A grand outback dream, born in 1929.
Harry Corones’ grand outback dream.
Harry ‘Poppa’ Corones arrived in Australia from the Greek island of Kythera with little more than ambition — and built one of the grandest hotels the outback has ever seen. When it opened in 1929, Hotel Corones was a marvel of the western plains: soaring ceilings, wide verandahs, a ballroom, and that famous long bar. His initials still watch over the room from the bar pillars, a quiet signature on a lifetime’s work.
Nearly a century on, the Corones is still the beating heart of Charleville — a working hotel, motel, restaurant and public bar that has never stopped keeping the lights on for travellers crossing outback Queensland.
Where the famous came to rest.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, the entertainer Gracie Fields, rock’n’roll pioneer Johnny O’Keefe, and the aviators Charles Kingsford Smith and Amy Johnson have all stayed beneath this roof.
You can still book the heritage rooms that bear their names — and add your own chapter to nearly a century of outback hospitalit.
Want to walk in their footsteps? Take a guided tour of the hotel and hear the stories behind the grand old building.
Book a Hotel TourDiscover Charleville & the outback west
Charleville sits at the historic crossroads of the Mulga Lands, under some of the clearest night skies in Australia. Stargazing, endangered wildlife, wartime secrets and the gum-lined Warrego — all within easy reach of the hotel.
Cosmos Centre & Observatory
Some of the clearest night skies in the country, viewed through powerful telescopes. Stargazing by night, safe solar viewing by day.
Charleville Bilby Experience
Meet the endangered greater bilby up close at the home of the Save the Bilby Fund, and hear the story of the people bringing it back from the brink.
WWII Secret Base & Tour
Charleville was a top-secret base for 3,500 US airmen in WWII. Explore the interactive museum, or follow a guide to the original hangars on the tag-along tour.
Historic House Museum
The town’s story under one roof — pastoral pioneers, wartime secrets and local characters — curated by the Charleville & District Historical Society.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
The visitor centre and hangar telling the story of the service that has flown medical care across the remote outback for nearly a century.
Warrego River Walk
A gentle trail along the Warrego River, shaded by river red gums and alive with birdlife — best at first light or golden hour.
Practical things, easy answers
Check-in is from 2pm; check-out at 10am. After-hours arrivals are no trouble — just give us a call ahead of time.
The whole property has free Wi-Fi. There’s complimentary off-street parking, a guest laundromat and dog wash, a bottle shop, and the heritage restaurant and famous long bar.
Rooms have reverse-cycle air-conditioning, cable TV and tea & coffee making as standard, with microwaves in the motel and stables rooms.
We’re happy to help with coach groups, tours and special requests — just let us know when you book.