Charters Towers Eating and Sleeping

Royal Private Hotel

Hotel

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We were attracted here because the hotel has just won the Unique Accommodation category at the North Queensland Tourism Awards. We had no knowledge of what to expect, however, so our stay was a constant discovery. Fortunately, it was all positive.The Royal Private Hotel was built in 1888 and it belongs to a bygone era. When it opened, the local Northern Miner newspaper said, "It is one of the largest and best appointed hotels in the North, and will in a very short time, become one of the most popular houses in town for travellers and visitors." Now over 120 years old, the hotel has been lovingly restored and some modern amenities added so that it combines the best of the heritage and moder...Read More

We were attracted here because the hotel has just won the Unique Accommodation category at the North Queensland Tourism Awards. We had no knowledge of what to expect, however, so our stay was a constant discovery. Fortunately, it was all positive.

The Royal Private Hotel was built in 1888 and it belongs to a bygone era. When it opened, the local Northern Miner newspaper said, "It is one of the largest and best appointed hotels in the North, and will in a very short time, become one of the most popular houses in town for travellers and visitors." Now over 120 years old, the hotel has been lovingly restored and some modern amenities added so that it combines the best of the heritage and modern in a way that is unique in Charters Towers. It is more than sixty years since alcohol was served here so there is no lingering smell or loud disturbances late at night. In fact, the Royal is a haven of tranquillity.

Hosts Simon, Tricia and Tony create a sense of warmth with their personal touch and this makes a stay quite memorable. "Friends told us about this tumble-down hotel that was offering very basic accommodation. They said they thought we would like the building, so we came out to have a look, and we were goners! We began the big task of restoration and opened the doors again in August 2009", Patricia said.

The building is steeped in old world charm and history from the gold rush era of the late 1800s. It is located in an ideal position in Charters Towers within close walking distance of the main street and many of the items of tourist interest. We left our car in the secure free on-site parking area at the back of the hotel for much of our stay.

There are 23 rooms ranging from a dormitory through single rooms to doubles with huge spa baths. Every room has been lovingly restored, each with its own individual theme.The building also has a full kitchen, lounge with a library and laundry facilities for guests. We probably stayed in the best room – a corner double with French door access to the wide balcony. There was a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, fans, tea and coffee making facilities and a spa bath. Dormitory accommodation is from $30/person; single rooms from $45; doubles from $95. Office hours are 7-9pm but access is available outside these times with a room key.

The hotel does not serve meals because there are several alternatives nearby. Some guests make use of the in-house kitchen with its modern appliances where you can do your own cooking. Follow this with alfresco dining on the veranda with a glass of wine to relax with as you watch the sun setting over the township. It would be hard to beat that.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 17, 2011

Royal Private Hotel
100 Mosman Street
Charters Towers, Australia
07-4787 8688

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Irish Molly's Bar and Grill at Court House Hotel

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Restaurant | "Molly’s Irish Bar and Grill"

View from balcony Photo - Irish Molly's Bar and Grill at Court House Hotel, Charters Towers, Australia

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Old hotels have a fascination for many people and the Courthouse Hotel would be up there with the best when it comes to history and heritage. This is the last of the all-timber two storey hotels continuously licensed to serve liquor in Charters Towers. Amazingly, the hotel’s present position in the centre of Gill Street was not where it was originally built. As the name suggests originally it was in Hodgkinson Street opposite the Court House. The owner quickly discovered that in a rough and tumble town, opposite the court house was not a great place for a hotel so he put it on rollers and moved it down the hill to Gill Street.We had lunch here and were reminded of its past when the owner s...Read More

Old hotels have a fascination for many people and the Courthouse Hotel would be up there with the best when it comes to history and heritage. This is the last of the all-timber two storey hotels continuously licensed to serve liquor in Charters Towers. Amazingly, the hotel’s present position in the centre of Gill Street was not where it was originally built. As the name suggests originally it was in Hodgkinson Street opposite the Court House. The owner quickly discovered that in a rough and tumble town, opposite the court house was not a great place for a hotel so he put it on rollers and moved it down the hill to Gill Street.

We had lunch here and were reminded of its past when the owner said we were eating in what was once a laneway used by court vehicles to take prisoners from the court house to the cells in the police station. As an aside, the court house which opened in 1887 still serves the same purpose and it retains the major components of its original furniture. The police station, however, is a modern structure although you wouldn’t know it. When it was burned down in 1988 it was rebuilt using the original plans because of a strong community push to retain the town’s architectural heritage.

There is little doubt that the Courthouse Hotel is original, in fact some of the things look as though they have remained untouched for 110 years. The bar is a classic; all timber and old bottles. Sure there are some modern touches but it is not difficult to believe you have gone back 100 years. The small stage, which is always set up with microphone and drum kit, shows that this caters well to a modern population. This is the pub of choice for those seeking a quieter evening with some country or folk music. There are few rowdy teenagers here.

Lunch is fairly typical pub fare with a few extras. We chose the Calamari ($12.00) and the Caesar salad ($14.00). The calamari and most other meals are served with chips and salad or vegetables. Barramundi fish ($14.00), Guinness Pot Pie ($14.00), T-bone steak ($18.00) and Surf and Turf ($24.00) are some of the other offerings. You order at the bar and the food is delivered to your table.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 17, 2011

Irish Molly's Bar and Grill at Court House Hotel
120 Gill Street
Charters Towers, Australia
07-4787 1187

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Stock Exchange Cafe

Restaurant

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The location of this little gem is outstanding. It is in the prime position within the old Stock Exchange Arcade. This elegant building was built in 1888 as the Royal Arcade but it became home to the Charters Towers stock exchange in 1890. In its heyday the cards were called three times a day, six days a week on the arcade floor. The stock exchange operated here for thirty years but now the arcade has reverted to its original purpose as a group of shops.Jeremy and Diane operate the cafe six days a week from 8.30am so we found it a convenient place for breakfast. Breakfast is not as big a deal as it should be in our household so it was easy to find something satisfying. My wife had a Bacon ...Read More

The location of this little gem is outstanding. It is in the prime position within the old Stock Exchange Arcade. This elegant building was built in 1888 as the Royal Arcade but it became home to the Charters Towers stock exchange in 1890. In its heyday the cards were called three times a day, six days a week on the arcade floor. The stock exchange operated here for thirty years but now the arcade has reverted to its original purpose as a group of shops.

