A Long Road Back for an Iconic Landmark

After nearly three years of hard work, setbacks and countless hours of labour, the reopening of Yarram's iconic Club Hotel is finally coming into view.

When Cam and Craig purchased the historic but rundown hotel in July 2023, they hoped to have the doors open within 12 months. As they quickly discovered, restoring a century-old building was never going to be that simple.

Now, almost three years later, the pair can finally see light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.

"After years of stripping the colour from the building, we are finally starting to put some colour back," Cam and Craig said as they proudly guided visitors through the bar area, where fresh paint is transforming the space.

The original bar remains the centrepiece of the hotel and has been carefully preserved throughout the renovation.

"All the bar lines are in and we're now just waiting on the tap work to be completed," they said.

Throughout the building there are signs that the finish line is getting closer.

The commercial kitchen has been fitted out with new stainless-steel work areas and is now ready for appliances, while a large pantry and wash-up area has undergone a major transformation.

Along the way there have been plenty of surprises.

"We discovered two large windows hidden behind a false wall," Cam said.

The Glasshouse restaurant is also beginning to take shape, with a new floor installed and preparations underway for floor coverings, tables and chairs.

Visitors entering the hotel will be greeted by a newly lined entrance foyer that has been wired for feature lighting.

"This space will become an art gallery showcasing the work of Toora artist Maureen Joy Harley," they said.

"She is an amazing artist and her works will look fantastic on these walls."

The large dining room has also undergone extensive restoration work, including relining, repainting and the careful restoration of the building's impressive three-metre-high bifold doors.

"We want to get things right," they said.

Families have not been forgotten, with a dedicated children's room also taking shape.

"We've taken the old specials board out of the Glasshouse and put it in here as a chalkboard for the kids," Craig said.

"We've also had special glass doors made for the room."

For now, the pair are focusing their attention on completing the downstairs section of the hotel.

"We want to get this area open first and then complete the rest as funds permit," they said.

"We're hoping to finish the outdoor area before we open the bar and restaurant, but if the funds aren't there, that will come later as well."

Despite the many delays, rising costs and unexpected challenges that have stretched the project well beyond its original timeline, the enthusiasm of the two owners remains undiminished.

Listening to them speak about the building and its future, it is clear their passion is just as strong today as it was on the day they first walked through the doors after receiving the keys.

"When we first started, we handed Douglas from DJ Young Construction a booklet full of jobs that needed doing," they said.

"Now he only has one page left."

The pair were quick to praise local builder Doug Young for his commitment to the project.

"Doug has been amazing. We've loved working with him throughout this journey."

Supporting local businesses has also been an important part of the restoration effort. Wherever possible, local tradespeople have been engaged and supplies sourced locally.

And, as Cam and Craig laughingly admit, local coffee shops have also played a vital role.

"Keeping up the caffeine has been pretty important after hours of washing walls and painting," they said.

While no opening date has been set, one thing is certain — after years of hard work behind the big red doors, Yarram's Club Hotel is closer than ever to welcoming locals back through its doors once again.