- The hotel closed as a pub in May 2010, was purchased by Bega Valley Shire Council for around $500,000, then sold to builder Neil Rankin and reopened late 2022 as a boutique heritage hotel (Hotel Australasia official site; About Regional).
- Eight boutique rooms each sleep two guests; some offer mountain views, others ocean views (Visit NSW).
- Pikes Bistro opened in December 2022, marking the hotel’s first food offering after restoration; a restaurant and cocktail bar are also part of the property (Hotel Australasia official site).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Hotel Australasia |
| Location | Eden, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1904 |
| Type | Historic boutique hotel with restaurant, bistro and cocktail bar |
| First food offering | Pikes Bistro (opened December 2022) |
| Website | hotelaustralasia.com.au |
Timeline of a landmark
- – Sabina Pike purchases a one‑acre lot for £500 to build the hotel (South Coast History Society).
- – Ground floor completed.
- – Hotel opens under owner Sabina Pike.
- – Visits from Governor‑General Lord Northcote and NSW Governor Sir Harry Rawson cement its prestige.
- – Exterior receives a brutalist‑modern update, later reversed.
- – Pub closes; building sits vacant (About Regional).
- – Heritage listing proposal added to Bega Valley local environmental plan (Eden Magnet).
- – NSW government offers $1.5 million restoration grant; Council sells to Neil Rankin.
- – Hotel reopens as boutique heritage hotel with Pikes Bistro.
What is the history of Hotel Australasia?
Sabina Pike, a local entrepreneur, purchased a one‑acre lot at the top of Imlay Street in 1904 for £500 and built a 43‑room brick hotel. The ground floor was completed by April 1905, and the hotel opened in early January 1906 (South Coast History Society). Within two years it hosted Governor‑General Lord Northcote and NSW Governor Sir Harry Rawson, giving it state‑wide recognition. After decades of operation, the hotel closed abruptly in May 2010 when the last beer was served, leaving the building increasingly dilapidated (About Regional). Bega Valley Shire Council stepped in to purchase the property for around $500,000 after community pressure, and later sold it to local builder Neil Rankin, who spent years restoring the facade to its 1906 appearance. The exterior had been covered by a 1950s brutalist‑modern update, which the restoration removed. The hotel reopened in late 2022 with Pikes Bistro, a cocktail bar, and eight boutique rooms.
Who owns hotel Eden?
Hotel Australasia is privately held. The current owner is local builder Neil Rankin, who purchased the property from Bega Valley Shire Council after its restoration campaign. The South Coast History Society documents that Rankin “promised to restore the facade to its original 1906 condition” and spent several years on the work (South Coast History Society). No individual owner name beyond Rankin appears in the available records. The hotel is operated as a boutique accommodation and dining venue, not a chain or franchise.
The catch: Because the hotel is privately held, financial details such as revenue and occupancy rates are not publicly available.
What is Eden hotel known for?
Hotel Australasia is known primarily as a historic boutique hotel with a restored heritage facade and modern interior. It offers eight rooms, each uniquely decorated with period pieces — one TripAdvisor reviewer noted staying in the “Brierly” room, named after Sir Oswald Walters Brierly, and found it “magnificently styled” (TripAdvisor). The on‑site dining includes Pikes Bistro, opened December 2022, plus a restaurant and cocktail bar. Visit NSW describes the hotel as “Eden’s new boutique hotel, where service is anything but ordinary” (Visit NSW). The verandah seating is a highlight in guest photos.
A verified Booking.com guest praised “amazing rooms, super‑comfortable beds, large claw‑foot baths, beautiful old‑style decor” and noted that staff were “polite, friendly and helpful” (Booking.com reviews). Another recurring theme is the sense of discovery — the hotel sits on Imlay Street, a short walk from Eden’s town centre and harbour.
“The stunning Hotel Australasia … friendly service in all areas, heritage exterior and seating on the front verandah.” – TripAdvisor reviewer, 2023
What is the most luxurious hotel in Australia?
