 The was built in 1902 by Mr. James Delaney, in the days of gold prosperity. The Delaney family held the hotel until the early 90's and became a household name across the North Queensland region for the hospitality and management of the hotel for over 90 years.
The original hotel was built of timber and was burnt to the ground in a fire during 1901. the structure was then rebuilt by Mr. Delaney in brick and remains a true testimony to the tradesmen of that era as do many of the other structures around the town.
In it's day, Ravenswood thrived and boasted over 50 hotels and shanties and grew on the fever of gold. Today, a quieter town of 300 people or so, it hosts a modern day gold mine, but is still laden with reminders of those days gone by. It has great seasons and many different and picturesque features.
Driving into Ravenswood and walking into the hotel today is like stepping back in time. Successive owners have, in the main, preserved the unique character of the hotel with much of the original furnishings still in place.
The dining room is neatly set with antique tables and chairs, original silverware and other period chattals. The magnificent red cedar public bar area is breathtaking and unspoilt by time, as if the hotel was left untouched for it's age of 107 years.
Upstairs the accommodation rooms feature some of the original four poster beds complete with nets, antique ceramic washstands and other original furniture all providing a pleasant, clean and comfortable environment, except for room 12A. 12A is reported to be the home of one of the Imperial's Ghosts. A number of ghost sightings over the years have been reported in various locations throughout the hotel and other parts of Ravenswood.
New owners, Martin & Tracey Josselyn, say that "It just seems uncanny, judging by the stories told, for there not to be something in the yarns" told around the pubs' outdoor open fire.
Ravenswood is a comfortable one and a half hours drive west from Townsville and provides plenty of things to see and do for the interested traveller or day trip visitor. Great meals, cold beer, live music and a friendly atmosphere are all available at the Ravenswood Imperial Hotel.
Don't miss us on your next great watering hole adventure. |
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