History

Coming from Germany, England and Denmark, early settlers made their way along the Logan River in the 1860's and 1870's to take up holdings on the fertile area which became known as Redland Bay. Originally the area was heavily timbered and difficult to clear for farming.

Early families in the area include the Mullers, Heinemanns, Collins, Starkes, Strachans, Fieldings, Moores and Sinklers.

A once weekly mail service began in 1861 between Brisbane and Cleveland. In 1867 it increased to thrice weekly by coach and an extension of the service (by horseback) to Redland Bay was provided in 1874.

In 1869 rice and cotton were grown by Scott and Campbell. Richard Newton grew sugar cane and established the sugar mill in 1870. It was situated in Main Street.

In Redland Bay the main industries were the sugar mill, arrowroot mill, saw mill and various crops including cane, cotton, banana, pineapples and rice to name a few.

Journeys to the markets were rough in horse drawn wagon however, when Captain John Burke began servicing the area with steam boats (the Pearl, Eucalypta, Louisa and the Porpoise) transport became easier. The produce was collected from the jetty below the hotel and transported to Roma St. markets.

As the economic situation changed bananas and pineapples made way for small crops of tomatoes, passion fruit, cabbage and cauliflower.

Government Road, which is now Gordon Road, was originally the main street, housing the local post office, bakery, butcher, general store as well as the school.

The first general store was on the corner of Queen Street and Government Road and was owned by the Fielding in 1882. It was a two story building and the residents of Redland Bay would gather at the local store for Christmas Eve celebrations.

The original hotel was a magnificent structure built to heroic proportions. It commanded a majestic stage overlooking the sparkling waters of Moreton Bay and the clusters of lslands.

According to the license renewal in 1911, a description of the premises included sixteen bedrooms, one bar, two dining rooms, two closets and one urinal.

However, in 1926 a fire reduced the hotel to a charred ruin.

After the fire a smaller less imposing structure was built on the site. It has a diverse roll over the years including a base for Qantas Empire Flying Boats which would land and take off just in front of the hotel. During World War II the hotel played host to american troops. The old hotel rooms fell into disuse after Expo 1988 and in 1997 this area was utilised as badly needed dining area. The beergarden and covered cabana areas afford wonderful views across moreton bay and the many small islands. The hotel focuses on family activity and the large playgym is very popular with the children. The Cabana Bistro offers a broad menu with suculent steaks and seafood as well as daily specials, childrens meals and an array of desserts.

The Cabana Bistro is open 7 days and nites per week. So relax and watch the sun set across the bay. Breakfasts are served on the cabana on Sundays from 8am-10.30am. Monthly markets in the hotel grounds under the aging magnificent jacaranda trees on the second Sunday of each month. Air conditioned gaming facilities offer a cool respite and lots of fun. Join our Rewards Club and reap the bonus rewards. Gaming room opens at 8am daily and free cappuccinos offered until 10am. Regular promotions see lots of happy winners.

The Public bar plays host to Jag the Joker on Friday nights from 4.30pm to 7pm for your chance to win cash. Free sausage sizzle on  Friday nites at 4.30pm and Saturdays at 2pm.  Sunday sees the arrival of a myriad of clients. They arrive by foot or by horse, by Harley or Porsche, from push bikes to Volvos, to Redland Bay they set their course. With live entertainment throughout the afternoon.