The Strand Hotel sits on oceanfront in Yeppoon, in the Shire of Livingstone, Queensland.
The Strand Hotel, affectionately known as “The Strand” by locals, has been a cornerstone of Yeppoon’s hospitality scene for more than a century.
The Strand was moved in 1915 to its beachfront location on the corner of Normanby St and the future Anzac Parade.
The Capricorn Coast Historical Society tell us the building was relocated from nearby Mount Chalmers where it had served the community as the Union Hotel.
“The name of the new hotel came from the adjoining Strand House, believed to be the second house built in Yeppoon and partially seen behind the hotel. Its rooms provided more accommodation and the Billiard Room, at the front, completed the complex,” it tells us.
There is a wonderful photograph that is undated but possibly around 1915 due to the look of the two cars parked near the hotel. The photo shows a horse-drawn cart which was taken down to the beach to provide a refreshment stall for visitors.
In the photo is a room adjacent to the hotel which says “Strand Billiard Room”. Billiards was a popular pastime in the first half of the 20th century, and if hotels had a billiard table or room they would promote it heavily as an attractive drawcard.
The Strand Hotel was a sensation of its time, the venue for local gatherings, dances and events for charity.
On 16 October 1926 The Evening News of Rockhampton reported on a dance. “Through the courtesy of Mrs Rebgetz, the large dining hall and lounge of The Strand Hotel was placed at the disposal of Miss Joan Devenish on Saturday evening. With the assistance of a number of local ladies and gentlemen a more than usually pleasant social and jazz evening was arranged to augment the Queen of Mercy… A jazz band and pianola provided the music.”
On 15 March 1930 the Morning Bulletin announced new management at The Strand Hotel. “It has been taken over by Mr. C. Burrows, who has had a lengthy experience in hotel management in Townsville, Ipswich and other places. Very many improvements have been effected, including painting… putting in new beds. Mr Burrows is sparing no effort and The Strand should be a very popular resort. He intends to run it on the most up-to-date lines.”
That certainly occurred. The Catholic Advocate on 17 April 1930 noted the changes Mr Burrows was making and that the hotel was now a dining destination.
“The above popular seaside resort is now under the new and capable management of Mr C. Burrows. The place is being renovated throughout and when Mr Burrows starts to do anything he does it in a thorough and complete way. Having travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States he just knows what the tourist wants. Hence he has employed one of the finest chefs in Queensland and already the table is making a name for itself.”
The report went on to describe the hotel, giving us an insight into Queensland seaside hotels of the era.
“The situation of this fine hotel, right on the beach, makes the balcony and downstairs bedrooms very sea-breezy, and keeps the dining room exceptionally cool even on the hottest day in summer.
“The car accommodation is extensive. The lounges and smoke rooms are furnished for comfort. On the whole this journal recommends its readers who contemplate a holiday at Yeppoon to keep in mind The Strand.”
The hotel received substantial attention from the newspapers, with many fine reviews. On 6 June 1935 The Catholic Press described it as having “a splendid, well-filled table, fine, airy rooms, comfortable beds and the healthy tang of the sea always in the air! Who could desire to live amidst more pleasant surroundings!
“When visiting Yeppoon be sure to stay at the Strand Hotel, which is situated right on the beach and enjoy these enticing features.”
Yeppoon itself also received glowing notices. A piece in The Evening News on 5 December 1932 about Yeppoon noted it was a “resort that in recent years has shown greater advancement than any other in Queensland”.
Noting Yeppoon had “completed the installation of its long projected electric lighting scheme” in 1932, the piece noted “Yeppoon has long been recognised as one of the best served towns of its size in Queensland and better than most places in those services essential to comfort and convenience.”
The article mentioned a well-known publican Jim Hayes, who ran The Strand for a time. Hayes “achieved a unique popularity with seaside picnickers [with his catchphrase] ‘Start the day by having one at Hayes’.
An advertisement noted: “Jim knows what is needed at the seaside”.
Clearly a popular figure in Queensland hotels in the 1930s, Jim ran an ad saying: “A Beer Off the Wood at Hayes’ on a summer day is a more lasting memory than a first glimpse of the 14-mile beach.”
Multiple renovations have been carried out for The Strand over the years and the original building is no longer visible, but its history as a much-loved hotel will remain always.
In 2023 the hotel underwent a substantial renovation, re-opening its beach bar and terrace as well as offering new open-air street dining.
The modernised spaces added to the launch of a new beer garden.
The Strand’s refreshed look brought the best of beach to bar. Its interiors complement its relaxed seaside atmosphere with warm timbers finishes and light and bright touches throughout.
Offering a menu of Queensland pub classics and fresh seafood, the pub has its neighbourhood and summer visitors sorted with the ultimate seaside dining opposite Main Beach.
Perfect for those wanting a quick drink, mid-week family dinners or a weekend session with friends, there’s something for everyone.
Dishes include a 250g Queensland Chilled Prawn Bucket with spiked marie rose sauce as well as a main feast fit for one or two, the Seafood Basket comes with beer battered fish, chilled chilli mussels, fresh poached prawns, salt and pepper squid, natural oysters, garlic bread, scallop potato, bruschetta, tartare and lemon.
The jam-packed menu continues with gourmet pizzas, share plates, burgers, steaks, and the crowd pleasing classic parmi.
An accompanying drinks list of approachable tap beers, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages means all-day refreshments will be covered.
Drop in soon and say hello.