Kurrajong Heights Hotel

Reference: 27 April 1928, p 1.

Kurrajong Heights Hotel

‘An application was granted at Windsor Licensing Court on Monday for an extension of time for the transfer of the license of the historic Black Horse Hotel, Richmond, to the new hotel at Kurrajong Heights, owing to the fact that the latter building is not quite completed. The final hearing of the transfer was set down for June 1, when the Chairman of the Licensing Reduction Board will attend and preside over the matter.’

Reference: 29 June 1928, p 1.

‘The position selected for the Kurrajong Heights Hotel is unequalled. Situated among extensive orange groves, 50 miles from Sydney and 40 miles from Mt. Victoria, at an altitude of 2,000 feet, with an extraordinary panoramic view of the plains and Blue Mountains, no more attractive site for a residential and tourist hotel could be found. The locality is already a resort for many hundreds of tourists and motorists weekly, for whom no suitable accommodation or entertainment has hitherto been available. Now that the new hotel has been well and truly established they will find a ‘home away from home,’ and they are assured of kindly treatment at the hands of the two genial, souls in charge, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Day.’

‘With appetites sharpened by the drive to the Heights, the party thoroughly enjoyed the dainty afternoon tea provided, and subsequently made an inspection of the premises. ‘This is magnificent,’ said Colonel Bruxner when he stepped out of the dining room and saw the panoramic view from the balcony of the hotel. Mr. J. Garlick, one of the City Commissioners who accompanied the Minister was just as enthusiastic. The party then paid a visit to the golf course, passing, en route the tennis court and bowling green. The golf country was examined by Mr. Victor James, formerly of the Australian Golf Club and now of Bonnie Doon Golf Club, and provision has been made for a sporting nine-hole course.’

‘A visit was also paid to the underground reservoir, where 25,000 gallons of water is stored for the hotel use. The reservoir is supplied from a dam, about a mile away, which holds 100,000 gallons. It is situated in one of the beautiful valleys of the Grose River, adjoining the hotel, and is supplied by mountain streams with a permanent flow. During the inspection it was pointed out to the visitors that Kurrajong was the only possible and most beautiful spot that could be reached from the city either by train or, car. within two hours. It will, therefore, be quite convenient for guests of the Kurrajong Heights Hotel to lunch, play golf or tennis, dine, dance and return to the city in the one day, or be in the city for business on the following morning at the usual hour.’

Reference: http://www.kurrajonghistory.org.au/millstones/wm_2007_05.pdf

The hotel was destroyed by fire on the evening of the 14 April 1975. It was owned by Trevor Shelley and luckily no one was injured. There were only 4 people in the building at the time. Investigators failed to find the source of the fire.

Reference: Windsor and Richmond Gazette 18 August 1932 p. 6

Reference: 18 August 1932 p. 10