BUCHAN CAVES HOTEL
“Buchan Pub”
River View House 19031882 - THE EARLY BEGINNINGS
Originally built and opened by William Kellie in 1882, the Buchan Inn was one of two hotels in the Buchan township. The Inn was later purchased by John Wyatt who converted it into a guest house known as, River View House.
In 1917, Else Cameron bought River View House and re-established it as the Caves Hotel, Buchan.
It has traded as ‘Caves Hotel’ ever since.
Buchan centenary celebrationsPhotos courtesy of Rhonda Coates -
Buchan Historical Society2014 - TRAGEDY STRIKES
Photo credit: Bairnsdale AdvertiserOn the evening of Tuesday April 8th 2014, the iconic pub was sadly destroyed by fire.
The community was devastated as the pub was the lifeblood and meeting place of the town.
THE “LET’S BUILD A PUB” CAMPAIGN!
With owners Greg & Marg Brick left in a difficult position to rebuild the Pub immediately, an idea was born thanks to ex-local Lyndell Moore to instigate a community crowdfunding campaign.
After a large community gathering to seek endorsement of the concept, the “Let’s Build a Pub” campaign kicked off.
As a result of the overwhelming generosity of 1,694 people who donated, a grand total of $605,146 was pledged toward getting the rebuild started.
The new pub’s concrete slab was poured on the 2nd of December, 2015, with the doors of the rebuilt and modern Buchan Caves Hotel opened on the 8th of December 2016.
Photo credit: Bairnsdale Advertiser
2022 “SO LET’S BUY THE PUB!”
The next chapter of the Buchan Pub begins.
After being placed on the open market, Darren and Cathy Williams, residents of Buchan South and very proud East Gippslanders took over the reins of the Pub on the 1st of July 2022.
With the goal to ensure the Pub is maintained as a destination for locals and visitors alike, Darren & Cathy aim to steer the pub into its next exciting chapter adding to the long and rich history of the Buchan Caves Hotel.
When you visit you can learn more about the history of the Buchan Caves Hotel and the unique crowd funding and rebuild story by reading through a copy of the dedicated booklet.