This question is contextually related but separate from Hotel Australasia itself. Luxury in Australian accommodation ranges from the ultra‑exclusive (private-island resorts) to heritage properties like this one. Hotel Australasia is positioned as a boutique heritage option, not a seven‑star resort. For travellers seeking that level of opulence, other properties in Sydney, the Whitsundays, or the Outback may be more appropriate. Hotel Australasia’s claim is its restored historic character and intimate scale rather than sprawling luxury.
The bottom line: For a quiet, design‑focused stay on the Sapphire Coast, Hotel Australasia offers a different kind of luxury — historical authenticity rather than five‑star amenities.
Location and getting there
Hotel Australasia is at 142–144 Imlay Street, Eden, NSW 2551, about 350 metres (1,150 feet) from the town centre (Booking.com). The closest airport is Merimbula Airport, 21 km away — roughly a 30‑minute drive (Southbound Escapes). Check‑in is from 2:00 PM, check‑out until 10:00 AM.
Specifications: single‑entity spec table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 142–144 Imlay Street, Eden NSW 2551 |
| Property type | Historic boutique hotel with restaurant, bistro, cocktail bar |
| Number of rooms | 8 |
| Room occupancy | Maximum 2 guests per room |
| Views | Mountain or ocean |
| Dining | Pikes Bistro (opened Dec 2022), restaurant, cocktail bar |
| Check‑in / check‑out | 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM |
| Distance from Eden centre | ~350 m (1,150 ft) |
| Nearest airport | Merimbula Airport (21 km) |
| Verified reviews (Booking.com) | 676 (as of early 2025) |
Alternatives in the set
For travellers who want a similar historic‑boutique experience on the South Coast, consider other heritage conversions such as the Bomaderry Hotel (also a restored regional NSW hotel). Within Eden itself, options include motels and self‑contained apartments along the Princes Highway. Because Hotel Australasia has only eight rooms, booking ahead is essential — especially during summer and holiday periods.
Our pick
For history enthusiasts, boutique hotel seekers, and South Coast NSW travellers, Hotel Australasia offers a thoughtfully restored heritage stay with a strong sense of place. The combination of original features, a new bistro, and verified guest reviews praising service and comfort makes it a solid choice for a weekend escape. However, the small number of rooms and lack of on‑site parking may be drawbacks for some. We recommend booking directly via the official website for the most current rates and availability.
Sources cited
- Hotel Australasia official site – property description, history, dining
- South Coast History Society – detailed construction and restoration timeline
- About Regional – closure, Council purchase, grant offer
- Eden Magnet – heritage listing proposal
- Visit NSW – official tourism listing
- Booking.com – property page – check‑in/out, distance, booking info
- Booking.com – reviews – guest feedback (676 reviews)
- TripAdvisor – guest reviews (multiple)
- Southbound Escapes – distance to airport, room details
- Hotels.com – editorial description
- Hotel Australasia Reviews: Noise, Comfort, Food & Value in Eden – related review
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of Hotel Australasia?
Hotel Australasia was built in 1904 by Sabina Pike and opened in January 1906. It was one of nearly two dozen hotels in Eden at the time. After closing in 2010, it was purchased by Bega Valley Shire Council, then sold to Neil Rankin, who restored and reopened it in late 2022 (South Coast History Society).
Who owns Hotel Australasia?
Local builder Neil Rankin owns the hotel; he bought it from Bega Valley Shire Council after leading the restoration (South Coast History Society).
When did Pikes Bistro open?
Pikes Bistro opened in December 2022 as the hotel’s first food offering after restoration (Hotel Australasia official site).
Is Hotel Australasia in Eden NSW?
Yes, it is located at 142–144 Imlay Street, Eden, New South Wales, Australia.
Does Hotel Australasia have a restaurant?
Yes, the hotel has Pikes Bistro, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar, all operating inside the heritage building (Visit NSW).
What is the oldest hotel in Australia?
That distinction belongs to several contenders such as The Ship Inn in Hobart (established 1818) or the Royal Hotel in Bathurst. Hotel Australasia (1906) is not among the oldest, but it is one of the few original hotels still operating in Eden.
Is Eden Resort all inclusive?
Hotel Australasia is not an all‑inclusive resort. It offers room‑only stays with optional dining at its bistro and restaurant. There are no all‑inclusive packages listed on the official site or major booking platforms.