Mahogany Inn & Distillery: Make History
Known as the 'Ye Olde Mahogany Inne,' the oldest hotel on the Great Eastern Highway, once known as York Road, began its legacy as a military barracks and evolved through time into roles as a wayside house, convict depot, and family residence. This inn has long woven stories into its walls. Today, it stands as a stalwart of heritage, a local watering hole where you Make History with every visit.
Originally founded as a military barracks, our Inn served as a guardian, offering protection and solace to travellers along the rugged paths. This period marked the inception of a legacy, laying the groundwork for what would become a pivotal rest stop and gathering place for generations.
Under Edward Byfield’s vision, the Inn was reborn as “The Prince of Wales,” a wayside house with the privilege to sell alcohol. This era saw the construction of the Inn’s older sections, establishing it as the first stop for the Mail Coach on its weekly journey to York. Our walls, bearing witness to brisk business and lively exchanges, resonate with the stories of those early days.
In 1856, our Inn played a crucial role as a convict depot, its cellar a temporary hold for prisoners en route to Perth. This chapter of our history is preserved in the cellar’s barred windows and the original table, offering a tangible link to our past. Notably, the Inn became a haunt for infamous figures, including “Five Day Jack,” John Purcell, and “Moondyne Joe,” who uniquely carved remains a point of intrigue for visitors. Moondyne Joe famously jumped out of the Inn window in an attempt to escape the police.
In 1884, the Inn was sold to Stephen Parker, a member of a well-known Australian family. The Inn transitioned into a private residence. As it became a home to generations of a family, the Inn is now enveloped in tales of the supernatural. Many rumoured ghosts, said to originate from this era, can occasionally be spotted around the venue with reports of them being friendly.
In 1991, the Inn was reinvigorated as a public house, reinstating its role as a central hub for locals and travellers. Today, Mahogany Inn Creek is not just about great food, drink, and entertainment; it’s about creating a space where history and hospitality intersect, offering onsite accommodation that invites exploration and relaxation. Our latest venture, the distillery, crafts the Spirits of Mahogany, a tribute to our Inn’s rich history. Each spirit is a homage to the legacy that has shaped us, inviting guests to experience history with every sip.
