Historical information

Located in High Street, Wodonga, this hotel underwent many modifications and name changes. It was built c1859 by James Bambrick close to the intended rail terminal in Huon Street. The site of the rail terminal actually changed but the name remained. James Bambrick served three terms as Wodonga Council president and was it was commonly referred to as “Bambrick’s Hotel”. It included 30 rooms as well as dining facilities. James Bambrick ran the hotel until 1902 when it was sold to J. Donnelly for £3,000. In 1912, whilst operated by T. J. Weller, the residential section of the hotel was almost completely destroyed by fire but only the ceiling of the bar was damaged and it continued to operate. Over the ensuing years the licensee changed hands frequently.
By 1952, John Perry, owner of the “Stump” Junction Hotel also had the freehold of the Railway Hotel At some stage in the mid 1980’s the hotel was renamed as the “Murray River Hotel”, but still displayed the sign of the Railway Hotel.
In 2009, it was closed for a short time whilst renovations took place to convert it into O’Maille’s Irish Hotel. It was demolished in 2020.

Significance

These images document changes to an important local building first established c1868. It was an important meeting place and also the location of the earliest Council meetings in Wodonga.

Physical description

A set of photos both black and white and colour depicting changes to the Railway Hotel, Wodonga over time

Inscriptions & markings

A variety of names and advertising signs