Site 20 – Coronation Hotel
For more than 75 years, the Coronation Hotel was one of Burren Junction’s best-known landmarks. Standing on the corner of Waterloo Street, the hotel provided accommodation, meals and a popular meeting place for travellers, railway workers, local families and district graziers.
Constructed in 1911 for Michael Mulckey, one of Burren Junction’s foremost early developers, the hotel took its name from the Coronation of King George V. As the town prospered following the arrival of the railway, the Coronation Hotel became an important part of Burren Junction’s social and commercial life.
The first recorded licensee listed in Wise’s Post Office Directory was Philip Mohr in 1915. Around 1916, Michael Mulckey exchanged the hotel for G. Holland’s property, "Neotsfield". Harry Holland later managed the hotel on behalf of Joshua Holland.
Over the following decades the Coronation Hotel passed through several well-known local families. By 1920 it was managed by William Goward, with Tom Barrett listed as licensee. During the late 1930s and 1940s the hotel was operated by Oliver Hall, while throughout the 1950s and 1960s it was conducted by the Radford family under the management of Warwick Radford.
Many local residents fondly remember the Coronation Hotel as the centre of social life in Burren Junction. Community celebrations, meetings, sporting gatherings and countless friendships were formed within its walls.
During the 1970s and 1980s the hotel was owned and operated by Bob and Sandra Barrett, before being sold to Robin Findley in 1987. By this time the aging building had become structurally unsafe. Rather than restoring it, the decision was made to demolish the hotel and construct a new hotel on a different site in Slack-Smith Street. This new building became the Junction City Hotel, which continues Burren Junction’s tradition of country hospitality today.
Following demolition of the Coronation Hotel, the site was redeveloped as the Burren Junction Community Swimming Pool. Today, operated by Walgett Shire Council, the pool provides a popular recreational facility for residents and visitors, continuing the site’s long tradition as a place where the community gathers.
Although the hotel has disappeared, it remains one of Burren Junction’s most fondly remembered buildings and an important chapter in the town’s history.
Historical information sourced primarily from Visions of the Plains – A History of Burren Junction and District (2nd Edition) by Judy Field, together with local family recollections. Historic photograph by Allen Sundholm.
Photos
Photo Coronation Hotel, c.1974
The Coronation Hotel looking north along Waterloo Street in October 1974. Photograph by Allen Sundholm.
Photo Earlier Views of the Coronation Hotel
The Coronation Hotel during its years as one of Burren Junction’s principal hotels.
Photos Demolition of the Coronation Hotel
The aging hotel was demolished after being declared structurally unsafe, making way for a new chapter on the site.
Photos Construction of the Community Swimming Pool
Following demolition of the hotel, the site was redeveloped as the Burren Junction Community Swimming Pool.
Photo Burren Junction Community Swimming Pool Today
The former Coronation Hotel site is now home to the Burren Junction Community Swimming Pool, operated by Walgett Shire Council.
Photo Looking Along Waterloo Street
Looking north along Waterloo Street, with the Coronation Hotel visible at the end of the street before its demolition.