Historic Grand Hotel Many Peaks to Reopen Under New Ownership
Read Time:
The Grand Hotel Many Peaks, a beloved icon of the Boyne Valley, is set to reopen its doors after being closed for nearly five years. New owners Craig and Desley O’Grady are thrilled to bring this historic treasure back to life.
For Desley, acquiring the Grand Hotel has long been a dream. Backing onto the popular Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail and located on Gladstone-Monto Road, Route 69, the hotel’s reopening represents an exciting revival for the local community and visitors alike.
Desley, whose deep family roots span generations in the Boyne Valley, has been working behind the scenes to see the Grand Hotel restored to its former glory. Despite years of inquiries, the stars didn’t align, until now.
After retiring as a Councillor on the Gladstone Regional Council, Desley and husband Craig set off on caravaning trip, unsure of what their next adventure would be. A visit to Alice Springs reunited them with a long-time friend and seasoned hotel licensee.
Over casual conversations, the idea of reviving the Grand Hotel Many Peaks gained momentum, with their friend agreeing to join the team as head chef.
The Grand Hotel’s story is steeped in history. Originally built in Gladstone in 1891 as the Railway Hotel, it was dismantled and transported piece by piece to Many Peaks (then Manandoo) in 1908. It reopened in 1909, becoming a cherished gathering spot for the community.
Over a century later, the O’Gradys are committed to preserving the hotel’s charm while adding new energy and opportunities.
Mr and Mrs O’Grady are planning a vibrant schedule of entertainment, starting with a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring singer Dan Pastoor. May will see the incredible Whippy Griggs, a renowned whip cracker, take the stage, with many more acts already lined up for future weekends.
Mr O’Grady said to prepare for the “Grand” reopening, a community working bee will be held from Saturday, 7th December.
“Since the announcement, we’ve been overwhelmed with offers of help from locals and friends,” Mr O’Grady said.
“It’s heartwarming to see how much the Grand Hotel means to everyone,” he said.
Mrs O’Grady said the hotel will initially open six days a week, closing on Tuesdays.
“Delicious meals will be served for lunch and dinner, with a limited menu during weekdays and a full menu from Friday through to Sunday.
“Favorites like pizza, chicken parmigiana, and traditional pub meals will be available, with future offerings shaped by feedback from locals, visitors and tourists,” Mrs O’Grady said.
Accommodation and pub camping will also be available.
“A pub is the social fabric of a community, and we’re proud to bring that back to Many Peaks,” Mrs O’Grady said.
Follow the Grand Hotel Many Peaks on Facebook for updates, events and for details on the official reopening date.
Craig and Desley invite everyone to visit and support the Boyne Valley’s revitalisation.
Mayor Matt Burnett from Gladstone Regional Council was excited to hear the news.
“Desley and Craig have been huge advocates for the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail and the reopening of the Many Peaks Hotel provides another opportunity to encourage visitors to enjoy everything the Boyne Valley has to offer,” he said.
Nicola Smith, CEO of GAPDL, the Regional Tourism Organisation, expressed her enthusiasm, stating:
“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for tourism in the Boyne Valley. The reopening of The Grand Hotel Many Peaks is not just a win for the local community but also a fantastic drawcard for visitors from far and wide. This historic venue enriches the Boyne Valley’s charm and character, offering a unique experience that complements the area’s attractions. Its connection to the popular Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail makes it an invaluable addition to the region, enhancing our tourism offering and creating even more reasons to explore the stunning Boyne Valley.”
