OUR STORY
The Bidgee Hotel stands as a testament to the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit of Narrandera NSW. Even though the building today has inscribed “1910” on the very top, it’s believed that there was an original building that may have extended back to 1882 and licensed by the Coffey family for a period up until 1905. There is little information on the Murrumbidgee Hotel extending back to 1882, however in 1883, Narrandera had a whopping 20 Hotels in the town! And one of these was the Murrumbidgee Hotel.
*Articles below, depict the hotel being around from the 1880’s.
The Coffey family (James, Thomas & Johanna) licensed this venue up until 1905, where the family handed the license over to Mrs Kate Glazier. Mrs Johanna Coffey was a pioneer resident of Narrandera, having lived there for 27 years. Johanna was almost 70 years of age, when she passed in 1918. Johanna and husband came to Australia in 1878 and took up the license of the old Murrumbidgee Hotel, which they conducted until the death of mr Coffey. Articles show that Johanna licensed this venue until 1905.
Kate Glazier licensed the Murrumbidgee Hotel for 4 years, from 1905 to 1909 and throughout that time encountered heat waves (with deaths at the hotel), license revoke and a building demolition. Mrs Gazier is said to have advertised the best accommodation. Wines. Spirits and always shown civility.
The new Murrumbidgee Hotel was something “out for this world”. It was one of the finest and newest buildings in the town. The old building was pulled down in 1909 and rebuilt by Mr Daniel McLeish.
Back then, the Murrumbidgee Hotel was positioned in one of the most important business corners of the town. Still to this day, has frontage to East and Audley Streets. The new building is a substantial brick two story building. Back i 1910, it contained 15 bedrooms, 5 parlours, dining room, kitchen, pantry, 3 bathrooms, splendid bar & bar parlours, laundry and washhouse. It also has an exceptionally wide balcony facing both streets. The venue also had an adjoining 4 room brick cottage used as the servants quarters and also commodious and substantial brick stables. The hotel was also equipped with electricity, hot and cold water and has a sewerage system throughout.
After Daniel McLeish revealed the new Murrumbidgee Hotel, he licensed this up until 1914 and since then has seen many owners and licensee’s take control of the hotel.
list of licensees/owners up until 1981:
1882 -1905 Coffey Family
1905 -1909 Kate Glazier
1909 - 1914 Daniel Mcleish
1914 - 1915 John T Molloy
1915 - 1919 Margaret Shanahan
1919 - 1922 Richard H Potter
1922 - 1924 J H McRitchie
1924 - 1929 E E Osborne (Owner and employed many licensee)
(1925 R Reid)
(1929 - 1934 G E Evans)
(1934 -1938 W.M J. T Morgan)
1938 -1940 John Anderson (Coy’s manager)
1940 - 1944 Dunn Carl Frederick
1944 - 1949 Ronald Leo Browne
1950 - 1958 Imhoff (Annie & Vincent)
1958 - 1979 James Francis Roache
1979 - 1981 Conbrien Pty Ltd (Owner)
1981 Kerry Condren
The hotel underwent several transformations over the decades, reflecting the changing times and tastes of its patrons. From its humble beginnings as a small tavern serving weary travelers and locals alike, it evolved into a bustling hub of activity, offering not just refreshments but also accommodation and entertainment.
Throughout its history, the Murrumbidgee Hotel has weathered challenges and embraced opportunities, remaining a beloved gathering place for generations of families, friends, and visitors. Its iconic facade and welcoming atmosphere have made it a landmark in the heart of Narrandera, symbolising hospitality and community spirit.
Today, the Bidgee Hotel continues to honour its legacy while adapting to modern expectations, offering a range of amenities including a lively bar, comfortable accommodations, delicious dining options, and exciting events. It remains a cherished institution, preserving the memories of the past while creating new experiences for all who pass through its doors.
Courtesy of the Noel Butlin Archives Centre, Australian National University