Jeremy and Diane operate the cafe six days a week from 8.30am so we found it a convenient place for breakfast. Breakfast is not as big a deal as it should be in our household so it was easy to find something satisfying. My wife had a Bacon and Egg Toasty – two pieces of toasted bread holding thick slices of juicy bacon and a fried egg. I settled on the pancakes which came with berries and cream.

There are seats in the restaurant or outside in the arcade. We chose the latter and enjoyed the breeze in the arcade and watching other shop keepers open their businesses. The cafe was not busy so we enjoyed talking with Jeremy and Diane when they brought the food and then our cappuccino and latte. We learned that as well as the Stock Exchange Cafe they had a catering business that amongst other things did underground ‘earth oven’ cooking. We concluded that Charters Towers was indeed moving forward if such a venture was successful here.

During the day the cafe caters for morning and afternoon teas and lunches. They have sandwiches, salads, quiches, pies, and a variety of cakes. Jeremy is particularly proud of his coffees and from what we saw this is well justified.

This is a no-nonsense, friendly place well suited to its surroundings. The addition of some aboriginal artefacts and paintings for sale gives it a distinctive touch which is appreciated by visitors.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 17, 2011

Stock Exchange Cafe
1/76 Mosman Street
Charters Towers, Australia 4820
(07) 4787 7954

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Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn and Steakhouse Restaurant

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Restaurant | "Cattleman’s Rest Steakhouse"

food Photo - Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn and Steakhouse Restaurant, Charters Towers, Australia

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The Cattleman's Rest Steakhouse Restaurant within the Cattleman’s Rest Motor Inn opens 6 days a week for guests and the public. It is a gourmet oasis within Charters Towers providing good quality steaks and other dishes. Attention to quality and service has made the restaurant a respected venue for locals, visitors and guests.We were late for dinner so skipped a drink at the bar and went straight to our table. The waiter offered drinks and we had two beers and one lemon, lime and bitters. The restaurant was full so we were fortunate to have reservations. Despite clearly being busy, the staff were still happy to offer menu suggestions and provided good service. We started with a...Read More

The Cattleman's Rest Steakhouse Restaurant within the Cattleman’s Rest Motor Inn opens 6 days a week for guests and the public. It is a gourmet oasis within Charters Towers providing good quality steaks and other dishes. Attention to quality and service has made the restaurant a respected venue for locals, visitors and guests.

We were late for dinner so skipped a drink at the bar and went straight to our table. The waiter offered drinks and we had two beers and one lemon, lime and bitters. The restaurant was full so we were fortunate to have reservations. Despite clearly being busy, the staff were still happy to offer menu suggestions and provided good service.

We started with a cob loaf with a trio of dips ($8.00) and then agonized between entrees of pan-fried kangaroo ($11.00) served with a sweet chilli and garlic shiraz jus or ginger lime tiger prawns ($14.00). In the end we decided that a main course would be enough.

The restaurant is noted for its beef so one of us had to have steak. We chose the 350g rump ($27.00) which is certified Australian Angus beef. It was served with a choice of beer battered chips or an Idaho potato. The menu offers blue, rare or medium and advises that a char grill is no way to cook a well done steak. The medium-rare we ordered was exactly that and the beef was delicious. Quite clearly this was a good choice. Alternatives from the grill were rib fillet, tenderloin, fillet mignon, T-bone, pork cutlet and chicken breast.

I had decided that I wanted fish even before I saw the menu. There were two choices and I chose the Gulf Barramundi ($26.00) poached in white wine and butter served with an Idaho potato. This dish was not outstanding but it was very satisfying. My wife had the Sage and Bacon Chicken ($22.00) and said that she felt similarly about her dish. When it came to dessert, we all declined. Meals here are large and filling.

The motor inn has 38 ground floor air-conditioned rooms comprising of Single Suites, Double / Twin Suites, 2 Bedroom Family Rooms, Executive Suites all with telephones, refrigerator, TV, radio, tea and coffee making facilities, and private bathroom. Rooms are currently being upgraded with new fittings, wall sheeting and colour theme. The old rooms look tired and very 1970s but the upgraded ones are smart and stylish. All are a good size and are clean. There is a pool, 24 hr laundry and BBQ facilities available to guests.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 17, 2011

Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn and Steakhouse Restaurant
Bridge and Plant Street
Charters Towers, Queensland 4820
(07) 4787 3555

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Cookhouse Carvery & Salad Bar

Hotel | "Cookhouse Carvery & Salad Bar."

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Cath and Pete Bagley run this cute little cafe in the main street of town. They open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week so there is no excuse for missing a meal here during your stay in Charters Towers.I guess the name says it all and the carvery is the heart of the operation. There is a choice of pork, chicken, lamb or beef. The Carvery menu says you are welcome to "pull up a stump, have a yarn and dine with us for a good Aussie roast dinner" Translated, this means pull up a chair and have a chat. Cath and Pete are up for a chat at any time. Roast meats with vegetables or salad and condiments cost $9.95. You won’t need anything else for hours.But it is not only the carvery you ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 17, 2011

Cookhouse Carvery & Salad Bar
59 Gill Street
Charters Towers, QLD

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