(Closed to the public. Please view from street.)
Lot 474 Station Street

The Gwalia State Hotel was the first Government built and owned hotel in Western Australia in an attempt by the authorities to control the illegal liquor (“sly-grog”) trade.

The hotel, on the corner of Kane and Station streets, opened its doors on 3 June 1903 with Mr and Mrs Robins as the first managers.

This two-storey building was designed by architect William E. Robertson in the Federation Filigree style featuring classical details and delicate decorative timber elements. The plans were approved by Mining Warden A.E. Burt on 1 December 1902.

Leonora builders George Gamel and Edward Trim were granted the successful tender for £4,800 ($9,600) and took five months to complete the building.

In 1907, staff accommodation and a beer garden were built at the rear of the building. A single-storey wing was added to the Station Street facade in 1911.

A local community group purchased the hotel from the Government in the late 1950s, but the hotel closed on 17 January 1964, soon after the Sons of Gwalia Mine ceased operation.

The hotel was restored in 1972 by Western Mining Corporation. During the 1970s and 1980s the building was used as offices and staff accommodation by Western Mining and the mine’s subsequent owner, Sons of Gwalia NL. The building has been unoccupied since 2000 and is now owned by St Barbara Ltd.