The golden years are far from over for the Blackwood Hotel.
The landmark pub’s 150th anniversary coincides with the Australian Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 19, and its owners are inviting the whole town and visitors to help them celebrate.
Blackwood, once a bustling gold-rush era town, is known for its sometimes dark history as a regular stop on the Cobb & Co route for people seeking their fortune in gold.
The hotel was built in 1868 to serve as the town morgue and became the scene of many inquests over the years.
These days spook fans and skeptics attend tours with the hope of catching a glimpse of the hotel’s ghost, its longest-staying resident.
Hotel owner Darren Lynch bought the watering hole about three years ago with its “haunted” history in mind.
“There’s definitely an energy here,” Mr Lynch said. “I’ve lived in town for many years and bought the place knowing that it had a great deal of history behind it.
“While the gold and miners are long gone, the Blackwood Pub and community still remains and is the golden nugget in this quiet, peaceful part of Victoria.
“This is not just about the pub, but about the community and the people who make Blackwood special.”
For the Blackwood Pub 150 Years Celebration on Saturday, May 19, a street parade will be led by the Carlton and United Brewery draught horses. Other highlights will include kids activities, stalls, music, walks and talks about the gold, the mines, the people and the pub.
The free event will run from 11am-5pm.
Details: blackwoodpub.com
