Work had commenced on the Hotel at the beginning of WW2.
Immediate and strict limitations were placed on just about every commodity due to the War.
Before enlistment in the Army - Norm Zimmermann managed to secure the considerable quantity of cement. As it became available one ton at a time, he delivered it to the hotel to render it's new look walls.
(part of which is the town's oldest building)
The Swan Reach Hotel is unique in hotel standards as it was not purpose built, but was formed around the original Swan Reach Station homestead, which was built circa 1865.
From 1851 the original Swan Reach Station covered 182 square miles (471km squ) and grazed 23,000 head of sheep. It then consisted of a few huts, workmen & shearer's quarters, sheds and ramps. One can still see the remains of some of these buildings located in the beer garden. On the other side of the fence are the remains of a loading ramp, where bales of wool from the shearing shed were unloaded from a small tramway system, the bales were then sent down to the river's edge via wooden slides, to the waiting barges that were on their way to Goolwa.
In 1896 Paul Hasse from Lobethal purchased 520 acres (210ha) which included the Homestead. His wife, Emma, applied for and was granted a licence on the 12th Sept 1899. Emma died the following year and Paul Hasse continued to run the hotel until 1909.
There were several major additions to the Swan Reach Hotel including the addition of the second storey giving an extra 12 rooms in 1912.
Visit the Swan Reach Hotel and enjoy the Spectacular Panoramic Views of the River. Full Al-A-Carte Menu and (Counter Meals 7 days)
Accommodation. Function and Group Bookings. TAB/Sky. Lotto. Keno. Gaming Room. ATM.
