Oxford on Otho, 1886
History
Built by Thorley Brothers of Inverell in 1886, The Oxford Hotel was Inverell’s first two storey brick hotel. With an impressive 40 rooms, 20 of which were fitted with electric bells, it also featured a passageway under the balcony leading to a stable at the rear, with stalls for twenty horses. First owned by William Onus, who leased it to his brother, Joseph, the hotel has been a lively community hub since its inception.
In 1888, auction yards, along with Inverell’s second public hall, The Oxford Hall, were constructed behind the hotel. Town meetings and entertainment, including boxing matches, were held here until the hall was dismantled and relocated in 1911. Landscape artist Tom Roberts painted part of his oil painting Bailed Up in The Oxford Hall in 1895, during his stay at The Oxford Hotel. An iconic depiction of early Australian life, it now hangs in the Art Gallery of NSW.
The upstairs verandah was an important place for community gatherings - during war time, when welcoming home soldiers from the Boer War in the street below, farewelling soldiers for World War One, and for election speeches and results.
Now heritage-listed, the hotel is the oldest surviving building in Inverell with a continuous licence. Between 2020 - 2023, a sensitive reconstruction was undertaken of the building, with the creation of eight luxurious rooms, each with their own ensuite, and all showcasing the beauty of this historic building.
Accommodation
Oxford on Otho’s eight spacious room feature king beds with sumptuous linens, designer furniture, and rustic exposed brick walls and high ceilings, creating a light and airy feel. Some rooms also have modern kitchenettes, electric fireplaces, and direct balcony access - so you can watch the town come to life in the morning sun while enjoying your coffee…and later in the day, return here for a cheese platter and wine!
Bathrooms feature stunning walk in showers, bathrobes, and sustainable Australian Zero Co amenities, and some also have luxurious soaking baths. Room 4, with comfortable sofa bed in the separate living area caters for family stays. Room 5 is fully accessible, with a large open shower area; and Room 7, with its king single bed and kitchenette, is perfect for solo travellers.
All rooms also have complimentary WiFi, HD TV, Bluetooth speaker system and wireless chargers, allowing you to connect if you need. Room 6 also has its own dedicated office desk space - allowing you to get work done while also experiencing beautiful accommodation and a change of scenery.
Each morning, Fill Coffee downstairs offers breakfast daily, with a delicious in-house menu including Sourdough Crumpet Co crumpets and barista coffee. And during your stay, head to The Welder’s Dog for some of the region’s best live music, some tasty pub fare and to sample some local craft beers - the hotel houses the largest craft beer selection in Inverell.
Special Features
Lounge & Bar
Heritage Listed
WiFi
Luxe Bedding
Things To Do
In NSW’s New England region, situated on the Macintyre River and close to the Queensland border, Inverell was declared a town in 1858. Along with sheep and cattle farming, the area has a long history of tin, diamond, and sapphire mining. Dubbed Australia's Sapphire City, try your luck fossicking at Billabong Blue Sapphire Fossicking Park, or one of several fossicking areas open to the public.
With handsome streets lined with heritage buildings, in town, stop in at cafes and boutique stores with charming historic shopfronts. Visit Inverell Art Gallery, with a range of exhibitions held throughout the year, and local arts & crafts for sale. At the National Transport Museum, see over 120 vehicles spanning a century of transport history in Australia. And step back in time with a visit to Pioneer Village, with authentic buildings collected from Inverell and surrounding districts, including the Grove Homestead which dates to 1840.
