Circa 1936

History

Circa 1936 has returned the glamour of the Art Deco era to the river bank town of Corowa. After the discovery of gold in the 1850s, the bustling township rose to national prominence when it hosted the 1893 People’s Convention, unifying the disparate colonies to form the Federation of Australia. The Murray River port town flourished, and in 1936, the Rural Bank of New South Wales built its impressive Art Deco premises in the town centre, to serve the burgeoning commercial and agricultural community.

Decades on, the bank building sadly fell into disrepair and neglect, until Ririn and Kevin Yaxley discovered the premises, and a significant restoration has returned the building to its former grandeur. Today, with its bold red brick facade gracing the tree-lined main street of Corowa, Circa 1936 upholds the vibrant story of almost a century in the life of this notable Australian rural town.

Throughout the hotel, admire high pressed metal ceilings, restored timber staircase and floorboards, two brick fireplaces, and the original bank vault with door - now a wine cellar and guest library. Leadlight windows inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s geometric Art Deco designs were custom made to reflect the building’s era.

An elegant, small boutique hotel with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, Circa 1936 is where art, history and luxury meet. With carefully-selected designer furniture, stunning art, quality amenities, and exceptional service provided by owners & hosts Jennifer West and John Crothers, Circa 1936 is a truly impressive five star stay experience.

Accommodation

From the moment you enter this unique small luxury hotel, you’ll notice meticulous attention to detail and a bold interior style with an individuality that few boutique hotels achieve. Each morning, the delicious aroma of barista coffee will entice you downstairs to enjoy a delicious continental breakfast in The Club Lounge. In the evenings, relax by the grand piano listening to soft music and the tinkle of cocktails being prepared at the bar, with the hotel’s curated cocktail menu drawing inspiration from the 1930s.

Choose from four spacious unique suites that artfully combine modern luxury with heritage features. Each ensuite bathroom has Australian-made Hunter Lab skincare, and mini bar stocked with sweet and salty snacks, premium wine, nonalcoholic drinks, and sparkling & still bottled water. Along with two adults, each suite can sleep one child under 5, and the North Suite daybed is suitable for one child under 18.

South Suite: A generously-sized, three room suite with a crisp, pared back aesthetic of soft whites creates a sense of calm. Rest and relax in the king-sized bedroom, unwind in your own separate lounge with space to entertain, and soothe body & mind in the 18sqm bathroom with a deep freestanding bath, and walk-through rain shower with panoramic views of majestic Murray River gums.

North Suite: A light-filled spacious 54 sqm suite, with high pressed metal ceilings and 180 degree views of Corowa, it features a king-sized bed and Le Corbusier daybed to ensure blissful sleep. The stunning spa-like bathroom features a large walk-in shower, and soaking tub that faces a magnificent Art Deco-inspired leadlight window. Adjacent to the elevator, the North Suite is a luxurious experience accessible for all.

West Suite: The hotel’s largest suite overlooking the main street’s leafy treetops, open up French doors onto your own spacious private balcony. Sip champagne in the deep oversized bath, and as the sun goes down, lounge by the fireplace before retiring to your sumptuous king-sized bed.

Loveridge Suite: A suite of generous proportions, the Loveridge captures a personal history of Sydney Robert Edwin Loveridge, the mayor of Corowa in 1954 - and also, the great grandfather of your host, Jen. It features a king bed, desk space for those needing to work, a private terrace that’s perfect for afternoon drinks, and spacious bathroom with luxurious copper bathtub and ironwood day bed.

And if you can bear to leave your suite, Circa 1936’s garden filled with roses, herbs and citrus offers a sensory, tranquil escape…or help yourself to books & magazines from the library, located in the original bank vault.

Exclusive Offer

Mention Historic Stays when booking to receive a complimentary cocktail for each guest, from the 1930's cocktail list.

Send an Enquiry

Accommodation Enquiry

---

Special Features

Guest Lounge & Library

Historic Township

Breakfast Included

Original Art & Designer Decor

---

Things To Do

Corowa, on the banks of the Murray River, and its heritage-rich surrounds offer wonderful experiences that celebrate Indigenous and early Australian history, along with gourmet food & wine, and outdoor adventures. Take the self-guided history trail through Corowa, and discover heritage buildings dating back to the gold rush era. Visit the Corowa Federation Museum, and learn about Australia’s historical and economic progress. Discover the history of one of Australia’s most iconic artworks, Shearing the Rams, painted by Tom Roberts in 1890 at nearby Brocklesby Station, and learn about Tommy McCrae, a local 19th century Indigenous artist, whose artwork offers a rare Indigenous perspective of life during the early years of European settlement.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the river for water skiing or kayaking, and afterwards, enjoy award-winning whiskey tastings at Corowa Distilling Company, located within a 1920s heritage-listed flour mill, and watch the team at sister company Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory make Belgian chocolates by hand. For more gourmet experiences, head to Gooramadda Olives and indulge in a cheese platter in the rose garden overlooking panoramic views. And after admiring the gardens at Cactus Country, why not stop in at their restaurant & bar for homemade nachos and frozen margaritas.

---

---