Our Story

Positioned on the corner of Franklin and Kay Street in the heart of Traralgon’s CBD, Hotel Traralgon is arguably one of Latrobe valleys most historically significant landmarks. The building was built in 1914 for Mrs. M. Hoare after Mr. McCarthy of Rosedale won the building contract from 12 competing tenders. The corner-positioned Hotel replaced the Travellers Rest that was originally built on the site by Duncan Campbell in 1858. 

Hotel Traralgon is characterised by typical Nineteenth-Century Victorian architecture with subtle hints of Federation influences, complete with balconies. The Hotel is arguably one of the most externally intact of all surviving early Twentieth-Century hotels in overall form and details since construction in 1914 and the oldest Hotel still on its original site in Latrobe City. Hotel Traralgon was a symbol of the town centre in the early days and continues to comprise a group of historic buildings and other features that symbolise the towns centre including the Post Office, Kay Street plantings and the memorial. 

Towards the rear of the Beer Garden stands Ostlers House which dates back in its original form to the late 1800s and stands as a brick structure classified by the National Trust, along with Hotel Traralgon. 

*Information sourced from Latrobe City Heritage Study

Photographed in the late 1920’s to 1930’s by Lindsay fletcher. 

(1) Chrysler 1926 or 1927 // (2) T model ford 1925 to 1927 // (3) Fiat 501 1923 to 1925 // (4) Chrysler 1926 or 1927