Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions saw bans on movement across the country, forcing the renovation and expansion plans to be put on hold. However, over the past eight to 12 months, the expansion and revamp of the venue has really taken shape, which has been exciting to watch.
Local tradies and their vans line both sides of Vermont St while at the site, working in their area of expertise in what hopefully will be the region’s finest and most popular hotel.
“The plan is to make the hotel the hub of our community!” Steve said.
The hotelier has a broad understanding of the industry and wide experience as an owner/operator after running hotels in Newcastle, Sydney, the Central Coast and Griffith. He was drawn to Barooga because of its location.
“It is less than three hours from Melbourne and nestles nicely between Albury and Echuca and is not far from the Rutherglen wine region. For holidaymakers, the area has lots to attract people, such as the magnificent Murray River and some of the region’s top sporting facilities. That includes two of the best 36-hole golf courses, at Cobram/Barooga in our own backyard and Tocumwal, just 15 minutes away,” Steve said.
He firmly believes in the project and, together with a silent partner with whom he has worked on various projects over the years, is spending more than $3 million to create a drawcard, something special, that locals can be proud of and that will enhance the township.
Included in the overall project has been the purchase of property next door in Vermont St, which has been transformed into a modern ‘shed’, housing a Liquor Barn and Providore, showcasing not only a fantastic selection of quality wines, beer and spirits but many of the region’s finest products made from local produce. The plan is for it to open officially this Friday, December 13, and locals are invited to come along and check it out.
Also added to the development are five two-bedroom luxury cabins, bearing names such as the Station Masters and The Shearers, which have already been booked for Christmas. Beautifully furnished and completely self-contained, the cabins can accommodate four people.
While in the main body of the hotel, a state-of-the-art stainless-steel kitchen has been built complete with a time-saving and unique $40,000 combi oven, a large cool room and a storage larder. With a head chef and two sous-chefs, the hotel is now seeking a further talented chef to join the team in providing quality meals to hundreds of diners each week.
What was previously an outdoor area at the corner of the hotel building has now been enclosed, yet can be opened up to allow breezes to flow. Known as ‘The Verandah’, the venue is capable of holding sizeable functions and events, with its own bar, dance floor and room for entertainment. Each Friday night and Sunday lunch period, diners are treated to a selection of vocal talents.
Areas of construction still under way include quality stylish men’s and women's toilet facilities, an update of the major dining/eating area adjacent to the new kitchen and a smaller informal luncheon area. The front bar will be refreshed with updated TAB facilities, while the gaming room is reasonably new and private.
For Cobram residents and visitors staying in Barooga, having the opportunity to book one of two courtesy buses to pick up and deliver them home after a great evening at the Barooga Hotel is definitely a bonus, most particularly if you need to drive safely over the bridge.
Good on you, Barooga Hotel! If you give the people what they want, they will come!
• Steve and his wife, Elizabeth Ratcliffe, are a team. While he is the man on the go every moment of the day, overseeing the development, Elizabeth is the nurturer, ensuring that he sits down, can relax and enjoy his evening meal without interruption and switch off until the following day. After all, doesn’t every successful man have a strong woman behind him, who makes his day worthwhile?
• Completion date of the entire project is anticipated to be in April 2025.
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