A century of Outback stories, cold beers, colourful characters and spectacular sunsets will come to life when the historic Brick Hotel celebrates its 100th birthday in Quilpie.
The iconic Brick Hotel will mark its centenary with a three-day community celebration across this October long weekend, taking guests from the glamour of the 1920s through to a classic Outback hoedown and a family-friendly Sunday.
Built in 1926 by legendary local identity Jimmy Corones, the hotel was the first building in Quilpie constructed from bricks – earning it the nickname ‘The Brick’, which has stuck throughout the decades.
The landmark building remains a proud feature of Quilpie’s main street, with its heritage façade and many original features carefully retained through restorations. The current owners will themselves celebrate their first year at the helm next month, joining a line of custodians of one of the town’s most loved buildings.
Brick Hotel Manager Amber Vanderwerf said the centenary was an opportunity to celebrate the venue’s remarkable past while looking towards its future. “We’re excited to celebrate the last 100 years of our beautiful venue, while looking ahead at the years to come,” she said. “We feel privileged to be the most recent custodians of this historic site that is such an integral and much-loved part of the Quilpie community.”
Quilpie Shire Mayor Ben Hall said The Brick was deeply woven into the history of the town and its pastoral heritage.
“Quilpie itself is a town steeped in history with a long and distinguished pastoral heritage,” Cr Hall said. “We will celebrate the 110-year anniversary of the establishment of the town next year, and The Brick’s 100 years this year as a beautiful standout feature of our main street is a key part of the town’s history. We’re grateful that the heritage façade and so many of the features that make the building so special have been retained for both tourists and locals to enjoy.”
Built almost a century ago, The Brick has survived the changing fortunes of the Outback and remains a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors travelling through Queensland’s Channel Country.
Its character is etched into the building itself, from pressed-tin ceilings in the bar, dining room, reception, first-floor landing and bedrooms, to original Cyprus timber flooring and a grand stairwell chandelier. The façade remains unchanged, providing a striking reminder of the Quilpie of a century ago.
Folklore says that hotel’s upstairs corridors also have a permanent resident – the ghost of Jack, the original owner and builder of the hotel, who is rumoured to still wander the hallways.
Downstairs, visitors can settle into the traditional bar, while upstairs the full-length verandah provides one of the best vantage points in town to watch spectacular Outback Queensland sunsets from – with the hotel’s signature Quilpie Quencher cocktail.
The recently renovated accommodation combines comfortable modern amenities with authentic heritage décor, allowing visitors to spend the night surrounded by a piece of Quilpie history.
The centenary festivities will kick off this Friday, October 2, with a glamorous 1920s Great Gatsby Gala Night, transporting guests back to the era when The Brick first opened its doors. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress for an evening of 1920s-style music, food, cocktails and dancing as the hotel celebrates 100 years in true Gatsby fashion. The event is strictly 18+.
Tickets are available at: https://www.trybooking.com/DNBZO
On Saturday night, the party will shift from Gatsby glamour to an all-out Community Hoedown, with boots, country music and a big night of outback fun. Country performer Luke Geiger will take to the stage live from 8pm, with a smoker night, cold drinks flowing in the beer garden and plenty of opportunity for the Quilpie community to celebrate together.
And after two big nights, Sunday will bring the whole community together for a Family Day from 4pm. There will be free kids’ carnival games, a free community BBQ dinner and the NRL Grand Final live on the big screen, giving locals and visitors plenty of reasons to settle in for the afternoon and evening.
From its beginnings as Quilpie’s first brick building to its place today as a much-loved hotel, The Brick has spent 100 years at the heart of the community – with the town preparing to raise a glass to the next century this weekend.
THE BRICK HOTEL 100-YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Friday, October 2 – 1920s Great Gatsby Gala Night
1920s-inspired food, cocktails, music and dancing. Dress to impress. 18+ only.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DNBZO
Saturday, October 3 – Community Hoedown
Luke Geiger live from 8pm, smoker night, beer garden and country fun.
Sunday, October 4 – Community Family Day
From 4pm. Free kids’ carnival games, free community BBQ and NRL Grand Final live on the big screen.
