Historic Yandina Hotel changing ownership after nearly ten years

Outgoing publican Rob Kingston at the Yandina Hotel, which he has sold after nearly a decade.

The historic Yandina Hotel has been sold, marking the end of nearly a decade of ownership by local publican Rob Kingston and his company Kingcorp Investments Pty Ltd.

In a notice circulated this month, Kingcorp confirmed the sale of the Yandina Hotel and its associated 1887 bottle shop businesses. The hotel will trade under the current ownership until Sunday February 15, 2026, before the handover to new owners.

Built on Gympie Road around 1888, the hotel was originally known as the Australian Hotel and was granted its licence in 1889. Just a few years later, in 1891, the building was famously hitched to a team of bullocks and moved on skids to its present site in Stevens Street.

“During the move, the pub continued to serve beer, it didn’t close even then,” Mr Kingston previously said. “In fact, while it was moving, the publican’s wife was upstairs giving birth. If the walls could only talk it would be fascinating.”

The hotel is heritage listed, with Mr Kingston and his team taking a careful approach to restoration and upgrades during their time at the helm. Sections of original flooring were concrete sanded to restore their pale honey colour, while newer areas were designed to blend almost seamlessly with the original architecture.

“There are some quirky touches as well, including timber chairs from Poland and a stunning Blue Gum bench bar which was sourced from a local farm,” Mr Kingston said. “It seemed fitting because this was traditionally a pub for farmers and labourers.”

Mr Kingston purchased the pub on July 3, 2017. Since then, upgrades have included air conditioning, new furniture and a renewed focus on the bistro as a family-friendly space.

Details of the new owners and future plans for the landmark pub have not yet been announced.