Ever dreamed of running your own historic pub?
If you've finally reached that pinnacle moment in life, consider yourself spoiled for choice.
From historic railway taverns to beautifully restored gastro pubs, these leasehold opportunities present the perfect pathway into hospitality ownership without the hefty property investment.
Across Australia, regional pubs and bars continue to serve as the heart of their communities, offering both lifestyle rewards and business potential.
Whether you want a tourist hotspot, a local institution, or something to renovate and make your own, take a look at this hand-picked selection before it's too late.
Historic Railway Tavern in Watheroo, WA
Price guide: $125,000
Located halfway between Perth and Geraldton on the scenic Midlands road, this unique tavern converted from one of WA's last standing locomotive stations offers a compelling hospitality opportunity.
The fully licensed venue features a main bar, dining room, motel accommodation, beer garden, and camping area, with plans already underway to add 12 self-contained units to meet growing contractor demand.
With its railway heritage, country-style hospitality, and diverse revenue streams including post office services, this established business presents significant potential in a historic railway town.
Historic Tourist Pub in Yackandandah, VIC
Price guide: $95,000
This beautifully maintained gastro pub sits in the heart of Victoria's historic gold rush town, offering multiple revenue streams across food, beverage, accommodation, and entertainment.
The venue features six hotel-style rooms, a large undercover beer garden with stage area, and a three-bedroom manager's residence.
Positioned to capitalize on the High Country Rail Trail tourism and annual Yack Folk Festival, this well-presented establishment on the main street provides significant opportunity in a thriving tourist region just 30 minutes from major regional centers.
Historic Country Tavern in Kempton, TAS
Price guide: Offers over $99,500 + SAV
This well-maintained tavern, dating back to 1862 and rebuilt in 1988, offers a substantial 650m² operation with modern amenities and growth potential.
The venue features a public bar, dining room, spacious function room, commercial kitchen, and a 420m² entertainment courtyard accommodating up to 400 patrons.
With a generous 30-year lease, favorable rent terms, and additional revenue streams including Keno and UBET, this turnkey operation presents an ideal opportunity for both experienced operators and newcomers to the industry.
Heritage-Listed Hotel in Ballarat, VIC
Price guide: EOI over $100,000
This historic 120-year-old hotel, located in the heart of Ballarat, presents an opportunity to acquire a recently revitalized venue with multiple revenue streams.
The heritage-listed property features the popular Stables Cafe, Bobby's and Vestaxjibs venues, plus three luxury accommodation rooms, and achieved recognition in the Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards since its 2022 reopening.
Currently trading under administration with impressive growth from $428,541 in FY2023 to $646,227 in FY2024, this landmark corner site offers a new lease opportunity with 2 years plus 2 x 5-year options.
Country Gastro Pub in Longwood, VIC
Price guide: $125,000
This beautifully restored country hotel, refurbished in 2019, offers a prime opportunity just five minutes off the Hume Highway, 150km from Melbourne CBD.
The venue features a modern gastro pub format with funky bar, lounge and dining areas, plus a spacious beer garden for events and entertainment.
With quality plant and equipment, upstairs accommodation, adjacent free camping, and positioned between major regional centers, this destination venue presents an ideal opportunity with favorable lease terms in a growing tourism region.
The businesses featured above demonstrate the diverse possibilities in regional hospitality, each offering its own unique blend of history, community connection, and growth potential.
From Western Australia to Tasmania, these venues represent more than just bars – they're community hubs waiting for the right operators to write their next chapter.
For entrepreneurs seeking an entry into the hospitality industry, these five opportunities offer various pathways to pub ownership without the substantial investment of freehold purchase.
Whether you're drawn to historic charm, tourist markets, or local community venues, there's a business here that could align with your hospitality dreams.
The only question remaining is: which of these historic pubs will you choose to add your legacy to?
None of these suit your style? Find your perfect business for sale here.